VIBE

A slick red-and-black lacquered bento box of a restaurant where a discerning crowd of fashionistas and foodies sup on haute tapas. The concept is innovative (Joël Robuchon was so wowed by it that he came out of retirement to put it into action): a polished 40-seat bar runs around an open kitchen where a bevy of deft chefs whip up made-to-order Michelin-starred small plates for their astute clientele. The bar-style seating encourages conversation, though the food is so captivating it can be hard to hobnob.

CROWD

A cuisine-savvy mix of international jetsetters and locals.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Upscale casual, in a trendy designer kind of way. We’d dress up a refined outfit (think classic Parisian black) with funky avant-garde accessories.

GO HERE WITH

A date; friends; foodies; yourself

WHY WE LIKE IT

We love the happening vibes: the open kitchen is a marvel (we swear the chefs are choreographed) and the bar-side company is engaging. The portions are small and à la carte, so you can put together a meal that fits with your cravings and appetite of the day–a nice change from the filling set menus that rule this town. If you can’t decide between the many, many mouthwatering offerings, put yourself in the capable hands of the friendly servers–they won’t steer you wrong.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Reservations are only available at specific times (11:30am, 2:00pm, and 6:30pm)–otherwise, you just have to cross your fingers and hope you get a seat.

GOOD TO KNOW

Thanks to the counter seating setup, this is a great choice if you are dining alone. On the other hand, if you’re coming with a group, try to score one of the corner seats (ask for it when making your reservation)–they make it easier to share food and conversation. Besides his well-received chain of Atelier restaurants, Joël Robuchon also runs over a dozen other venues in London, Paris, Monaco, Las Vegas, Tokyo, Nagoya, Macau, Hong Kong, and Taipei. Valet parking is available and dogs are allowed.

OTHER LOCATIONS

8th Arr. - Champs-Elysées (Paris); London; New York; Las Vegas; Tokyo; Hong Kong; Taipei

CLOSEST COMPS

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (New York)

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