Q Bar, the excellent Thai restaurant and cocktail bar in the 11th arrondissement.

Located just a stone's throw from the Père Lachaise cemetery, the Q Bar, which has been delighting diners since 2006, is sure to appeal to lovers of exotic cuisine , particularly Thai. When it opened, it was the first Thai bistro in Paris. At the time, there were already quite a few Thai restaurants in Paris, but none that also served as bars. To stand out from the crowd, Alexis, a chef trained in Bangkok, Thailand, decided to turn it into a bar with the flavours of the land of smiles.

Why Q bar? Quite simply because it's the most beautiful calligraphic letter in Thailand. Many places, hotels and restaurants in the country bear this letter in their name, Alexis tells us. So when the time came to choose a name for his restaurant, he too naturally turned to this letter.

On arrival, you're greeted by a large central bar serving the room at an angle on either side. We're seduced by the place's unique decor, a departure from what we've seen elsewhere. Throughout the room are works by artist Korakot Aromdee, for whom Alexis is an ambassador.

Korakot Aromdee is a Thai designer who has transformed traditional crafts into modern works of art. Originally from a fishing village in Phetchaburi, he was inspired from childhood by the bamboo and hemp tying techniques he learned from his grandfather. After studying fine and applied arts, in 2006 he founded his studio, Korakot, where he creates sculptures, lamps and decorations renowned for their finesse.

By employing and training local villagers, especially women, his company makes a significant contribution to improving community life. His work now decorates private spaces and major hotels in Asia, bringing the essence of Thai culture to contemporary design. Today, he works with major fashion houses such as Hermès. In short, all this to say that we're charmed by the shapes of these bamboo works, made to fit the place.

What's on your plate? The majority of Q Bar's dishes feature tamarind, a tangy fruit that lends the dishes a rich texture. The cuisine is also distinguished by the use of different types of chillies and ginger, which make up the homemade pastes, crushed in a mortar and pestle to give each curry its own distinctive flavour. Among them, the famous green curry with coconut milk stands out. And of course there's Thai basil, which is very different from its French counterpart. This basil, which can be prepared raw or cooked, reveals all its power when sautéed.

Menu - A la carte :

During our visit, we were seduced by the gourmetTong sai platter, ideal when you're not sure what to have, as it allows you to try several dishes. Marinated skewers, egg rolls, samosas and Thai salad, all accompanied by delicious homemade sauces.

We also love Tears of the Tiger, a typical Thai dish of beef fillets marinated in honey. Then there's the amazing Pad Thaï, where the noodles are hidden under a dome of omelette. Green curry with shrimp is served in fresh coconut, while beef sautéed with onions and tamarind arrives still steaming on its hot plate.

• To be read
• Tips for the week of December 23 - 29, 2024 in Paris: free or cheap outings
• What to do in Paris in December 2024? Discover this month's events in the Paris Region
• New Year's Eve 2024-2025 in Paris: December 31, 2024 parties by arrondissement

Fish lovers can be tempted by the Thai-style sea bass, duck lovers by the delicious tamarind version, and vegetarians by the vegetable woks. Don't miss the generous Thai rice dish, which we recommend you share.

Last but not least, we finish with dessert: Mango Delight with glutinous rice and the astonishing Coconut Bites, served in banana leaf ballotins.

As we've already told you, the Q Bar is not just a place to eat, but also a place to drink from 11am onwards, as an after-dinner drink or in the evening. In addition to the beers and wines on the menu, there's also an attractive selection of non-alcoholic cocktails and mocktails. The Q Bar, for example, features rum, pineapple juice, orgeat syrup and fresh coconut juice, all served in a coconut for a touch of originality. The Bangkok Sling blends vodka, lychee liqueur, banana nectar, orange juice and pineapple juice for a slightly sweet cocktail. The Mango Margarita combines tequila, mango nectar, cane sugar and lemon juice for a fruity twist on the traditional margarita. Combine it with a nice plate to share, and you've got an excellent aperitif to enjoy with friends or as a duo.

The resto-bar is open every day from 10.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and in the evening from 6 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. Starters are priced from €8 to €12, main courses from €13 to €24, and creative cocktails from €7 to €12.