Corail: the summer restaurant-terrace on the forecourt of the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris — reviews and photos

Bright days in Paris ahead. On Avenue du Président-Wilson, the former Forest returns for the summer season under the name Corail. For its second season, the terrace restaurant in the 16th arrondissement preserves its postcard-view, but tightens its recipe: a more arty décor, sunnier dishes, and a breezy seaside vibe between the Palais de Tokyo and the Musée d’Art Moderne.

Pop-up terraces in Paris and Île-de-France, our top summer spots for 2026
Each summer, Paris outfits itself with temporary spaces, and more specifically pop-up terraces. A chance to stroll, unwind, and soak up the sun on sunny days! [Read more]

Facing the Palais Galliera, Corail unveils a spacious terrace conceived for sun-drenched lunches, open-air dinners, and large shared tables. The vibe is lively, relaxed, and far less stiff than the address might imply. Friends, colleagues, and passing visitors meet there just steps from the Seine, in a distinctly Parisian setting.

To make the most of the Tour Eiffel, you should choose your spot carefully. The tables along the terrace edge and the slightly elevated seats offer the best perspectives. From some banquettes, the enormous parasols can sometimes block the horizon. A detail worth noting when you book.

This season, the terrace also shifts its palette under the direction of interior designer Joanna Pera. Orange banquettes, greenery, graphic trim and XXL parasols warm the venue’s mineral architecture. Inspired by Henri Matisse’s cut-out papers, the overall look embraces a Mediterranean vibe without tipping into seaside cliché. Even the tableware plays its part, right down to the colorful plates, created with meticulous attention to detail.

In the kitchen, Corail weaves together seafood, seasonal vegetables, and summer recipes. Not earth-shattering on paper, but the appeal lies in the seasonings, precise and well-crafted enough to give real lift to dishes that can be fairly simple.

Among the pleasant surprises, the yellowtail sashimi on saffron-crisp rice makes a striking start: fresh, punchy, well-balanced, and with just the right zing to make you want to dive back in. The green-bean, fennel, creamy ricotta and pistachio salad is generous enough to share. We actually enjoyed it even more as a side to the fish.

The menu keeps moving with lobster linguine, octopus in a bold jus, or sea bass with virgin sauce. Of the fish options, the sea bass fillet with summer condiments keeps the bones out of the equation: skin lightly crisp, pearly flesh, tomatoes, olives and a bright jus that enhances the dish without overpowering the fish. The plate is substantial enough to skip a side, especially after a starter. That said, sides are not included with meats and fish.

On the land side, the knife-cut beef tartare in an extra-large version satisfies heartier appetites. The mafaldine with truffle deliver exactly what one expects: an enveloping sauce, truffle shaved to order, and those long, wavy noodles that cling to the sauce... and, to boot, make an impression.

• To be read
• This week's top picks in Paris and Île-de-France, July 20–26, 2026.

As the light gilds the façades, the cocktails classiques et signature prove fresh, elegant and lightly crafted, discreet enough pour accompagner le repas not to steal the show. When the sun dips, string lights and electro-chill sets extend the evening in coral-hued reflections.

Desserts also stay light on the palate. The vanilla-pistachio mille-feuille, with its generously but not overly sweet filling, rests on a fairly thick puff pastry that holds its shape well when cut. More refreshing, the mix of red berries and vanilla whipped cream plays against a tangy, slightly vinegary jus, brightened by a few herb shoots. Once again, the seasoning hits the mark.

The service keeps up with the pace: responsive, friendly, attentive, and full of good recommendations. A special mention to Dimitri for his warm welcome and his tips.

Corail leans into its chic vibe, a hint Saint-Tropez on the Seine, as well as its steep prices, without relying on the décor alone. The produce is good, the cooking precise, and the seasonings thoughtful enough to justify the bill. The view draws the eye, but the plate also stays the course.

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

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