As winter slowly makes way for spring, dappled light covers Parisian pavements and there’s a warming breeze in the air, it will soon be time to embrace al fresco dining.
With your blazer draped loosely across your shoulders and sunglasses on-hand, these eight al fresco restaurants in Paris are the picture-perfect spots in the French capital.
Apicius
Settings don’t come much more charming than the garden at Apicius. Leafy green plant life and a relaxed atmosphere create something world’s away from the fast pace of the Champs-Élysées which, as surprisingly as it is convenient, is just a ten minute walk away. Visit to unwind post a Galleries Lafayette shopping spree and spend a slow afternoon sampling chef Mathieu Pacaud’s delicacies alongside creative concoctions from the outdoor bar.
The Hoxton Courtyard
Every Hoxton Hotel is more than a place to sleep, and the Parisian outlet features a picturesque courtyard frequented by locals, guests and travellers. Open-air and strung with Edison lights, the courtyard at The Hoxton Paris is an extension of Rivie and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as bar snacks, sweet treats and cocktails. The best thing about it is the relaxed, welcoming vibe and stay-as-long-as-you-like attitude. Work your way through the coffee list and onto something stronger if your stay exceeds one sitting.
Girafe
Girafe’s aesthetic is respectful of its Cité de l’Architecture location; its marble bar, neutral palette and soft, elegant decor inspired by 1930s design. The menu focuses on seafood and its most in-demand dishes are the least complicated ones – a lobster linguine with tomatoes and herbs or a grilled octopus with potatoes and cabbage – a confident approach that spotlights the calibre of the ingredients. There’s no mistaking your location: the terrace overlooks the Eiffel Tower.
Palais Royal Restaurant
White linen table cloths, traditional Parisian architecture and beautifully presented cuisine define the Palais Royal Restaurant. The terrace is open in fair weather and – in celebration of the sun – the tables spill out onto a manicured central garden that looks like it belongs in a romantic movie. Make the most of it during the spring and summer months; lunch and dinner bookings are available.
Brach Hotel Rooftop
With a recent influx of Parisian hotel openings, Brach – part of the Evok group, which includes stylish spots like Mamma Shelter and Nolinski – is one to bookmark. What makes its rooftop niche is the chef’s vegetable garden which, in its central 16th arrondissement location, is no mean feat to maintain. The food menu is substantial and uses home-grown ingredients, as do the cocktails, which are best enjoyed facing out towards the Eiffel Tower.
Le Bristol
Nowhere does classic Parisian decadence like Le Bristol; it’s long held the crown as the city’s Queen of hospitality. Le Jardin Français, its private outdoor space, was redesigned in 2020 and offers an oasis of calm away from the bustling city streets. During the day there’s a choice between the lunch menu’s classic French dishes or afternoon tea. For dinner it’s worth booking ahead to secure a table at Epicure – the three Michelin starred restaurant is exclusively open in the evenings.
Hôtel Rochechouart Rooftop
For 360-degree views of Paris, make a beeline for the rooftop at Hôtel Rochechouart where the open-air terrace is decorated with small round tables – framed by glass walls so as not to disrupt the skyscape. The cocktail menu is concise but perfectly formed; it features unique concoctions with quirky names like Simple Comme Bonjour which means it’s as simple as hello. Bar snacks are Italian-inspired and include carbonara arancini, grilled octopus and rustic breads – these tapas-sized plates are perfect for sharing and suit a lazy evening watching the sun go down against the neighbouring Sacré-Cœur.
LouLou
Positioned on the edge of the Jardin du Tuileries with the Grand Palais (Chanel mainstay runway venue) as its neighbour, LouLou is a name to know, and securing a table is a challenge. Little wonder, then, why the fashion crowd flocks here no matter the season. Cheerful yellow and white branding, plus picture-perfect Italian dishes make for Instagram heaven. Expect to see more content being papped than dinner being eaten.
The restaurant is currently getting a makeover and will open its doors once again this spring.
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