Au Passage: Exquisite Food, Cozy Atmosphere
Earlier this month, I went on one of the most incredible gastronomical adventures of my life. To celebrate a friend’s birthday, a small group of us ventured into the charming 11th arrondissement of Paris for a magnificent meal at Au Passage.
The exterior of Au Passage at 1 bis Passage Saint Sébastien. Photo Credit: Au Passage
Au Passage boasts a cozy setting filled with magnificent servers and chefs. As I walked inside, The Smiths began to play and a wave of delight washed over me. This feeling would remain the entire evening. We were seated at a comfortable wooden round table and were then greeted by our friendly and exceptionally helpful server.
Photo Credit: Au Passage
Before we looked over the evening’s culinary options, my eyes scanned over to an impressive wall of wines behind me. I was instantly impressed with how diverse and extensive the wine list was despite the restaurant’s intimate size. It is evident each bottle has been chosen with care, and most are natural and organic.
Photo Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
The food served at Au Passage is French, in that chefs utilize French ingredients. However, this is by no means a traditional French bistro. Au Passage has been at the forefront of the French cuisine renaissance since its grand opening five years ago. The cuisine is inspired by modern culinary trends, but also pays homage to French tradition. The ingredients used are exceptionally fresh, proven with each and every miraculous bite. This commitment to quality has garnered the restaurant a cult following which includes famed American chef Anthony Bourdain, who identifies Au Passage as one of his favorite restaurants in Paris.
Photo Credit: Au Passage
The menu often changes from lunch to dinner, always leaving even the most frequent guests feeling excited and satisfied with each new meal. Au Passage is a place for genuine cuisine lovers. On a typical Monday night, you are likely to see an array of phenomenal chefs on their night off. The atmosphere is both casual and exciting. You never know what will be served and who will walk through the door.
Another incredible element to Au Passage is their ability to cater and care for their customers. I cannot tell you how many times I have gone into a Parisian or New York restaurant only to be greeted with a cold, ambivalent stare. At Au Passage, they make it their mission to make you feel right at home, which is why guests are often smiling, laughing and sharing conversations with strangers at other tables.
Photo Credit: Lianna Bass
The staff are also happy to cater to dietary restrictions. In our group, we had one person with a gluten intolerance, two vegetarians and two meat lovers. They brought us an eclectic array of appetizing plates to share as we saw fit. We were served over 10 different plates in total. My personal favorite was the fresh array of raw oysters, which were zesty, delicate and delicious. A magnificent gâteau au chocolat ended the exquisite evening on a decadent note.
Photo Credit: Au Passage
Whether you are the designated foodie in your social group, or if you just want a fun night out in a cozy, welcoming environment, Au Passage is the perfect place for you.
AU PASSAGE INFORMATION:
Address: 1 bis, Passage Saint Sébastien, Paris, France 75011
Nearest transport: Saint-Sébastien Froissart (8), Saint-Ambroise (9)
Hours: Closed Sunday; Open Monday-Saturday for dinner
Reservations: Book a few days in advance for the first service; Reservations not accepted for the second service at 9:30 pm.
Telephone: 01 43 55 07 52
Average price for dinner: 20-39€/person
