Cassaro's, the 1950s-style Italian restaurant in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

In the ultra-chic neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, just behind the door of 25 rue de Buci, la dolce vita makes a stylish return at Hugo Cassaro’s new spot. Already known for managing Thoumieux, Cassaro now takes over from the former Le Germain, alongside Thierry Costes. The original space retains its striking neon yellow, large-scale sculpture that spans the ceiling of the ground floor, but everything else has been revamped to better suit Cassaro’s.

Italian at heart, this restaurant is named after its founder, embodying the spirit of the Golden Age of the Dolce Vita—a time that’s meant to be "refined, convivial, and unrestrained." Yet, during lunch, it's hard to imagine the lively nights that unfold here, although they’re said to be wild — the venue boasts a very exclusive nightclub tucked away in the basement.

Cassaro's focuses on creating an expressive and vibrant décor, featuring its striking graphic patterned carpet, mirrored walls that seem to converse, and a lengthy hand-painted mural showcasing local neighborhood figures—both nocturnal birds and daytime creatures. Every detail of the interior, carefully curated by Hugo Cassaro, draws inspiration from 1950s Italy, resulting in an ambiance that is both elegant and inviting. It’s a nod to the Sicilian heritage passed down from the owner’s grandfather.

With around a hundred seats and a long, inviting terrace, this spot is perfect for both intimate meetings and lively gatherings with friends. Upstairs, a more private room with its own entrance is set to host upcoming events and private functions in the near future.

Set against a soundtrack spanning the 1950s to the 1970s—featuring Tony Dallara, Dean Martin, Gainsbourg, and The Supremes—you'll find yourself raising a glass of Barolo or sipping a perfectly crafted Negroni as you go. Meanwhile, during lunch, the menu offers a selection of timeless classics from Italian cuisine that are truly worth exploring.

Eggplant Parmesan (€22), out of season but still comforting, and thin slices of bluefin tuna served à la Vitello Tonnato (€23), alongside a classic spaghetti and meatballs (€28), offering a little taste of Italian-American cuisine on this side of the Atlantic. Another highlight is the ossobuco (€32), one of the best I've had—cooked to perfection with a generous bone marrow. The mashed potatoes, however, fall a bit flat due to their elasticity, which is a shame.

A perfect score goes to the tiramisu (25€). Although it’s less layered and less biscuit-dense than a traditional recipe, it’s notably exceptionally light — especially since it’s designed to be shared between two sweet teeth, or even more.

Undoubtedly, Cassaro's will easily find its audience—much like all the other establishments affiliated with Costes and similar brands: residents of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, business and political meeting spots, the jet set crowd eager to see and be seen, and anyone willing to spend around fifty euros on a Milanese-style veal chop. After all, why not indulge if your wallet allows it?

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