Da Lucrezia Osteria, a stylish yet relaxed Italian restaurant nestled in the 15th arrondissement of Paris

At the former site of the Grand Venise, a historic cornerstone of Italian cuisine in Paris, a wave of renewal is sweeping through the 15th arrondissement: Da Lucrezia Osteria is taking the stage, aiming to establish itself as a new culinary ambassador for Italy.

With its wood-paneled decor, Murano glass chandeliers and wall sconces, a spacious counter, and a baroque flair, the restaurant reflects the familiar style of traditional institutional dining. A stunning mural spans an entire wall, transporting guests to a classic Venetian scene, while near the kitchen, as a playful nod, a portrait of Lucrezia Borgia with a knowing look watches over the diners.

Don’t be mistaken: Da Lucrezia takes Italian cuisine in a fresh, modern direction. While the venue deeply roots itself in tradition, an eclectic, youthful playlist hints at a different vibe — one of innovation and reinvention. Here, you’ll find Italian dishes that are both refined and hearty, crafted entirely in-house with carefully selected ingredients, all served in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Good cuisine is something you can smell, admire, and savor — and Da Lucrezia clearly understands this principle. The culinary ritual begins with precision, starting with an amuse-bouche (that day it was a sea bass ceviche), and as you progress through your meal, you'll notice the same meticulous attention to presentation. It's a feast for the eyes before delighting the taste buds!

Don't visit expecting to enjoy a typical pizza — Da Lucrezia offers a menu filled with lesser-known dishes, and it’s worth going with a spirit of discovery. Behind the scenes in the Da Lucrezia kitchen is Francesco, a Neapolitan chef formerly with Big Mamma. Through his recipes, he emphasizes not just quality ingredients but also a meticulous craftsmanship, serving up more technical and refined dishes.

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Rest assured, you won't feel completely in uncharted territory — you'll still find some familiar specialties. In one way or another, this place manages to infuse its own personality into every plate. A perfect example is the Vittelo Tonnato served as a starter. This refreshing dish is executed to perfection, featuring ultra-thin slices of veal that melt in the mouth, topped with a rich, creamy sauce. The addition of verveine (lemon-scented verbena) adds a gentle citrus note that ties everything together.

If you're looking to share an appetizer, we recommend the Padellino. This housemade artisanal bread, infused with olive oil, comes in a seaside-inspired version featuring generously roasted prawns, a surprising cooling and spicy mentholated sauce to awaken the taste buds, and a crunchy topping of beet greens.

Fans of handmade pasta will find plenty to indulge in here, as Da Lucrezia offers a wide range of both well-known and lesser-known specialties. Purists can’t resist the homemade gnocchi served steaming from a terracotta dish, with the irresistible aroma of tomato and fresh basil wafting through the air. A generous dollop of creamy stracciatella cheese completes this winning combination.

On this day, the menu also features a dish with a heartier, more rustic flair — a true comfort food: the Girelle Al Coniglio. These are rolled pasta bundles filled with rabbit and ragù. The filling is smooth and creamy, reminiscent of rillette—rich, savory, and perfectly balanced. It’s a delightful discovery!

It's worth highlighting that while the dishes are indulgent and satisfying, they won't leave you feeling heavy afterward! If you've still got room for dessert, the tiramisu is a must-try with its pronounced mascarpone flavor. Served with a spoon, you can choose how much to enjoy based on your appetite — just keep in mind that the price remains the same whether you take a small or generous portion.

Overall, Da Lucrezia is a solid go-to for food lovers and is likely to appeal to those eager to explore a more refined side of Italian cuisine. The setting is cozy, the atmosphere relaxed, making it suitable for a business lunch, a romantic dinner, or a fun night out with friends. However, be aware that the restaurant doesn’t offer a kids' menu, so it might not be the ideal spot for families with young children.

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