Lapérouse - Review - 6th Arr. - Paris - The Infatuation

"It’s easy to get lost in Lapérouse’s labyrinthine corridors and hidden salons, which is probably why it was a go-to for filandrous 19th-century writers like Victor Hugo and Émile Zola. Their portraits still line the walls of the endless staircases leading you to the dining rooms, with astounding views of the Seine and the Louvre. The ghosts of former regulars must balk at the modern prices, which are probably why you’ll mostly hear Russian or English at neighboring tables. Ignore the siren call of truffle and caviar, however, and you’ll be surprised by simple yet delicious food, like an exquisite chateaubriand steak au poivre with crispy golden frites. The namesake cake is a multi-layered marvel of vanilla-scented cake and cream that even the pickiest diner will enjoy. Live piano music playing in the background may have you forgetting the wallet-lightening effects of both food and wine. photo credit: Wenkang Shan" - Emily Monaco