Un Dimanche à Paris

Mention anything with “delicious” and “chocolate” sooner than later I’ll be on my way to investigate it for myself. So when an old colleague was visiting Paris and wanted to get together somewhere oh-so-sweet for lunch, I knew just the place!

Located on a charming little street which provides lessons on the art of walking on cobblestone in heals, Un Dimanche à Paris offers the perfect pinch-me-we’re-in-Paris dining experience.

Enter through one door and you’re confronted with a vast array of finessed pastry creations, macaroons, artisan loaves of bread, espresso bar and specialty baking goods (such as sugar pearls, gold leaf, silver crunchy flakes and edible florals). Not to forget the exhibit kitchen where you can watch the perfect pastries being meticulously crafted. Then there’s the upstairs lounge which offers a tasting menu, and for the more adventurous, cooking classes!

The other entrance leads to an elegant dining room with new design elements juxtaposed against the old architecture: a hint to the new-concept/traditional French cuisine you’re about to enjoy.

We settled into our cozy table looking out on the narrow passageway and let the fun begin! My wallet was feeling a bit tight and the menu a bit expensive, but when the waiter brought us a complementary amuse-bouche – my reserves melted away with each bite of the most delicious pea soup garnished with, you’d never guess, chocolate!

Time quickly past as we lost ourselves in mouth-watering slices of duck and lamb. The chefs certainly take delight in transforming traditional French cuisine into contemporary masterpieces that resonate with delicious flavor.

But even with lunch that good, it’s the dessert that wins the standing ovation. The waitress lead us to the gourmet pastry shelf where our eyes did most of the decision making. Being the chocolate lover I am (chocolate is my sweet tooth), I had to say no to the decadent fruit tarts, desserts dripping in caramel, and traditional delights like crème brulée. In the end I chose the chocolate with a bit of crunch and a delicate splash of gold leaf while my friend went for the caramel. Needless to say, we were not disappointed.

Oh, and wait, there’s more! What’s an espresso without a little chocolate as well?

Overall, I’d have to say Un Dimanche à Paris should not be missed. Whether catching up with an old friend, hoping to turn a bad day right side up, looking for a pleasant place to sit out the rain – really, the opportunities are endless, the excuses null – I’d recommend meandering over to Cour du Commerce Saint-André where a delightful experience for each of your senses awaits!

Un Dimanche à Paris
4-6-8 Cour du Commerce Saint-André
6th Arrondissement of Paris
Metro: Odéon or Saint Michel

Reservations recommended for dinner and brunch
+33 1 56 81 18 18

Tagged as: Paris, Restaurant Review