VIBE

This exclusive restaurant in the oh-so-fashionable Hôtel Plaza Athénée serves up decadent haute cuisine fare by globetrotting, Michelin-star-spangled chef Alain Ducasse in equally opulent haute interior surrounds. The cuisine and design are both focused on the rare and precious (think caviar and truffles on your plate and elegant artisanal Japanese table art as your plate), both favoring traditional classics like a well-rounded wine list and gilded mirrors over trendy style. Service is impeccable (staff far outnumber diners), and the tuxedoed waiters glide about under the heavy crystal chandeliers of the elegant pearly grey dining salon as if choreographed.

CROWD

A well-heeled, mature mix of hotel guests, posh Parisians, and power brokers. (Though during Fashion Week, the crowd gets younger, trendier, and waif-thin.)

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Dress up. We’d wear a chic little black dress jazzed up with some fashionable designer accessories. Jacket and tie recommended for the garçons.

GO HERE WITH

A date; parents; clients or colleagues

WHY WE LIKE IT

We come as much for the sumptuous ambiance as for the food. This is an excellent spot for a show-offy dinner with a date or clients. (That said, the food is unquestionably délicieuse–definitely don’t miss the dessert trolley.)

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

It’s closed on weekends.

GOOD TO KNOW

With six Michelin stars and counting, Alain Ducasse holds more stars than any chef in history. (That said, since he’s so busy jetting between his restaurants in London, the US, and Asia, the kitchens here are manned full time by capable chef Christophe Saintagne.) Ducasse only has one other restaurant with the same concept as Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée, but he also owns 25 other restaurants around the world. An elegant and decadent breakfast is served in the restaurant for hotel guests (don’t miss the amazing pastry basket–it is a work of art and was one of the highlights of our Paris adventure).

OTHER LOCATIONS

Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester (London)

CLOSEST COMPS

Le Cinq (Paris); Restaurant Le Meurice (Paris)

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