La Ultima in Paris: an Italian restaurant doubling as speakeasy and pizzeria in the Saint-Michel area

If you like unusual gourmet concepts, then head to Paris's mythical Place Saint-Michel to push open the doors of La Ultima. It's here, in the depths of a pizzeria worthy of Little Italy, that La Ultima hides, a speakeasy restaurant featuring rich, tasty Italian cuisine every evening. Would you like a tour?

Looking for a double-sided Italian restaurant in Paris? Head for Place Saint-Michel, in the capital's 6th arrondissement, to meet a gourmet address that's well worth a visit, both for its concept and its cuisine. This unique restaurant has opened its doors at N°6 place Saint-Michel, where the Gibert Jeune chain stood until March 2021. At first glance, one discovers Tony's, a pizzeria worthy of those in Little Italy on the other side of the Atlantic. With its beautiful banquettes, wooden bar, multiple frames hanging on the walls and checkered napkins, this pizzeria plays the vintage card. What's on the menu? Homemade pasta, polpette della nonna and the inevitable Neapolitan pizzas.

But when evening comes, Tony's packs up its tables and the room empties, giving the impression of a deserted restaurant. But don't be afraid. On the contrary, it would be a mistake to turn back. In reality, the customer is led to the back of the pizzeria room to discover, behind a mahogany door, La Ultima. This late-night speakeasy restaurant, with its underground casino feel, offers a truly incredible plunge back in time. With its brass fountain in the entrance, black marble, crystal chandeliers, animal-print armchairs and subdued lighting, La Ultima takes us back in time with its intimate, hushed 70's ambience.

Once you've settled in, it's time to savour the tempting menu, with plates that smell of Italy, created by Manuel Castro. Passionate about Italian cuisine since his earliest childhood, the chef was second in command at a 2* Michelin restaurant in Sicily, before joining several French Michelin-starred establishments, including Penati al Baretto.

On the menu? Tasty, generous and colorful dishes, just like in the land of La Dolce Vita. Antipasti include the famous veal carpaccio, Milanese fried egg with gorgonzola fondue and Mediterranean-style octopus salad. To begin, we're tempted by the unmissable truffle arancinetti: two generous and delicious risotto croquettes with truffle and 24-month Parmesan cheese, a great way to start the tasting!

The journey to Italy continues with a colorful plate of tender, flavorful gnocchi with pistachio pesto, tomato sauce and pan-seared prawns. Opposite, we offer perfectly cooked octopus with tomato sauce and potatoes. A true delight that only confirms our first impressions!

For carnivores, there's also plenty to tantalize the taste buds with, for example, a beef fillet with truffle or a rib-eye steak for two, accompanied by a gorgonzola sauce.

For those with a sweet tooth, La Ultima pulls out all the stops with Pistacchiomisù (pistachio tiramisù) or Cannolo siciliano (crunchy pastry filled with ricotta cream, vanilla, dark chocolate and pistachio). Alternatively, if you still have room, we highly recommend the rum baba with limoncello cream and red berries. A classic of its kind, it's always a hit.

To accompany these tasty dishes, La Ultima suggests wine - particularly Italian - or cocktails. There's a choice of 7 creations and 4 classics, all created by talented mixologist Roberto Pino. We were both visually and taste-struck by the " Smoked Negroni ", a harmonious blend of Campari, Martini Rosso, gin and smoked orange zest. Alternatively, discover the " Pacino Spritz " (Limoncello, Belvoir, prosecco, soda and lemon) or " Tony's " (gin, vodka, crème de cassis, Italicus and soda).

With its unusual concept and ode to Italian cuisine, La Ultima hits hard and brings a breath of fresh air to Place Saint-Michel. So, are you ready for a gourmet journey out of time?

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This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please mention it in the comments.