Greg Marchand, chef-patron of the acclaimed Frenchie restaurants in Paris and London, gives Forbes his tips on legendary and more under-the-radar places to eat and stay in Paris.
Last month, France reopened its doors to fully vaccinated travelers from the United States. As American travelers make their long-awaited return, the Loire Valley-born chef behind Frenchie restaurants across Paris and London (Frenchie being the name originally given to him by Jamie Oliver) shares his insider tips on stand-out restaurants and boutique hotels to seek out in the French capital.
The acclaimed chef who cut his teeth in the trade in New York after being orphaned at a young age went on to turn a nondescript street of Paris into one of the trendiest streets in the city through the 2009 creation of his now Michelin-starred restaurant, Frenchie Rue du Nil, and subsequent expansion.
In Paris, Marchand went on to open the wine bar also offering food Frenchie Bar à Vins, Frenchie To Go (FTG), the artisanal wine store Frenchie Caviste and 2020-opened Frenchie Pigalle, as well as the London outpost Frenchie Covent Garden, which celebrates its fifth birthday this year. At his original Rue du Nil location, evening meals are carte blanche and designed to evolve with the seasons.
The chef’s restaurant and hotel recommendations take you to the district of Paris where he made his gastronomic mark and beyond.
THE RESTAURANTS
Le Clarence
“This two-Michelin-starred restaurant close to the Champs-Élysées is one of my favorite spots in Paris for a special occasion. Expect amazing contemporary French cuisine by chef Christophe Pelé in a beautiful classical French setting with charming decor. As it's owned by Château Haut-Brion (in Pessac, Bordeaux), you can be sure of an outstanding wine list.”
Shabour
“A restaurant in Sentier that offers Michelin-starred Levantine cuisine, Shabour is the place to be. There's a terrific, show-stopping horseshoe counter where you can sit to soak up the atmosphere as the chefs, led by Israeli chef Assaf Granit, cook directly in front of you.”
Aux Crus de Bourgogne
“This restaurant serves classical French food and is located on Rue Bachaumont, in the same neighborhood as Frenchie. It's my go-to when I've got time off, so you can expect to see me there for Saturday lunch with friends and family. It's timeless and right for any occasion.”
THE HOTELS
Grand Pigalle Hotel
“This is a superb boutique hotel in a tip-top, sought-after location of the city, South Pigalle (SoPi). There's even a Frenchie restaurant on the ground floor, so I find myself there a fair bit. But that's not the only reason for picking this place - the hotel quietly oozes class and charm.”
Hôtel du Sentier
“Located on Place du Caire, just a minute from Rue du Nil, this hotel is destination-meets-neighborhood through and through. It’s recently refurbed in a listed building with views to boot. Find a seat in the hotel restaurant’s outdoor terrace where you can enjoy simple bistro-style food alongside the Parisian way of life in a bustling, vibrant and scenic part of town.”
Find out about each of Greg Marchand’s Frenchie restaurants at frenchie-restaurant.com.
