Le Rouge à Lèvres : the tapas restaurant and wine bar that invites you to travel in the 9th district of Paris

If you’re after a quirky spot with a getaway vibe, head to the 9th arrondissement of Paris to discover Rouge à Lèvres. From the moment you step inside, you feel a bit like you’re on vacation—with subdued lighting, an indoor tree, twinkling lights, and a pretty floral boudoir. The owner, Serge Ahovey, drew on his many trips to Bali to create a unique, exotic, and ultra-welcoming atmosphere, just like the staff who look after you as soon as you arrive.

Once you’re comfortably seated, all that’s left is to take a quick look at the enticing menu that leans on Asian-inspired dishes, though it isn’t limited to them. Some neighborhood regulars will quickly notice that the dishes are identical to those served at the Vert Sauvage, just next door. Go ahead, sit back, we’ll tell you the story. Eight years after opening La Mangerie, his first Paris spot, Serge is taking on a new challenge with a second venue that carries a more feminine vibe. Le Rouge à Lèvres opens in spring 2019. Riding the wave of success and the obvious buzz, Serge decides to go bigger and opens, a stone’s throw away, a third address, Le Vert Sauvage. The two places share the same kitchen and the same menu. On the other hand, the décor is different. If you view life through a red lens, we can only recommend heading to Rouge à Lèvres, the very spot where we’ve enjoyed delicious plates, each one as tempting as the next. The cherry on top? A superb wine list with around a hundred references!

Accompanied by fine vintages from various vineyards, Rouge à Lèvres dishes are lovingly prepared to appeal to all palates: lovers of Asian flavors with, for example, melting shrimp ravioli, sesame chard and creamy corn, or a tasty chicken gua bao with peanuts and coriander. We also loved the poached egg with grilled pastrami and mature cheddar, as well as the beef tataki with carrot cream and pak choi.

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Delicatessen and cheese lovers will be more interested in the white ham with truffle and the creamy burrata with grilled butternut and hazelnuts. Also on the menu? Organic Thai jasmine rice, pumpkin velouté or a fine quinoa tart. All in all, there are some 15 tapas to tempt you. The hardest part will be choosing!

And for those with a sweet tooth, chocolate mousse, almond financier and cookies all go head-to-head. In the end, the tiramisu - with red fruits, of course - won us over!

Proof of its renown, Rouge à Lèvres now has a little brother. Located in the heart of the Burgundy village of Beaune, this establishment also offers tapas, as well as over 100 wine references, selected by local wine merchant Raphaël Pusset.

While you're waiting for the chance to visit Beaune one day, check out the Parisian Rouge à Lèvres in the 9th arrondissement!

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, please drink responsibly.

Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.

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