Where to Reserve a Table This Valentine’s Day
Paris is the undisputed epicenter of romance, often hailed as the City of Love. To claim that Paris has the most romantic restaurants in the world is only natural, as they are infused with an irresistible Parisian "je ne sais quoi." I had the pleasure of discovering a few of these hidden romantic gems down cobblestone passages, behind cemeteries and residing on rooftops so that you are guaranteed to impress your date this Valentine's Day. While there are always new and intimate restaurants to discover, these have succeeded in truly creating the perfect atmosphere that vibrates with romance and cozies their guests close together.
Derrière, 69 Rue des Gravilliers
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Nestled down a cobblestone passage off the streets of Rue des Gravilliers in the third arrondissement is the restaurant Derrière. The eclectic interior sets a casual tone for guests with its mismatched chairs, scattered knickknacks, excess of vintage posters and a ping pong table stationed at the heart of the layout. If that didn’t convince you of the restaurant’s unusualness, the beds on the second floor used for seating as you enjoy a delicious French meal certainly will. The menu succeeds in perfecting traditional dishes from soupe à l'oignon to escargots. Derrière is wonderful for a first date as its cool, laid-back air will relax anyone upon entry. With conversation starters in every direction and a playful energy that invites you to sprawl out on a queen-size bed before challenging your date to table tennis, a second date is all but guaranteed.
La Plume, 43 Rue Étienne Marcel
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Put on your best suit and tie before heading to the top of the first arrondissement where La Plume resides. Its contemporary interior sets high expectations for guests which are easily exceeded thanks to the Asian-fusion cuisine and mod visuals. Step out of the elevator onto the top floor with polished wood flooring and glass ceilings to admire the breathtaking views of Paris. The contemporary tone of the space undoubtedly makes La Plume a standout choice to impress your loved ones. Have your pick of enjoying your meal surrounded by panoramic Parisian views or a breath of fresh air seated next to their impressive towering walls blanketed in flora. It would be a crime to ask for the check before indulging in their hot pot dishes paired with sides such as the spicy mashed potatoes with shiso butter, a decadent combination made to be shared for two.
Amagat, 23 Villa Riberolle
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If you and your date are famished after a visit to the Tomb of Jim Morrison, I have just the spot for you. Though, consider your footwear before venturing down the uneven cobblestone passageway. Take a left at the Zumba studio, then another left, and you'll find yourself beneath draped greenery at the entrance of Amagat. Only a small sign jutting out from its exterior labels the intimate establishment. This Mediterranean restaurant nestled beside the wall of Cimetière du Père-Lachaise welcomes guests with lit candles, Spanish guitar strumming and a natural interior that cozies around you as the night goes on. Enjoy à la mer dishes, but save room for dessert. Their unassuming flan will be the star of your meal as its smooth texture and light flavor blissfully melt in your mouth. An aphrodisiac that will cause you and your date to make your next reservation before you even step out the door.
La Baignoire, 7 Rue Notre Dame de Bonne Nouvelle
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This might just be the most romantic restaurant in Paris. As you step into La Baignoire, you are greeted by the warm scent of freshly baked brioche. The small space comfortably lit by aged candles only includes eight tables and is decorated with bouquets of flowers for Valentine's Day. Each place setting elevates your dining experience with gold-rimmed crockery and Italian glassware. Take your pick from the menu—which prioritizes quality over quantity—and take in the artistry of La Baignoire's presentation as you savor each bite of the ricotta leek confit and red velvet cake with pear sorbet and caviar. Don’t worry if you feel a tad guilty ruining the meticulous presentation of your dish, it is well worth it as you can easily taste the ingredient of love in its creation.
Bambino, 25 Rue Saint-Sébastien
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For the lovers of music, Bambino is the restaurant where the word "cool" dwells in the second arrondissement of Paris. The curated playlist somehow makes the food taste better, creating a sensory experience that eases you and your date into the love-dense air. Bar-height seating is scattered throughout the space, offering guests a choice: a seat by the spinning records playing through the night, an intimate round table or a front-row view of the chefs preparing mushroom ravioli and flank steak tapas. It's the perfect first-date spot to impress with your in-the-know knowledge of Paris’s best eateries. The laid-back atmosphere is perfectly complemented by an impressive cuisine that will get you and your date savoring your bites in awe as a Marvin Gaye record serenades your night out. If you wisely order the scallops, just be sure not to mistake the salt under its seashell presentation for brown rice—it is not. ᥫ᭡
