We ended our Parisian haute cuisine tour at the greatest restaurant we have ever been to where we ate the greatest meal we have ever eaten.
Situated within the Monnaie de Paris on the banks of the Seine by the famous Pont Neuf, Restaurant Guy Savoy has one of the most grandiose and enviable locations of any restaurant in the world. From the street level, we were greeted by a grand marble staircase bedecked with a crimson carpet. At the top of the stairs awaited an imposing set of doors that swung open at our approach like magic.
After taking our coats, we were led down a dimly lit corridor, flanked by an army of servers who greeted us warmly with "Bonjour Madame" and "Bonjour Monsieur." As we walked down the hallway past sunlit dining rooms, we could glimpse the Seine flowing placidly beyond the immense windows that extend from floor to ceiling.
As soon as we were seated in our own private dining room with our own view of the Seine, the general of the brigade, Guy Savoy himself, came to greet us. He was charming and friendly, with a sunny smile on his face. He gladly took a dozen photos with us on several different devices. With one of the greatest chefs in the world standing next to me, I could not help but grin like a fool.
The meal that followed will haunt my dreams for a long time, at least until our next opportunity to return to Paris and dine at Guy Savoy again. The most spectacular vegetable dish I have ever eaten.
I will mention the highlights of this meal for me, even if in this case, it seems like just identifying the tallest peaks in a range of towering mountains.
White asparagus grilled on the barbecue was paired with green asparagus blanched in boiling water. They were served with an unspeakably delicious sauce Lauris and garnished with a glass-like wafer of crystallized asparagus juice embedded with herbs. The combination was so magnificent it brought tears to my eyes and the ultimate delight to my palate.
A perfectly steamed John Dory fish accompanied by clams stuffed with potatoes cooked with seaweed. All this was coated in an unbelievably aromatic fumet sauce made with John Dory and shellfish. The fish was firm and flaky, with a texture and flavor that bested any fish I have ever eaten and the sauce was indescribable.
The signature dish of chef Guy Savoy: his famous artichoke soup with black truffle and parmesan. It was served with a black truffle brioche slathered in truffle butter. Dipping that brioche into that soup and then taking a bite was by far the most delicious thing I've ever done with my mouth. It can only be described as a taste of heaven on earth. Seeing that we enjoyed the soup, they brought more soup and brioche for us.
The total bill at the end was shockingly low considering the outstanding service, prime location, top-shelf ingredients, and technical mastery that was arrayed to create our meal.
Eating the greatest food in the world and drinking delicious French wine while gazing out at the Seine flowing beneath a blue Paris sky is an experience that I rank above all the other dreamlike experiences that we had in the city of love.
Overall Rating: 11/10 Value: 11/10 (8-course lunch menu for €250 per person) Ambiance: 10/10 Service: 10/10 Savory Dishes:...
Read moreRestaurant Guy Savoy is a world-renowned and tt is named after its chef and owner, Guy Savoy, who is one of the most celebrated French chefs globally. The restaurant has been awarded twp Michelin stars, let's be honest it should be three, indicating exceptional cuisine, service, and ambiance.
The experience at Restaurant Guy Savoy is elegance beyond what I could have imagined, attention to detail, and exquisite culinary creations. The restaurant offers a selection of tasting menus, allowing guests to sample a variety of dishes that highlight the finest ingredients and techniques of French haute cuisine.
Guy Savoy's culinary style is characterized by a blend of traditional French techniques and innovative touches, resulting in dishes that are both classic and contemporary. Some of the unique flavor combinations and artistic presentations absolutely elevated the dining experience to a true gastronomic event like none I have ever had.
The restaurant's ambiance is typically sophisticated and refined, providing a sense of luxury and intimacy. The attentive and knowledgeable staff contribute to the overall experience, ensuring that diners feel pampered and well taken care of throughout their meal. I especially liked the waiter that would give an occasional wink.
The tomato salad was the most exquisite I have ever had, how he made the edible container for the balsamic is beyond me. The Oysters on the half shell were my favorite followed by the octopus salad both were unbelievable. There is so much to say, I could write for another 30 minutes... suffice it to say it was all extraordinary.
It is essential to note that this dining experience falls into the high-end and expensive category. As such, it is a destination for special occasions, celebrations, or for those who seek an unforgettable gourmet experience. My partner selected this restaurant and I am eternally grateful to have experienced dining on this level. On a personal note, Guy is charming, he came out to say hello personally to his guests and I ran into him in the hall and we started up a conversation, brief but he was happy to talk with me. Later he posed for a picture which I thought was very kind for such a busy man.
The restaurant's popularity can make it challenging to secure a table, especially during peak tourist seasons so make your reservations well in advance. For those fortunate enough to dine at Restaurant Guy Savoy, it promises to be an unforgettable journey into the realm of French haute cuisine and...
Read moreI have dined at many Michelin restaurants in NY, San Francisco and Paris and they have all been very impressive. I was in Paris for a short trip and a local friend strongly recommended Chef Guy Savoy. "Chef Savoy has the passion that it takes to have 2 and 3 star Michelin ranking for decades" The close friend has admired the Chef since he started at rue_Troyon years ago.
I never imagined that Chef Guy Savoy would pull off a dinner that would outclass and eclipse all the other famous restaurants in such a grand fashion. The elegant 18th century Monnaie de Paris building, with views of the Seine, was a magnificent backdrop to the dining experience.
We were greeted at the door by a warm and friendly Chef Guy Savoy. Despite being world famous, he took the time to make us all feel at home. He came by a second time later to make sure the dishes were served properly. That is passion. His assistant director, Monsieur Tiago Martins, was instrumental in making the whole evening unforgettable. He was friendly, funny, and very knowledgeable about the intricacies of fine foods and wines.
The dinner was magnificent. Every dish reflected Chef Guy Savoy's passion and love of fresh local ingredients. Every herb, every spice and every sauce created a magnificent gastronomic experience.
With a view of the Louvre and the Seine from the private Académies Dining Room, we started with Colors of Caviar with smoked sabayon.
The balance of flavors and textures in his Signature Artichoke Soup with black truffles was extraordinary. The truffled mushroom brioche elicited praises from everyone (our table had very hard-to-please food connoisseurs).
Raw/cooked lobster with coral bearnaise and vigneronne bisque was exquisite. Goujonettes of giant turbot were succulent. Vasco de Gama Duck was amazing. Desserts like Earl Grey Sorbet were another trip into gastronomic heaven.
To top it off, we got to meet Chef Guy Savoy in the kitchen and see his staff passionately create masterpieces of art right in front of our eyes. Monsieur Martins' staff made sure all our needs were met. Our shopping bags were quite numerous ( there were a lot of bags! ) and were well taken care of.
Chef Guy Savon had started his Restaurant as a dream and a passion years ago. His stratospheric Michelin ranking has lasted for decades (elevated to 3 Stars in 2002). Chef Guy Savon was named best chef in the world by La Liste recently in 2022. Chef Guy Savon deserves 3...
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