Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée

Often a pioneer over the course of its glorious history, the fabled luxury hotel on Avenue Montaigne always seems to have something new up its sleeve. When it entrusted the reins of its iconic restaurant to media darling, Jean Imbert, Plaza Athénée unleashed a tornado on the Parisian gourmet scene. The "chef to the stars" gleefully, almost mischievously, embarks us on a totally unexpected journey. Backed up by a crack kitchen team, he generously throws a new light on France’s culinary heritage (lobster and langoustine "en Bellevue", veal Orloff, beef Richelieu and a line-up of desserts enthusiastically presented by a duo of pastry chefs). The interior has been revamped in a chic classical vein that has restored the lustre of the gilded Regency Salon. Seated at the majestic central marble table d'hôte, how could you not fall under its spell?