Hémicycle — Restaurant in Paris

A Culinary Symphony at Hemicycle: A Food Critic’s Delight

Hemicycle came highly recommended by a trusted friend, and I ventured in with no prior expectations—a blank slate waiting to be painted by flavors, textures, and experiences. Little did I know that this unassuming evening would turn into a gastronomic highlight of the year.

Arriving early granted us the coveted opportunity to sit at the chef's table—a perch I wholeheartedly recommend. While the dining room is beautifully designed, inviting you to sink into its aesthetic comfort, the chef's table offers something far more special: an immersive front-row seat to culinary magic in action.

Let’s start with their wine selection, which is nothing short of commendable. The cellar is clearly curated with care, but what truly elevates the experience is the staff's deep knowledge and infectious enthusiasm. Their guidance through districts, vintages, and pairings made the process of choosing a wine as enjoyable as drinking it.

Sitting adjacent to the kitchen turned out to be a revelation. Watching Flavio and his team cook felt like theater, but better. Their laughter, focus, and evident passion spilled over into every dish they meticulously prepared. Each plate arrived accompanied by a detailed explanation—a story of ingredients, techniques, and inspiration—turning the evening into a culinary masterclass.

We opted for the tasting menu and, predictably, added a few extras because how could we not? Dish after dish arrived, each a marvel of vibrant colors, flavors, and textures. The squid was sublime, delicate yet full of flavor. And the quail? Easily among the finest I’ve ever tasted—succulent, perfectly seasoned, and a testament to the chef's artistry.

But the pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the desserts by Aurora, a pastry chef whose creations border on divine. Each dessert was a perfect marriage of innovation and indulgence, leaving us utterly enchanted. Aurora’s work elevated the meal to an unforgettable crescendo.

Hemicycle isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience—one that engages all the senses and leaves you with memories to savor long after the last bite. As 2024 draws to a close, I can confidently say this was the most memorable meal of the year. To Flavio, Aurora, and the entire team at Hemicycle: thank you for an...

Phenomenal contemporary French and Italian restaurant in a cozy, intimate space and outstanding service. I visited Hémicycle for dinner with a friend, and we had a great time here. It's a pretty small space, so, while there were only six or seven other groups dining with us, the restaurant was almost full. That meant the restaurant was pretty quiet, aside from the occasional clang from the open kitchen, and the service was remarkably attentive. There were at least three servers in the dining room at all times, so I didn't see a single glass go unfilled or dish go unbussed for more than 30 seconds over the course of our four-hour meal.

I can't even begin to describe how phenomenal the food was, but suffice it to say that every single bite was outstanding. A few standouts included the beetroot ravioli, which was delightfully earthy and had such a fun contrast of flavors and textures. The ravioli pasta was super tender and thin, and it had a slight snap to it. The warm ravioli was topped with a rich cream-based sauce and cold, refreshing granita. The combination of cold and hot temperatures, sweet, tart, and earthy flavors, and all the different textures was just outstanding.

I loved their romaine for a similar reason. The thought of cooked lettuce felt really odd to me at first, but this dish has convinced me that I need to expand my view of what's possible with food. The braised romaine was remarkably tender and soaked up a ton of flavor from the braising liquid, and it was served in a lemony, garlicy foam. They also added a scoop of a lovely herbaceous sorbet on top, and, just like the beetroot ravioli, this created the most incredible combination of textures, flavors, and temperatures.

All in all, Hémicycle was a delightful place for a fancy or special occasion dinner. I loved the ways they experimented with different textures, flavors, and temperatures to create some of the most unique combinations...

I visited Hemicycle on a friend’s recommendation, not knowing what to expect, but it turned out to be one of the best dining experiences I’ve had this year.

We arrived early and were lucky enough to sit at the chef's table. While the main dining room is beautiful and inviting, I’d highly recommend the chef's table if you can get it. Being so close to the action added something really special to the evening.

The wine selection deserves a lot of praise, not just for the variety but also for the staff’s knowledge. They took the time to explain different regions, vintages, and pairings, which really helped us make the most of the excellent options.

Watching Flavio and his team in the kitchen was a joy. They worked with smiles and laughter, creating each dish with care and skill. It felt like a mini cooking class as they explained each plate to us when it was served.

We chose the tasting menu and added a few extras along the way—it was hard to resist! Every dish was a highlight, but the squid was particularly amazing, and the quail was easily one of the best I’ve ever had. Everything was fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor.

The evening ended on a high note with desserts from Aurora, the pastry chef. Her creations were stunning, both in taste and presentation, and were the perfect way to finish such a fantastic meal.

This was more than just dinner—it was an unforgettable experience. Thank you to the entire team at Hemicycle for making...