If Bordeaux is the king of wine regions in France, then Burgundy is the undisputed queen. In the heart of Burgundy, you’ll find the picturesque town of Beaune, and near the historic center, Ma Cuisine—an institution of elevated bistro cuisine and excellent wine pairings since 1996. Founders Fabienne Escoffier and Pierre Escoffier put Ma Cuisine on the map, and today, their son, chef Mathieu Escoffier, is heralding it into the future, combining reverence for traditional French cooking with a refined, contemporary sensibility.
In 2018, Escoffier helped open Ma Cuisine’s first overseas location in Singapore. After just a year, Ma Cuisine earned its first MICHELIN Star and has since become a requisite stop for lovers of French wine and bistro cuisine in Singapore.
When he’s not helming the kitchen at one of his restaurants, the Burgundian chef enjoys eating and sipping his way through the French capital. Here, he shares his favorite wine bars and restaurants in Paris.
Out of the hundreds of wine bars in Paris, which are the essential stops?
Caves Legrand and La Cagouille. The Legrand cellars, founded in 1880 and nestled in the picturesque Galerie Vivienne, was revitalized by Arnaud Tronche (formerly of Racines NYC) and offers an unprecedented wine program. From exceptional Ganevat cuvées to grand cru selections from Bizot, each glass is accompanied by carefully selected bites.
There is also La Cagouille, near the Montparnasse station. Whether at the bar or at a table, ordering a bottle of Raveneau and some cockles cooked in butter and white wine, along with some razor clams, makes for a truly delightful experience."Cave Legrand Paris — 1 rue de la Banque, 75002, Paris
La Cagouille —10 place Constantin-Brancusi, 75014 Paris
Your restaurants are known for paying homage to traditional French cooking. Where do you go for a taste of classic French cuisine?
Le Baratin, located in the 20th arrondissement, along the winding streets of Belleville, offers the most sincere and authentic French and Parisian experience. Led by husband-and-wife duo, Philippe (Pinouche) Pinoteau and Raquel Carena, Le Baratin curates a precise wine selection. Every dish on the daily menu is a celebration of tradition and flavor. I personally like to indulge in all the daily specials, accompanied by a carafe of Selosse, transporting myself to a timeless experience.
3 rue Jouye-Rouve, 75020 Paris
Paris is also known for its fresh markets, bursting with colorful, seasonal produce. Do you have any favorites?
The covered market of St. Germain des Prés, a historical monument transformed into a food market by Napoleon, gathers everything you need to concoct any meal of your liking.
4-6 rue Lobineau, 75006 Paris
As any Parisian knows, the city can get overwhelming at times. Where do you go to relax?
For a lazy, afternoon stroll, I head to Jardin du Palais Royal. You can imagine walking in the shoes of King Louis XIV as a child, and can immediately feel the energy and history of the French capital while enjoying a peaceful moment.
2 Gal de Montpensier, 75001 Paris
It’s almost impossible to choose, but do you have a favorite place to go for a slice of arts and culture?
I’d say the Louvre. This former royal residence is a magical and endless museum to visit. It takes about a hundred days to explore all the works present, with art dating back to 1846, housed in breathtaking architecture.
75001 Paris
Another tough call: what’s your go-to place for bread?
With 1400 bakeries in Paris, the choice is vast, but for me, Sain stands out. This boulangerie's offerings showcase the use of natural sourdough, ancient wheat, and natural leavening, making digestion easier.
13 Rue Alibert, 75010 Paris
23 rue des Gravilliers, 75003 Paris
Armed with a fresh baguette or loaf of sourdough, where do you recommend picking up some nice French cheese to go with?
Marie Quatrehomme, of Fromagerie Quatrehomme, is the undisputed queen of cheese, being a fourth-generation family-owned firm that started in 1953, with shops across town. They can even vacuum-pack your selection if you’re traveling. Don’t miss the coveted chèvres (goats cheese).
Fromagerie Quatrehomme has multiple shops across Paris
With Paris gaining recognition for its Asian culinary scene, do you have any favorite spots?
At Imperial Treasure, the portions here are ideal for sharing, and I personally order the dim sum and Peking duck. Located just steps from the Champs Élysées, Imperial Treasure is an institution, maintains high standards, and comes with an excellent wine selection.
44 Rue de Bassano, 75008 Paris
Are there any surprising spots in Paris that visitors should explore? Maybe a “touristy” place that’s better than its reputation suggests?
Brasserie Lipp, since 1880, is a perfect spot for capturing the very essence of Paris, with an unparalleled soul that has welcomed both political and artistic celebrities. Ordering simple dishes to share, while reminiscing about the times Jean-Paul Belmondo or Kate Moss sat in your seat, guarantees an emotional experience in the midst of this brasserie's organized chaos. Here's a tip: ask to be seated in the “paradis.”
151 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France
Are there any other Parisian restaurants that can’t be missed?
Before catching my flight, I always make a solo trip to Table - Bruno Verjus and order three dishes from the à la carte menu with a fine bottle of wine. A poetic interlude that emphasizes minute cuisine, reminiscent of Alain Passard's style, where the opening of a scallop, a huge langoustine, or a sea urchin can instantly elevate a royal hare. The service and kitchen teams harmonize their respective crafts perfectly, and their passion is matched only by the guidance of their mastermind, the self-taught Bruno Verjus himself.
3 rue de Prague, 75012 Paris
When it’s time to rest after all of the eating and sipping, where can visitors go for an authentic Parisian stay?
Le Pavillon De La Reine, hidden in the charming Place des Vosges, offers irresistible charm and a luxurious experience. A true hidden gem.
Le Pavillon De La Reine has One MICHELIN Key — 28 place des Vosges, Paris, France, 3rd Arr. (Le Marais). Book your stay here.
Finally, what’s one activity that all visitors to Paris must do at least once?
An absolute must for visitors coming to Paris is to run to Montmartre before sunrise, sit on the steps of the Sacré Cœur, and watch Paris wake up gradually from this elevated spot. Always sensational.
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Hero Image: Chef Mathieu Escoffier at Ma Cuisine
