Passionné — Restaurant in Paris

Passionate Restaurant, located in the heart of Paris, offers a culinary experience that combines meticulous cuisine with discreet flavors. While it falls short in certain aspects, it compensates with attentive service and generous portions. Join us on a gastronomic journey as we explore the highs and lows of this establishment.

For the lunch formula, Passionate Restaurant presents a well-crafted menu that includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert, accompanied by wine pairings. The attention to detail in the kitchen is evident, with each dish prepared with precision and care.

Starting with the positives, the cuisine at Passionate Restaurant showcases delicate and subtle flavors. The chef's ability to create dishes that tantalize the taste buds without overwhelming them is commendable. The ingredients are expertly selected and beautifully presented, showcasing the skill and expertise of the culinary team.

Another strength lies in the attentive service provided by the staff. The waitstaff is knowledgeable and passionate about the menu, providing recommendations and ensuring that each guest's needs are met. They strike a perfect balance between attentiveness and allowing diners to enjoy their meal in peace.

One aspect that sets Passionate Restaurant apart is the generous portion sizes. Guests can expect to leave the restaurant feeling satisfied and content. The portions are well-balanced, ensuring that diners receive an ample amount of each component on their plates.

However, the ambiance of the restaurant leaves something to be desired. The dim lighting, while attempting to create an intimate atmosphere, can feel a bit gloomy and may not appeal to everyone. A brighter and more vibrant setting could enhance the overall dining experience.

Another minor drawback is the occasional slight overcooking of the fish dishes. While the flavors remain intact, a touch more precision in the execution would elevate the overall quality of the seafood offerings.

Furthermore, the wine selection at Passionate Restaurant lacks the element of surprise that one might expect from a Michelin-level establishment. The wine list consists of traditional choices, and there is a missed opportunity for the sommelier to introduce guests to new and exciting wines that complement the cuisine.

Lastly, the desserts, although well-presented and flavorful, lack the desired textural variety. A more diverse range of textures would add depth and excitement to the sweet finale of the meal.

In summary, Passionate Restaurant showcases meticulous cuisine with discreet flavors, bolstered by attentive service and generous portion sizes. The minor drawbacks, including the dim ambiance, occasional overcooking of fish, predictable wine selection, and desserts lacking in texture, prevent it from reaching its full potential. However, for those seeking a refined dining experience with subtle flavors and impeccable service, Passionate Restaurant remains a notable option in the Parisian...

Passionné, Passionné, Passionné… what to say for a restaurant named after the most intense feelings? Maybe “Confusione.” Passion is apparent in the food, especially the desserts. Most of the menu we ate was seafood based. Everything is beautifully plated. Dishes are thoughtful, flavourful, well executed and Horiuchi’s Japanese influence is highly apparent. The pre-dessert, dessert, and mignardise were by far the best parts for us. However, it didn’t make up for the poor service. Maybe that’s how Passionné remains a Michelin guide selection, as they don’t take service or atmosphere into account…

The restaurant itself is clean and moody, but small. It is not intimate, and rather borders on cramped. Tables are close together and the space got very warm. It was loud at times.

The front of house was understaffed and the staff present were clumsy and aloof. To get water it required telling two servers and asking three times. Then we mistakenly got and were charged for sparkling water when we asked explicitly for tap. She seemingly clued in and rushed over with a carafe just a minute after dropping off the sparking, but did not apologize or acknowledge the mistake. On several occasions they dropped cutlery or knocked bottles around with the plates. They forgot to bring our paired wine on one course until after we had started it. There were several times when we waited a long time without a server checking in. We were never offered butter for the bread while other tables were. The list goes on.

Servers appear to work as a team here, perhaps for efficiency, but it left the dining room feeling chaotic and impersonal. I don’t even know the names of those who helped us. There is a lot of running around, and dodging each other as they navigate the close quarters of the restauran. Mid-meal a server we had never seen before slammed into my husband’s shoulder delivering a course and half-jokingly stated “the plates are hot they’re burning my hand.” After not apologizing and setting them down she went to finish the plates with the sauce when a different server swooped in and snatched it off from our table before she could reach it. Our served chalked it up to the other being a “crazy girl.” (It was eventually returned and poured on our fish - tasty at least.) Not what I had hoped for at all.

We booked because Passionné is the highest rated restaurant on The Fork. But after our dinner it’s hard to understand why. You wouldn’t assess a kindergartener and a college graduate on the same rubric, and I refuse to do so with restaurant’s. The price is high and their expectation and reputation precede themselves and tonight’s offering fell very, very short. It’s also the first restaurant here that asked for a tip which was a bold note on which to finish the night. Paris is a big city, find somewhere else to eat.

After my initial publishing, I understand why this restaurant has such high reviews. I was contacted by their manager, and they offered to pay to take my...

Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Chef Satoshi Horiuchi's ambitious fusion of Japanese and French cuisines at Passione presents a fascinating study in culinary contrasts. While the restaurant excels in many areas, some elements prevent it from achieving true excellence.

Food preparation and Execution (4/5) Do NOT get me wrong please. The kitchen demonstrates a clear mastery of Japanese culinary techniques, delivering dishes that showcase precision and authenticity. However, the French aspects of the menu don't quite reach the same heights, creating an uneven dining experience. This disparity is particularly noticeable when comparing dishes from both culinary traditions side by side.

The dessert menu deserves special mention for its innovative approach, though not all experiments succeed. The incorporation of potatoes in desserts, while creative, misses the mark and feels out of place in the otherwise refined menu. This bold attempt at fusion ultimately detracts from the overall dessert experience rather than enhancing it.

Atmosphere (5/5) The restaurant's ambiance is expertly crafted, striking a perfect balance in its lighting design. The space manages to be both welcoming and sophisticated, neither too bright nor too dim. The immaculate cleanliness and meticulous maintenance of the premises reflect a strong commitment to creating an optimal dining environment.

Service (5/5) The staff at Passione delivers exceptional service that enhances the overall dining experience. Their attention to detail and timing is particularly noteworthy: Impeccable course pacing that respects diners' rhythms Attentive without being intrusive Professional and well-coordinated service flow

Final Verdict While Passione shows tremendous promise and excels in many areas, the inconsistency between its Japanese and French offerings prevents it from earning a perfect score. The restaurant's strongest points lie in its masterful execution of Japanese dishes, outstanding service, and perfectly calibrated ambiance. However, the weaker French preparations and questionable dessert choices create noticeable gaps in an otherwise stellar experience.

The four-star rating reflects chiefly the food flavors: excellence in japanese dishes, coupled with a slightly uneven french balance, particularly with regards to the dessert. While some or most of you may strongly disagree with this view, this is...