Comptoir De Vie

I’ve Lived in France for 10+ Years—Here Are 11 Hidden Gems in Paris You Won't Find in Guidebooks

"As someone who writes about fine dining and has eaten my way around Europe’s starred restaurants, I was instantly impressed by this Sentier newcomer: helmed by acclaimed bartenders Alex Francis and Barney O’Kane with rising young Irish chef Adam Purcell, the two-part concept revolves around seasonality, locality, and craft. Around an open kitchen, the communal counter serves a five-course tasting—think cured sea bream with fermented winter radishes, chewy seaweed-baked beets, and fennel seed oil—while on the opposite side Bar de Vie pours classic martinis and highballs into custom ceramics by Paris atelier Beramics, with hand-blown recycled glassware from local La Soufflerie for water and flowers; it’s refreshing to see a talented new chef dare to do a cocktail tasting menu that won’t break the bank." - Lane Nieset Lane Nieset Lane Nieset is a travel writer from Miami who has lived in France for the past decade. From Paris, she covers a mix of lifestyle, wine, food, and design for publications including Food & Wine, Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines