Apicius' hidden terrace in his superb garden

At the heart of the lush gardens of the Michelin-starred Parisian restaurant Apicius lies a charming oasis: its confidential terrace. Nestled in the heart of the 8th arrondissement, at 20 Rue d'Artois, this gastronomic destination is sure to delight those in search of a beautiful, discreet garden terrace.

Step through the walls of the entrance to Luc Besson's former mansion to discover this exotic, elegant Eden. A stone's throw from the Champs-Élysées, behind the heavy doors of an 18th-century mansion, Apicius opens onto an unsuspected garden. The terrace, set in this green setting, reveals itself like a well-kept secret. Sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the city by lush greenery, this intimate setting offers a haven of calm and elegance. Large tablecloth-covered tables, babbling fountains, century-old trees and a hushed ambience create a setting conducive to relaxation, where you can extend lunches and linger at dusk.

Under a shady arbour, you'll find a number of wrought-iron armchairs, complemented by soft, comfortable orange seats. We love the charm of the Murano glass chandeliers, hammered in ochre tones and adorned with olive leaves. The play on perspective, with cleverly placed mirrors and trellises covered in starry jasmine, transforms this garden into a verdant, romantic paradise.

At the helm of Apicius, Michelin-starred chef Mathieu Pacaud offers contemporary, refined cuisine in harmony with the setting. The garden and natural light inspire his summer menu, designed around seasonality and plants. Products are carefully sourced from French producers, with an emphasis on freshness and authenticity.

Apicius' cuisine is sensory and precise, rooted in a modernized French tradition. Masterful cooking and subtle combinations make for expressive, unpretentious dishes.

The spring-summer menu puts the spotlight on vegetables, worked with the same exacting standards as pieces of meat or fish. The vegetable risotto, without rice, plays on the textures and flavors of a seasonal vegetable, enhanced by a homemade infused oil. White asparagus is accompanied by a tangy honey vinaigrette, Mara des bois strawberries and a glazed feta snow, for a lively, structured starter.

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On the seafood side, red tuna is presented in tempura, delicately marinated, served with grilled asparagus and sesame-flavored choron. We loved the unmistakable melt-in-the-mouth texture of this fish. For a more meaty option, the sweet-spiced lamb epigram rests on a smoked eggplant fondue.

For dessert, kiwifruit is combined with hazelnut dacquoise, white chocolate and agastache sorbet, in a play of freshness and texture.

Apicius offers several formulas to suit different times of day. Lunch, served Monday to Friday, is available in two formats: a three-course menu at 95 euros and a four-course version at 125 euros. From Monday to Saturday, for lunch and dinner, guests can also opt for more elaborate menus. The four-course Découverte menu is priced at 180 euros, while the seven-course Dégustation menu is priced at 280 euros. These options allow diners to discover the chef's cuisine progressively or in greater depth, as desired.

Obviously, as a Michelin-starred restaurant, this terrace restaurant is in the upper range. We reserve it for special occasions or business lunches. To lighten your wallet, we recommend the lunchtime menu.

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