How do you choose between the hundreds of restaurants in Paris? It's a matter of feeling, of course, but also of context and situation. Also, as everything is always different—the people present, the occasions, the means at your disposal—Sortiraparis.com has put together a list of original and unusual restaurants to always keep handy... Whether you want to spend an evening with your children in a nice restaurant or discover a new bar concept in Paris with friends, the answer is here.
1/ Sur un arbre perché
Our favorite is undoubtedly Sur un arbre perché. It's a lovely, unusual restaurant concept that allows you to escape Parisian life for the duration of a meal. In this original and unusual establishment, everything is designed for relaxation: shiatsu massages are offered before dinner and meals are served on a swing. Step through the door and you'll find yourself in another world. The chef offers a varied and refined menu, prepared using fine ingredients such as truffles and Iberian "pata negra" pork. A unique place to spend a moment of pure happiness, day or night! It's best to book for Friday and Saturday evenings, when meals are served on swings. Otherwise, we recommend going at the beginning of the week for a more intimate experience.
2/ La Cristal Room Baccarat
On a different note, we invite you to discover the Cristal Room Baccarat. In the heart of the salons on the first floor of Maison Baccarat, this prestigious establishment gives carte blanche to Michelin-starred chef Guy Martin, assisted by David Angelot... The space has been redesigned by renowned designer Philippe Stark. The luxurious setting of this unusual restaurant is the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening.
3/ Le Coco de Mer
Want to travel without leaving Paris? Coco de Mer is for you! This original Seychelles restaurant invites you to sample delicious dishes typical of the island. All in a setting that will make your neighbors green with envy, because Coco de Mer brings the Seychelles to the heart of its restaurant all year round. With your feet in the sand, you can sip a cocktail (including a delicious coconut punch) or eat traditional dishes. The ingredients are specially imported to France to respect the local traditions. A little corner of paradise that you won't want to leave!
4/ Nuno's Bar
Nuno's Bar is the originator of an innovative and original concept, which has already been patented. Try the Tá pago - "it's my round" in Portuguese - and leave without breaking the bank! This concept restaurant allows you to sample Portuguese specialties at a lower price, or even for free... To do so, simply choose a three-digit number, then roll three dice and hope that the numbers appear; if they do, you win! The meal is on the house! When it comes to drinks, the three managers are less strict and you get three tries... This unusual new concept is sure to be a lot of fun!
5/ La Table Ronde
La Table ronde, the new restaurant in the Marais, is an atypical restaurant. A restaurant where chefs can come and perform their one-man show in front of 16 eager guests. In a room where cuisine reigns supreme, discover the art of the chef-artists who take turns and bare themselves before you.
6/ Dans le noir
How about eating without seeing anything? Or having a drink with all the lights off? That's what the unusual restaurant Dans le noir offers. Without seeing anything, you taste food differently, and your entire sensory experience is transformed. In this original restaurant, you will be guided by blind people. One of the goals of Dans le noir is to raise awareness about disability. A single dish and a new relationship with taste: that's the experience offered by this restaurant, whose concept is now well established.
7/ Le Blue Elephant
Imagine a jungle in the heart of Paris, in the 11th arrondissement... A mysterious landmark where you can taste exotic and spicy food in a setting that invites you to travel. Here you can enjoy royal Thai cuisine, prepared by a team of Thai chefs. In terms of atmosphere, the Blue Elephant takes great care with its decor: lush vegetation, trees and orchid arrangements, and a soundscape that delights the senses. This Parisian restaurant offers a true journey to Thailand.
8/ Le Sud
Do you love the south and its cuisine? Does the Provençal atmosphere make you dream? Then don't miss Le Sud, an original and unusual restaurant offering delicious Provençal cuisine in a very refined setting. A garden planted with olive trees, a patio, a dining room with a fireplace, meticulous decoration... Le Sud restaurant has thought of everything. It's the perfect way to escape the gray Parisian weather. Of course, you can eat fish here, but also sun-ripened vegetables and delicious sorbets... Not to be missed!
9/ La Table des Gourmets
La Table des Gourmets is located a stone's throw from Châtelet. Put like that, you might expect yet another brasserie or one of many restaurants. Far from it! La Table des Gourmets is an unusual place: an original restaurant in the heart of Paris, housed in a former 12th-century chapel. The setting is historic, elegant, and always refined. You'll feel like you've traveled back in time. The food is just as impressive: the menu offers a wide selection of traditional French dishes and mouthwatering desserts.
10/ Wagon Bleu
For all those who dream of one day traveling on the Orient Express, don't despair! If you can't afford a ticket to Venice on the legendary train, you can always have lunch in one of its old carriages! The original Wagon Bleu restaurant offers lunch or dinner in a fully restored carriage from the legendary 1925 Orient Express. It serves traditional Parisian bistro food (tartares, duck breast, etc.) in a magical setting. An invitation to travel!
11/ Paris Aquarium
The Paris Aquarium is now open several times a month in the evening and offers an exceptional dinner in the heart of the venue. The chef offers a special menu so you can dine in an exceptional location. This is your chance to enjoy a meal facing a giant tank over 8 meters high and containing more than 600,000 liters of water.
Don't hesitate to break out of your burger/Japanese restaurant/brasserie routine and try all these unusual restaurants throughout Paris!
