Le Patio Opéra

Let’s be clear: this is quite simply the most beautiful—and perhaps the most discreet—terrace in Paris. That alone would not be enough if the food did not live up to the setting. Fortunately, this is a truly delicious escape from the clichés of Parisian dining. The finest ingredients find their way onto every plate, while Ricardo, the restaurant’s Iberian chef, crafts a menu infused with Mediterranean flavours. The marinated sardines with lemon-cured salt, red onion condiments and piparras peppers are exceptional. So too are the Vitello Nikkei with truffle mayonnaise, mizuna and edamame, as well as the daily selection of fish and shellfish fresh from the market. And for those who appreciate authentic Valencian-style arroz de paella—whether with calamari and prawns or slow-cooked beef cheek—this dish alone is worth the journey. One bite and you may well feel transported straight to Valencia.