Le Pré Catelan — Restaurant in Paris

An extraordinary example of balanced French cuisine! The service was courteous and natural, adding to the overall experience. I opted for the De Pre tasting menu, which was paired with a recommended champagne that complemented every course beautifully. While the wine selection was extensive, I felt that the digital format of the drink menu clashed with the restaurant's elegant style. My only regret was not having the opportunity to personally convey my impressions to the chef—a common practice in other two- or three-Michelin-starred restaurants —and I also missed receiving a copy of the menu as a keepsake. The tasting journey began with a signature dish: lobster cappuccino. The umami-rich flavor made for a standout start, and upon my compliment, I was even treated to an additional serving. Next came a delicately crafted tapioca risotto, cooked in jellyfish sauce, which offered a gentle and refined taste. The bread and butter exceeded expectations with their exceptional quality, tempting me throughout the meal. The seafood courses continued to impress. The sautéed scallops with rosemary butter were flavorful, though not entirely authentic, while the marinated scallop carpaccio with hazelnut vinegar jus and smoked mustard was a thrilling highlight. The bouillabaisse, presented as a creamy velouté with added "rouille" paste and bottarga, was both intense and seductive. Another standout was the hot crab jelly, served in a dashi broth with fennel cream and caviar—silky, delicate, and bursting with flavor. The lobster course was pure luxury. A Brittany lobster tail was encased in a thin pastry resembling ravioli, topped with foie gras-enriched jelly and gold leaf. Surrounding it was a velvety velouté sauce enriched with foie gras. While extravagant and harmonious, the edible gold felt unnecessary. The cod "brandade," served on a base of mashed potatoes with a touch of burnt garlic and seaweed, was elegantly intense and one of the meal's highlights. Other notable dishes included cherry wood-smoked salmon prepared at a low temperature with wasabi cream and toasted sesame—subtle and refined—and champagne sorbet topped with caviar, which felt delightfully indulgent. The pigeon dish featured poached pigeon breasts with honey and dates, complemented by a sauce made from pigeon bones, delivering an intense yet elegant sweetness. The cheese course was innovative, with a Comté cheese soufflé in a truffle-infused sauce that was both unique and impactful. For dessert, the caramelized apple in the form of a kadaif-inspired tart, paired with apple purée and vanilla sorbet, was both beautiful and inventive. Finally, the "Pollen" dessert—a honey sorbet paired with a pollen sponge cake, lemon marmalade, and yogurt mousse—was a well-balanced and satisfying conclusion to the meal. Overall, this dining experience showcased exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and precision, with a few minor areas for improvement. A memorable journey through the best of...

A Gastronomic Delight at Le Pré Catelan, Paris As a seasoned restaurant reviewer, it's rare to find a place that truly captivates your senses. Le Pré Catelan in Paris does just that. Here's my take on this gem in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne. What I Loved: The Culinary Artistry: The dishes here aren't just food; they're culinary masterpieces. The flavors are a bold dance of tradition and innovation – it's like experiencing a symphony of tastes with each bite. The Setting is a Dream: Nestled in a 19th-century building, the restaurant oozes elegance and charm. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between luxury and comfort, making you feel like royalty in a modern fairytale. Service that Stands Out: The staff here are more than just attendants; they're like culinary concierges. Knowledgeable, attentive, and with an eye for detail, they made my dining experience effortlessly smooth. A Legacy of Excellence: With three Michelin stars under its belt, Le Pré Catelan isn't just good; it's phenomenal. This is a place where quality and perfection are not just aimed for – they are achieved. Seasonal Surprises: The menu here is a dynamic canvas of flavors. Changing with the seasons, it offers a fresh and exciting culinary journey every time you visit. The Single Downside: The Price Tag: Excellence comes at a cost. The prices at Le Pré Catelan are steep, making this more of a special occasion spot rather than a regular haunt. But trust me, it's worth every penny for those moments you want to cherish forever. Final Thoughts: Le Pré Catelan is more than a restaurant; it's a celebration of the finest in French cuisine. It's a place where every dish tells a story, every bite is a memory, and every moment is steeped in culinary bliss. Yes, it's an investment, but for those special moments, it's an experience that's...

I had the pleasure of experiencing Le Pré Catelan for a leisurely 4-hour lunch, and overall, it was a memorable and refined experience.

The service was impeccable—truly one of the highlights. Every staff member we encountered was not only professional and polished, but also warm, attentive, and genuinely caring. You really feel like you’re being looked after, in that elegant, French way that balances charm with precision. I loved that.

The setting is undeniably beautiful. Nestled in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, the restaurant feels like a little escape into nature, away from the bustle of Paris. The interior design is simple yet elegant, with a classic sense of luxury that doesn’t try too hard. The main salon is particularly stunning—airy and luminous. We were seated in the wing, near the garden view, which was pleasant but not as impressive. Unfortunately, our table was just next to a private round area, and it got a bit noisy at times, which disrupted the calm ambiance ever so slightly.

As for the food, we chose the full Menu du Pré tasting menu. It’s a beautifully curated journey with deep, complex layers—especially the sauces, which are bold and rich, thanks to classic French reductions. My favorite dish, hands down, was the caviar with Champagne ice cream: luxurious, surprising, and perfectly balanced. The salmon smoked in cherry tree wood with wasabi was both refined and comforting. The crab dish with dashi hot jelly and fennel cream, while flavorful, leaned a bit too far on the intense side—I was hoping for a touch more balance in that one.

All in all, Le Pré Catelan offers a high-level gastronomic experience in a gorgeous, nature-wrapped setting. If you’re looking for an elegant escape and have a few hours to indulge, it’s definitely...