We tried a new, exceptional tea time in Paris that you're going to love.

The Café Antonia at Bristol Paris unveils its new tea time created by Maxence Barbot, who has designed his first afternoon tea for the palace. We tried this gourmet interlude, which combines delicious savory and sweet dishes in an elegant setting. We'll tell you all about it!

The Bristol Paris is writing a new page in its gourmet history with this exceptional tea time. It is the first tea time created by Maxence Barbot, who took over the palace's pastry shop last May. The palace in the 8th arrondissement, located in the heart of the Faubourg Saint-Honoré, is continuing its tradition of excellence with this new gourmet offering served at Café Antonia.

Take a seat at one of the comfortable tables in the spacious Café Antonia, which boasts a superb, elegant decor. The walls adorned with frescoes by Maison Frey complement the crystal chandeliers that diffuse a soft light. The Louis XV and Louis XVI furniture, designed by Taillardat, and the oak parquet flooring create the cozy and refined atmosphere that is unique to Le Bristol Paris. Inspired by Marie-Antoinette, whom her mother nicknamed Antonia, the café cultivates a French spirit that invites you to take your time.

This tea time, we are told, honors the artisans of the house, fromthe baker to the chocolatier. "My pastries are meant to be authentic and delicious, creative and deeply connected to the seasons, while imbued with the soul and history of this iconic house," says Maxence Barbot.

To start this new tea time at Le Bristol, choose a hot drink from the many options available. We opted for a fragrant jasmine tea and a rich and creamy hot chocolate , served with cream and milk, just the way we like it. The package also includes a glass of Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial champagne or a non-alcoholic sparkling drink.

What savory bites are on offer?

What we love about this tea time at Le Bristol is that the savory offerings are on par with the sweet treats. Orchestrated by three-Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Faye, who runs the palace's kitchens, they set the tone. The soft brioche is generously filled with lobster and lemon mayonnaise, which we love. The salmon gravlax finger food is lightly salted and has a well-rounded flavor. These two bites nicely awaken the taste buds before the sweets arrive.

Next comes the appetizer, which gives you a boost of energy. This citrus vacherin ice cream plays on freshness with Buddha's hand, orange, and grapefruit, enhanced with a siphon of lemongrass. Tangy and fresh without being bitter, it's divine.

What pastries can you discover on the tea time tree?

The tea time tree is revealed, generous and poetic. Maxence Barbot revisits two classics from our childhood snacks in collaboration with Chef Baker Corentin Molina, a member of the Bristol Paris workshops: the apple turnover and the Parisian brioche. The chausson to share consists of 21 crispy petals enclosing a Tatin-style brunoise of apples, candied in apple juice caramel. The apple chausson revisited with crunchy sobacha grains is to die for. Served with cream, we love it.

The small brioches play on contrasts with their roasted sobacha seeds, milk jam, caramel, and cocoa nibs. Crispy and melt-in-the-mouth at the same time, they invite you to indulge.

The pleasure continues with a pear charlotte flavored with minty shiso, followed by the legendary Saint-Honoré, a true icon of Le Bristol Paris. This version, revisited by Maxence Barbot, focuses on finesse with its roasted vanilla pastry cream, caramelized choux pastry, and beautifully crispy puff pastry. The chef has placed thin tears of choux pastry on top of the whipped cream, a delicate touch that highlights the precision of his work.

How to book this exceptional tea time?

Tea time at Le Bristol Paris is available every day. Reservations can only be made by phone at +33 (0)1 53 43 43 42 or by email at cafeantonia@oetkerhotels.com. Expect to pay €95 per person for this gourmet experience, which includes savory bites, a pre-dessert, a selection of pastries, and a glass of champagne or non-alcoholic sparkling wine. So yes, it's not cheap and it's a bit of a splurge for many, but if you're looking for a tea time that's sure to delight, you've come to the right place. It's an enchanting interlude to treat yourself or someone else to, for a moment of togetherness or a special occasion.

This new tea time at Le Bristol reflects the vision of Maxence Barbot, originally from Brittany, who joined the palace after several years at the Shangri-La Paris. The chef, who was awarded the Prix d'Excellence Relais Desserts Charles Proust in 2024, places seasonality and sharing at the heart of his creations. His collaboration with the various workshops at Le Bristol Paris, from the three-starred chef to the baker, gives rise to a gourmet experience where every detail counts.

If you're looking for a beautiful place for an exceptional afternoon tea in the 8th arrondissement, this new tea time at Le Bristol Paris is well worth a visit. Here you'll discover sincere, creative pastries rooted in French tradition, revisited with precision by a chef who knows how to awaken memories while surprising.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.