Apicius — Restaurant in Paris

#76th stop in my Michelin Stars Marathon. An Hôtel very Particulier indeed.

This is going to be an easy review. It’s very easy to find what’s make this restaurant different from the others Michelin Stars in Paris. It’s an Hôtel particulier with an beautiful garden. No wonder you’re having lunch next to an ambassador and you’re wondering how much millions is been dealing with the other tables. You’re in an very exclusive place. Just walk by the front door and you’ll know it by the size and length of the wall surrounding it. Yet again, the staff is friendly and yet distant enough. They make you feel like you belong, even if you can sense that it’s an « habitués «  (regular customer) kind of address. Which is confirmed by the fact that they worked very well during the lockdown by delivering. Which, is completely crazy (if it wasn’t for the habitués) since their main asset is the garden and the palace. But attributing this success only to the location would be unfair. Of course, there’s the brigade de salle that is at the right distance. No, there’s something about the chef. Just like his brigades is very pleasant but not omnipresent, and more of all keeping the right distance. He knows how to play with acidity, but does it very lightly, it’s almost imperceptible to the ones who won’t pay attention, but there for those who will. It’s the same for the rest. The way the fish was cooked, could pass unnoticed if you don’t realize the mastery needed for such a delicate result. And I could go on and on and on… This is definitely a solid one star. My experience : I had a great time there, and a couple of days after, i was still thinking of how subtle it was. I ll go back in summer to enjoy the garden.

Update Dec 2022: I was back for a lunch, but not in summer, in winter a year after this review.

So what’s worth adding to the first review? I had a very similar experience, which proves its consistence. It’s pleasing, quite healthy (not heavy) and quite in with the others adresses of the chef. Actually, that’s may be what I should add. You should know that the chef has 2 other addresses with a Star in Paris, one on place des Vosges in a boutique 5 stars hotel and one sea food institution. Each of them has different atmosphere, this one being the more “Hotel Particulier” high society. It’s...

I've had Apicius on my list for a long time, and finally made a reservation one month in advance for our family trip to Paris. I initially tried booking two months ahead but found they only opened reservations about one month prior. Located discreetly in the heart of the city, entering through the main gate along the garden path felt like stepping into a secret garden from a novel, transporting us into another world.

We had originally hoped to dine with our daughter in the garden, but mid-April weather in Paris was chilly with rain, so we opted for an indoor table. The interior turned out to be even quieter and more beautiful, enhanced by warm sunlight streaming through large windows, creating a feeling of dining within the garden itself.

For lunch, we decided to keep it light, opting exclusively for white wine, which turned out to be an excellent choice. The selected wines paired incredibly well with our dishes—especially the Meursault white wine, which was truly outstanding.

Starting with amuse-bouches, the white asparagus dish came in two delightful versions, both perfectly harmonized with their sauces. The blue lobster dish was simply exceptional. The service was notably attentive; when my wife and daughter briefly stepped away to the restroom just as the main courses arrived, the staff thoughtfully covered their dishes with elegant glass domes to keep them warm. The squid dish, infused subtly with an oriental twist, achieved perfect balance.

Everything, down to the desserts and coffee, was flawless. If you're new to French cuisine or feeling hesitant, Apicius offers a thoroughly satisfying first experience. We definitely look forward to visiting again on our next trip to...

We came to Apicious with the recommendation from plaza athenee where we were staying, when I asked for the recommendation for the best tasting menu. Having been to many Michelin restaurants in Paris (and across the world) I think this experience didn’t match the expectations. And here are the reasons: Our concierge at Plaza called to book a table at 9:10 pm for tasting menu and we arrived by 9:20 and they said tasting menu is not available after 9 pm and I can only order a la carte (when asked why - they didn’t really say why) As I was trying to order from a la carte, I had to choose from sea or meat and having decided to go Veal shortbread (which I never tried before) the waiter started trying to explain that it’s not a meat and it comes from the inside of the throat of the veal, and I should think twice before ordering it. I ended up ordering it anyway but didn’t finish it having had that comments and doubts before. Presentation matters. Having asked for my friend to have just simple salad meal since he can’t eat anything with oil or dressing - we just got a bunch of greens, no tomato or cucumber in sight. (Charged 25 euros) which wasn’t even touched. Cheese platter that was 35 euros in the menu was 40 in the bill. Had to ask several times to explain what is being given. Wine - having chosen a wine which was around 300 euros which was recommended by the restaurant - it was heavily sedimented, impossible to drink and we had to ask to filter it, still was challenging to drink. Plus sides - foie gras and decorations. I’m sure it’s also very nice in summer on the terrace but it’s a pity for such a foodie to have such a...