Les Éditeurs — Restaurant in Paris

I love Paris. Moreover, I wanted to get here all my life. When I was very young, my brother and parents listened to the songs of Edith Piaf and Mireille Mathieu. And there were Aznavour, Yves Montand, Serge Gainsbourg, Joe Dassin. And so it happened that I love French cinema, French fashion and the French language the most. And also that I used to put off my dreams for later. Something changed some time ago and my first Paris happened to celebrate my 49th birthday). I was very afraid of disappointment, but now I fell in love with the real Paris. I have been here several times. Before covid, I ended up at a champagne breakfast at Les Éditeurs thanks to the Ukrainian singer and writer Irene Qarpa, who organized a small writing course among her compatriots. I came to Les Éditeurs first, and I was fascinated by the style and atmosphere of the place. There is a sense of something transcendent in Les Éditeurs , something that can be felt throughout the years. Similar feelings occur at chamber concerts, when you stop seeing the musicians, they merge with the instruments they use masterfully and the sound that was created tens, sometimes hundreds of years ago, ends up in the hall and the feeling of contact with what was so long ago becomes a reality. I remember similar feelings from art galleries. When you look at a portrait of a person who has been gone for hundreds of years, and the artist who painted that person has been gone for hundreds of years, and that person's gaze is alive and gives you a feeling that is very similar to yours. It seems to me that Les Éditeurs is a kind of work of art, a living representative that changes and does not change at the same time. The atmosphere of the establishment, even when there are no people there, as in the morning when I came for breakfast first, does not lose its uniqueness. Red stylish furniture, wooden wall panels, a library that is constantly replenished with fresh publications, as far as I know, huge chandeliers, so organically integrated into the interior that you notice their size only when you look at them, the mirrored staircase is like a tribute and salute to institutions with music and singing, symbolized by , inscribed in the atmosphere of symbolic creativity, communication, writing and reading. When I am at Les Éditeurs I always regret that I am not in Paris more often, I do not know the name of that interesting middle-age man who is reading Au Revoir Tristesse by Viv Groskop right now, or who is that pretty woman in a gray cardigan chatting with a man who looks so familiar to the famous writer, a curvy man in his fifties with a thick gray book on the table, the name of which I do not see, but I long to know, hear, recognize. I turned 53 a couple of days ago and we were here with friends. I always miss this place. I want to come here every morning, and for dinner, to communicate, to meet, to say hello. I eat an incredibly delicious chestnut soup and never tire of being amazed at the fact that there are so many charms in one place at the same time: a beautiful stylish cozy interior, excellent French cuisine, exquisite wine, pleasant friendly waiters with whom you feel you have known for a long time, books, atmosphere. Thank you Les Éditeurs staff! For a wonderful time together. It’s a pity that my French is still basic, and I can’t live in Paris for at least half a year. I hope to...

On my first trip to Paris in February 2023, I had an unhurried lunch here, at Les Editeurs, on a weekday.

Overall, it was a neutral experience, my experience with the server notwithstanding. The food was good but not outstanding, and not very memorable. What stands out from my dining experience at Les Editeurs, over a year later, was the attitude of the server — imperious and borderline rude. When I walked into the restaurant, I was greeted warmly by the host, and asked if I wanted to dine downstairs or upstairs. Upon entering the upstairs dining room, I was asked by a different server how many people were in my party, and I responded, “un personne”. He then corrected me on the spot — “une personne”, he said, straightfaced. When I attempted to ask questions about the menu, speaking in French, he immediately reverted to English and gave me an English menu, and spoke to me only in English thereafter. (I guess it was obvious that I was a tourist and not a native French speaker, but it was still off-putting…). I chose my courses from the prix fixe menu, and the dessert was the best part of my meal, though I cannot now recall which dessert it was specifically. I also enjoyed the atmosphere upstairs, a tastefully decorated room lined with bookshelves and plush leather armchairs, and with music playing softly in the background.

Now, I am aware of the reputation of the locals in Paris — that some can be indifferent or downright rude to visitors. However, up until that point in my 5 day trip, I hadn’t encountered any rudeness whatsoever, and found that many folks were actually friendly and polite— willing to provide directions, and even to make small talk with me (speaking in my halting and imperfect French). So this experience was an unfortunate surprise... I will not be visiting Les Editeurs again on my next trip to the...

We were seeing a performance at a nearby theatre so we needed a place that was close for walking. I appreciate the restaurant being able to accommodate on such short notice.

I will say the restaurant downstairs has a great and lively vibe. Because we had reservations we were seated upstairs. It was very quiet upstairs. There were many people eating but I suppose the crowd is more civilized. I personally would have preferred to dine downstairs but I understand most people would like quiet. It's still striking decor throughout.

The food was not remarkable or memorable but the preparation was attractive and inviting. We had the Lamb Shank and the Steak au poivre. There were some very interesting scalloped potatoes with the lamb shank that we appreciated. The fries were on point. The green bean salad was delicate and tasty - the mushrooms served in the salad were amazing. I think the green bean salad might have been the highlight for me.

Overall if you are looking for a "fine dining" experience, Les Editeurs may not be what you are looking for but it was absolutely a good and decent meal, the service was impeccable, and the environs...