Caterina at the Grande Epicerie Rive Droite: The new trattoria by Nicola Iovine in Paris

Since January 10, 2019, La Grande Epicerie Rive Droite has been sporting a new look with the opening of Caterina. Designed by renowned Italian chef Nicola Iovine, already at the helm of four addresses on the Ile de France, this new restaurant has everything it takes to become the must-visit Neapolitan trattoria in the capital's 16th arrondissement.

Dear Parisians, residents of the 16th arrondissement, forget the gourmet restaurant nestled on the 2nd level of the Grande Epicerie Rive Droite and discover Caterina.

As you'd expect, this new restaurant puts Italian and especially Neapolitan cuisine in the spotlight. It has to be said that behind this project is the talented Chef Nicola Iovine behind Iovine's restaurants in Paris.

At the start of 2019, he is taking over the top floor of the Grande Epicerie Rive Droite with a Neapolitan bistro offering a perfect, friendly welcome, and a clean, bright decor. Highlights include two private lounges, one with a sofa (ideal for families), a large cocktail bar, a semi-open kitchen and an impressive 400 m² round dining room.

On the kitchen side, Caterina (a reference to the names of Nicola Iovine's mother and daughter), focuses onauthenticity and quality, using the finest Italian ingredients, preferably organically grown (Puglia burrata, Vesuvius tomatoes, Bufflone ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, Parma ham DOP, pecorino romano DOP, extra virgin olive oil)... all at prices more than affordable for the neighborhood.

For this new Parisian address, Nicola Iovine, a native of Naples, wanted to share his origins, " a bit like inviting them to my table in Naples, with my mother and my family, for a truly unique taste experience ", he confided.

The menu includes antipasti such as arancini stuffed with Pugliese burrata, montanare (a puff pastry topped with pan-fried escarole, Vesuvius tomato sauce and Bufflone ricotta) and an assortment of cold cuts.

We opted for the caponata e bufala: a beautiful, colorful plate of pan-fried seasonal vegetables (eggplant, zucchini and peppers cut into small pieces) and delicious, tender mozzarella di Bufala. A great way to start your tasting experience!

Caponata e bufala

On the main course, there are seven options to choose from, including the famous Milanese-style breaded veal escalope, or linguine with zucchini cream, 24-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano DOP parmesan and basil, not forgetting the veal ragout simmered for 24 hours.

As for pizzas, the menu offers no less than twelve, including six classics (Margherita DOP, Regina, Calzone...) and six creations, some of which are already on the menu of other establishments, and some of which are new, like the surprising but mouth-watering Pizza Fritta (fried puffed pizza topped with buffalo ricotta, smoked mozzarella, tomato sauce and black pepper).

In the mood for pizzas that evening, we let ourselves be tempted by two of the house's best-sellers: the excellent Iovine's at €18, with its incredible Vesuvius tomatoes, tender mozzarella, 24-month-aged Parma ham, numerous shavings of 24-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, arugula, basil and delicious EVO olive oil. A real favorite!

Pizza Iovine's

Opposite it is the equally tasty Tartufata at €19 (mozzarella, 5% black truffle cream, basil, EVO olive oil).

Pizza Tartufata

We particularly loved the pizza dough, faithful to the traditional Neapolitan recipe, a real delight!

Finally, sweet tooths will be delighted with five desserts, including the inevitable tiramisu or panna cotta.

Homemade tiramisu

But if you'd like to discover more unusual desserts, then let yourself be tempted by croccante alla amarena. Behind this sweet Italian name hides a delicious, unctuous mascarpone cream, roasted hazelnuts and amarena cherries. A guaranteed favorite!

Croccante alla amarena

The best part? The large bar for a Dolce Vita-style aperitivo. Let yourself be tempted by one of seven creative cocktails, including the eponymous recipe based on zubrowska biala hibiscus vodka, quaglia lampone liqueur, citron syrup, lemon juice, raspberry emulsion and lambrusco.

In short, Caterina 's culinary journey has been a great success, and she's well on the way to establishing herself as one of the Right Bank's new must-visit Italian addresses!

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Drink in moderation.

Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.