La Brasserie des Arts, authentic Parisian brasserie by the book

The Saint-Germain-des-Prés district is constantly welcoming new restaurants, and Brasserie des Arts is one of them. A true Parisian brasserie that's well on the way to becoming a neighborhood institution, Brasserie des Arts is open from morning to night , with or without reservations. And if the term " Left Bank Parisian brasserie " conjures up images of rushed, unpleasant service, rest assured: it's not the case here, quite the contrary.

With its terrace in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Brasserie des Arts is embodied by Jérémy Quélin and young chef Valentine Davase, one of the leading figures on the new Parisian culinary scene. Here, she honors traditional French dishes, supported by local, no-frills market cuisine.

The Art Nouveau-inspired decor, the work ofarchitect Jessica Mille, is brimming with details that make all the difference, from the fabulous velvet mural to the yellow velvet heart-shaped chairs. Even the charming plates, designed by the artist, and the arches inside the restaurant, a reference to the former church that stood there until 1650.

Another key figure in the restaurant is the chef. After a stint at L'Espadon, the Michelin-starred restaurant at the Ritz, and the creation of the famous Le Réfectoire food truck, Valentine Davase is now trying her hand at something completely different, infusing the great classics of French haute cuisine with her creative, contemporary touch.

A la carte or weekly, with lunch menus (€29 starter/main course or main course/dessert; €36 starter/main course/café gourmand) or set menus, the dishes are classic but perfectly executed, with seasonal twists and the return of the market. Summer will see the arrival of zucchini flower fritters, winter chicken chasseur, and right now, comforting mushroom-based dishes like this generous mushroom stuffed (12€) with pork and Comté cheese au gratin.

But autumn is also the season for end-of-year foie gras, homemade here (22€) and accompanied by a pear chutney; fine meats like this tender filet of Charolais beef (35€) with a three-pepper sauce and a bowl of pommes paille; not forgetting the homemade cordon bleu (21€), which could have us crossing the capital from north to south to return to devour it, with its heart of runny cantal and spinach tombée. As for the crème brûlée maison (9€), it takes us back to our fondest childhood memories.

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At Brasserie des Arts, you can also enjoy a morning coffee, a croque-monsieur on the go in the afternoon, an aperitif at the counter with friends, and an evening in the basement, where you'll find a speakeasy bar with a stunning 70's look, wall-to-ceiling mirrors and psychedelic carpeting... before heading off to other Parisian adventures!