Pénates is located right in the heart of the Charonne neighborhood, tucked away behind a facade on Boulevard Voltaire. Inside this former distillery, a lovely surprise awaits all who venture in: a large dining room, a veranda, and a garden sheltered from the street. And in the kitchen, a talented female chef is in charge of delighting all the guests.
At the end of this unexpected alleyway in the 11th arrondissement lies an elegant and tranquil spot whose decor was designed by Anne Tattevin around two recurring themes: earth and fire. Inside, terracotta tiles, wood, raw concrete, and ochre tones set the tone, making the dining room just as pleasant as the veranda. And even though the sunny days are behind us, it’s impossible not to mention this little hidden garden with its rattan chairs—perfect for summer!
At Pénates, Stéphanie Moquet makes wood-fired cooking the central theme of the entire menu
In the kitchen, you can count on the mastery of Stéphanie Moquet, who has previously worked at Cobéa and La Table du 11. At the heart of the open kitchen, the robata grill is impossible to miss and plays a major role in defining the menu’s identity. Using this Japanese grill, the chef grills, smokes, and braises her creations without basing the entire menu on fire—which, incidentally, is paired with miso, citrus fruits, and Japanese condiments.
Open from 9 a.m., Pénates welcomes you for breakfast as well as dinner. And at lunchtime, a weekly rotating menu adapts to the season, featuring a starter-and-main course set menu for less than €20! In any case, the menu holds some delightful surprises, ranging from eggs with celery mayonnaise to beef tartare with Japanese chili paste, and even allocos with tamarind. For those with a hearty appetite, don’t hesitate to dig into the octopus served with vegetables, guanciale, and n’duja emulsion, or the free-range chicken. And to end on a sweet note, it’s hard to say no to this incredible rice pudding—either the fragrant version or the one with roasted figs, picked straight from the rooftop garden of the neighboring building.
Among all the fine restaurants in the 11th arrondissement, Pénates stands out for its exceptional setting, its distinctive cuisine, and its creative concepts. All that’s left to do is give it a try—or come back for more!
📍Pénates – 226 Boulevard Voltaire, 75011
📆 Open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.