Le Saint James Paris, a private, confidential hotel in Paris's 16th arrondissement, boasts sublime decor by Laura Gonzalez. Step through the gates to discover the beautiful fountain facing a sublime building dating from 1892.
In the heart of the building, we head for the Bellefeuille. In this restaurant, the decorator reveals a most romantic setting. It's"a blend of neoclassicism, 19th-century romanticism and bucolic poetry, thanks to its garden setting. A resolutely Parisian inspiration." Beautiful chandeliers and trimmings add to the charm of this inviting setting. The fireplace makes you feel right at home. Here, we're halfway between a palatial welcome and a country house, neither too chic nor too stuffy, all in a green setting with a garden that's sure to recharge your batteries on sunny days.
At Saint James Paris, and particularly at Restaurant Bellefeuille, the welcome is divine and the service is top-notch. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. Headed by the talented Chef Grégory Garimbay, this intimate venue offers a refined gastronomic experience, combining respect for products and creativity, in an exceptional setting. The chef and his brigade can be seen at work in the open kitchen. You'll be impressed by the non-stop pace of the service, from starter to dessert, as it runs, flies and twirls.
Grégory Garimbay succeeds Julien Dumas, who has left to set up his own business(Maison Lagure in La Garenne Colombes). Having worked at the Plaza Athénée before succeeding Jean-François Piège at the Hôtel Thoumieux and then at the head of the Auberge Nicolas Flamel, where he was awarded a Michelin star in 2022, this chef has no shortage of talent. We were already impressed by his dishes at this historic venue.
Here, he puts his expertise at the service of French gastronomy. Inspired by his native Lorraine and his family heritage, he sublimates raw products to reveal their essence with an approach centered on vegetal, mineral andiodine. All with respect for seasonality, meticulous design and a sincerity that's felt in every bite.
At Bellefeuille, immediacy and attention to juices, broths and emulsions are at the heart of the experience. These elements, often the starting point for his creations, reveal a depth that makes the difference between one star and more, according to the Chef. Each plate is a precise and inventive exploration, celebrating the truth of the product.
The winter menus offered us some very nice surprises. With truffles in season, we were tempted by the 100% truffle menu, from starter to dessert. Spaguetti with sage and truffle, cabbage with andouille sausage and black truffle, sublime potato pie with truffle, skate wing with watercress and truffle, of course, and veal with Beaufort, red endive and truffle, won our hearts.
The classic menu was far from being outdone. We were delighted by the iodized freshness of thespider crab, awakened by the caviar quenelle. A special mention goes to the squash with watercress and Camargue rice, which also received a generous helping of fresh truffle. Scallops with abalone and sheep's trotters are served alongside beef and chicory.
We finish with two desserts, the refreshing grapefruit with ewe's milk cheese and pink berries, and the gourmet chocolate with pine needles. Add to this a trio of amuses bouches, a pre-entrée and a trio of mignardises to finish the meal Monty Python-style.
The setting of the Saint James Paris, a Relais & Châteaux member, reinforces the unique atmosphere of Le Bellefeuille. Between bucolic charm and Parisian sophistication, this confidential address offers a hushed luxury where French savoir-faire is fully expressed, far from the rigid conventions of grand palaces. With Grégory Garimbay at the helm, Bellefeuille offers a sublime score for lovers of inventive gastronomy, combining excellence and authenticity. It's the perfect way to celebrate the elegance of French cuisine in one of Paris' finest settings. It's an address for the affluent or those in search of an enchanting, romantic and confidential setting for a special occasion.
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please mention it in the comments.
Dates and Opening Time
From January 21, 2025 to December 29, 2028
Location
Bellefeuille
5 Pl. du Chancelier Adenauer
75116 Paris 16
Prices
Accord mets et vins: €75
Menu en 3 services: €160
Menu en 4 et 6 services: €190 - €230
Menu truffe en 6 services: €390
Official website
www.saint-james-paris.com
Booking
www.saint-james-paris.com
More information
Lunch Monday to Friday, 12:00 to 14:00 (members and residents only) Dinner Monday to Friday, 19:30 to 21:30