Le Rouge à Lèvres: a tapas restaurant and wine bar in Paris's 9th arrondissement

A warm welcome, tasty beverages, delicious plates to share (or not) and immersive decor... that's the magic formula at Rouge à Lèvres, a tapas restaurant and wine bar nestled in Paris's 9th arrondissement, offering an exotic getaway.

If you're looking for an original place with an exotic atmosphere, then head to Paris's 9th arrondissement to discover Rouge à Lèvres. From the moment you enter, you'll feel like you're on vacation, with the dimmed lights, the tree inside, the garlands of lights and the pretty, flower-filled boudoir. It has to be said that owner Serge Ahovey drew inspiration from his many trips to Bali to create a unique, exotic and ultra-welcoming ambience, as did the staff, who take great care of us from the moment we arrive.

Once you've settled in, all you have to do is take a look at the tempting menu, which focuses on Asian recipes, but not only. Some regulars will quickly notice that the dishes are identical to those offered at Vert Sauvage, just next door. Come on, settle down, we'll tell you the story. Eight years after opening La Mangerie, his first establishment in Paris, Serge set himself a new challenge with a second place with a more feminine touch. Le Rouge à Lèvres was born in spring 2019. Given the success and popularity, Serge went one step further and decided to set up a new, third address, Le Vert Sauvage, a stone's throw away. What the two establishments have in common is that they share the same cuisine and the same menu. However, the decor has changed. If you see life in red, we can only advise you to go to Le Rouge à Lèvres, where we were able to enjoy delicious dishes, each as tempting as the next. The best part? A fine wine list with over a hundred references!

Accompanied by fine vintages from various vineyards, Rouge à Lèvres dishes are lovingly prepared to appeal to all palates: lovers of Asian flavors with, for example, melting shrimp ravioli, sesame chard and creamy corn, or a tasty chicken gua bao with peanuts and coriander. We also loved the poached egg with grilled pastrami and mature cheddar, as well as the beef tataki with carrot cream and pak choi.

Delicatessen and cheese lovers will be more interested in the white ham with truffle and the creamy burrata with grilled butternut and hazelnuts. Also on the menu? Organic Thai jasmine rice, pumpkin velouté or a fine quinoa tart. All in all, there are some 15 tapas to tempt you. The hardest part will be choosing!

And for those with a sweet tooth, chocolate mousse, almond financier and cookies all go head-to-head. In the end, the tiramisu - with red fruits, of course - won us over!

Proof of its renown, Rouge à Lèvres now has a little brother. Located in the heart of the Burgundy village of Beaune, this establishment also offers tapas, as well as over 100 wine references, selected by local wine merchant Raphaël Pusset.