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Restaurants
L’Emil, the restaurant we tested at the Château Voltaire in Paris
Located just a two-minute walk from the Opéra Garnier, on the corner of rue Saint-Roch and avenue de l’Opéra, here’s a chic brasserie to visit for a candlelit dinner.
The hotel? The story goes that this 5-star hotel used to be a brothel, ideally located in the heart of Paris's fashionable district, at the crossroads of the lively Avenue de l'Opéra and the quieter Rue Saint-Roch. A charming address that combines 3 adjoining buildings, allowing you to combine and enjoy a variety of architectural styles. Today, it houses 32 rooms spread over 5 floors in what were also the former offices of Zadig & Voltaire, and attracts, as if in homage to its recent past, the models, fashionistas and genteel genteel of Fashion Week and everyday life, behind its discreet facade decorated with a golden scallop shell. Boasting a spa with an indoor pool and sauna, Château Voltaire is also a wellness hotel, where you can unwind or enjoy an in-room treatment. And to enjoy a chic dinner among good people.
The brasserie? Whether you're a hotel resident or just passing through, you'll find the Émil brasserie open Monday to Saturday, non-stop from 12.30pm to 10.30pm. Located on the first floor and descending almost to the basement, the intimate atmosphere makes you feel almost at home, between the flickering flames of the candles adorning the tables. The lights are subdued, the ceilings low and the tables close together, without oppressing guests: the advantages of a cosy lounge without the disadvantages. The music is jazzy and soft, and conversations mingle in a cloud of foreign languages and dirty martinis. Unlike traditional Parisian brasseries, l'Émil's service is not only fast, but also extremely attentive, for an upscale, almost personalized dining experience.
What's on the menu? If you come to the brasserie l'Émil, it's to enjoy a well-cared-for meal with Mediterranean accents: the menu is relatively concise, offering fresh products that are above all well prepared. We were pleasantly surprised by the green detox broth with lentils and ginger: an excellent appetizer that whets the appetite before discovering the rest of the menu.
Our favorite? The "Château filet", with its Kampot pepper sauce, perfectly cooked and seasoned, for a mouth-watering dish that's delicious from start to finish. Accompanied by a nice portion of French fries or the house mashed potatoes with butter, you'll enjoy this gourmet meal that barely deviates from tradition. To end on a sweet note that's sure to make hearts skip a beat, we opt for the crème brûlée - which is largely shared between two - but can be enjoyed without a care in the world. On the wine list, you'll find as many fine French bottles of tannic reds or fruity whites for tourists in search of tradition, as international wines served by the glass.
Prices?
- Starters from 19 euros
- Main course from 30 euros
Things to remember?
Brasserie L'Émil is rooted in the 5-star Château Voltaire hotel in Paris, and offers meticulously-crafted bistronomic cuisine in a calm, sophisticated atmosphere. The ideal restaurant for a romantic candlelit dinner.
Château Voltaire
55 rue Saint-Roch, 75001 Paris
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