Cramat': we tried the pop-up restaurant by Alexy from Top Chef on the outskirts of Paris

The pop-up restaurant Cramat has set up its braziers at Quai Ouest in Saint-Cloud, where Alexy Algar-Denos, a Top Chef 2026 finalist, serves Catalan cuisine cooked over fire. We tried this table perched above the Seine, a must-try all summer in 2026, and here’s what we thought.

We boarded the grand barge of Quai Ouest, moored in Saint-Cloud, Hauts-de-Seine, to sample Cramat', the ephemeral restaurant by Alexy Algar-Denos. The Top Chef 2026 finalist is serving all summer his ember-grilled cuisine inspired by Catalonia, facing the Bois de Boulogne.

Here’s what we saw and, above all, what we tasted during our visit to this floating barge that feels like a beachside canteen.

What’s on the menu at Cramat', Alexy’s Catalan pop-up in Saint-Cloud?

Cramat' means "burnt" in Catalan, a wink to the chef's roots and the through-line of his menu: here, everything happens over fire. Alexy envisioned his pop-up as a sun-kissed dining room, with a short menu of seasonal produce and braziers crackling from noon to night.

A word of warning: if you love grilled meats, you’re in for a treat, from grilled chipirones in romesco sauce to a generous Argentine ribeye with smoked sabayon. For our part, we opted to follow the chef’s specialties to truly gauge the kitchen’s prowess. The choice is yours!

Our take after sampling Alexy's charcoal-grilled cuisine

For a starter, we gave in to the candied sucrine, the very dish that helped Alexy win a challenge on M6’s competition. Admittedly, it wasn’t our first pick (who orders a warm salad?), but it turned into a real crush: wonderfully tender with a neatly worked pesto-style sauce made from sucrine, black garlic, and anchovies. We’re hooked.

The eggplant gratin with Manchego goes for indulgence, though a touch more zing would have been welcome.

On the plate side, the bol de picolat (a beef, pork and veal smash co-signed with Sacha Boyadjian) is pleasantly surprising, while the bullinada de merlu au sagí lets its flavors shine. If you’re into fish soups and bouillabaisses, this Catalan recipe should speak to you.

To cap it off, a refreshingly peanut-turon ice cream in this heat and a panna cotta that’s wonderfully light, and we’re full. We loved the decidedly summery setting of this barge moored in Saint-Cloud, which feels like taking a vacation by the water. The outdoor barbecue and open kitchen let you watch Alexy and Sacha Boyadjian in action right before your eyes.

Another good point, the open kitchen and its outdoor barbecue, which turn dining into a little show. You can see Alexy and his team buzzing over the embers, including Sacha Boyadjian, another familiar face from Top Chef, working right before our eyes. He even signs one of the dishes on the menu, the boles de picolat co-signed with Alexy, which we recommend. We also love the house olive oil, served with bread, and the generously poured cocktails.

When and how to make the most of the pop-up restaurant Cramat?

On the pricing side, expect €39 for Alexy’s three-course menu (starter, main, dessert), available for lunch and dinner, €29 for the lunch menu served Monday through Friday at midday, and €15 for the kids’ menu for children up to 12. A la carte, starters are €13, mains range from €23 to €42, and desserts €9.

Cramat' welcomes guests all summer 2026 at 1200 quai Marcel Dassault in Saint-Cloud, open daily for lunch and dinner. Lunch runs from 12:00 to 14:30 on weekdays (and until 15:00 Friday to Sunday), while dinner is served from 19:00 to 22:30 (extended to 23:00 on weekends). A DJ spins on Friday and Saturday evenings, and Sunday midday features activities for kids. Reservations are available on the official Cramat' site, with updates from the venue followed on the Instagram @cramat.restaurant.

A tip for when you book: opt for tables by the water to keep the window open to the fresh air along the Seine—a real plus when summer heat sets in. This spot speaks to families looking for a big Sunday feast just as much as to groups of friends ready for DJ nights or couples enjoying a view of the Seine, not to mention Top Chef fans eager to taste Alexy’s cuisine without heading to the Pyrénées-Orientales. The only caveat is in the name: ephemeral, as the venture wraps up at the end of summer 2026, so it’s wise not to delay your reservation. And speaking of booking, don’t leave it to the last minute—the spot is in high demand and often fully booked.

In the same spirit, we also invite you to check out our Paris boat-restaurant picks and our Top Chef favorites, ready to be discovered near you.

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.