Le Pavillon du Lac

In the middle of the Parc Buttes Chaumont, the Pavilion du Lac and the park’s five other pavilions opened in 1868. Restored in 2010 after lying abandoned for ten years, it has been transformed into a high class restaurant with chef Fabien Borgel in the kitchen. For a sunny Sunday, reserve one of the tables on the beautiful terrace, in front of the pavilion or in the garden to the left. In winter, there’s a choice between the cosy, elegant downstairs dining room or the equally comfortable one upstairs, behind a big glass window. Either way, you’ll enjoy being surrounded by the park’s greenery.

On our visit we had the cold coup of petit pois ,delicately scented with mint and served with a skewer of grilled fresh prawns, and a plate of burrata with truffles and dark Crimean tomatoes with herb oil. Then Angus beef pavé, served with smoked new potatoes and pan-fried girolles mushrooms. The fried fillet of brill came with artichokes cooked à la barigoule and al dente gnocchi.

Keep room for a fabulous home-made dessert, like a giant home made millefeuille with creamy pistachio mousse. There are some extremely reasonable set menus on weekday lunchtimes, all served by relaxed and efficient staff – highly recommended.

There’s also a terrace to the right of the pavilion that’s reserved for the bar. In summer, the Tropical Discotek collective organise nights here that go on after the park is closed, and Radio Nova plays sets for its annual Spritz Tempo residence.