It’s been a long time since we’ve been so warmly welcomed in a restaurant. Temple & Chapon, a new establishment with exceptional facilities, is located in the heart of a luxury hotel in the Marais district. From the start of our evening in the velvety comfort of the American Bar to the succulent dinner, without a single false note… We tell you all about our culinary experience at Temple & Chapon.
Temple & Chapon, a New York escape in the heart of Marais
After conquering London, Ibiza and Val d’Isère, the Groupe Expérimental transformed the former Sinner into the Expérimental Marais. The result is a 5-star hotel on the corner of rue du Temple and rue Chapon. As soon as you enter the establishment, it’s time to escape. In a subdued atmosphere, you discover a cosy bar overlooking the Temple & Chapon restaurant. And immediately, the ambiance and décor transport us to a New York bar. Comfortably seated in the velvety banquettes of the Américain Bar, we savor cocktails with carefully studied combinations. Each creation on the menu is an ode to the Big Apple. And these divinely executed beverages bode well for the rest of the evening.
A dreamy setting, reminiscent of the chic New York brasseries of the 50s.
To reach our table, we take a majestic staircase that opens onto a breathtaking space with magnificent high ceilings. In this vast cathedral room, graphic chandeliers, huge mirrors, luminous arches, dark woodwork and sophisticated velvets create an ambiance that’s both intimate and spectacular. Here, New York glamour flirts with Parisian chic. And if the atmosphere lends itself to dreams, the service and flavors are not to be outdone…
Mélanie Serre, head chef at Temple & Chapon
From our table, we can see the chefs hard at work in the kitchen. The architects at Temple & Chapon wanted the kitchen to open directly onto the dining room. Already, the aromas emanating from the kitchen are whetting our appetites. It’s at this point that Claire, the establishment’s solar sommelier, comes to meet us and suggest a wine and food pairing thought out down to the last detail. Each bottle is carefully selected to sublimate the inventive and refined cuisine of the talented Mélanie Serre, who worked in the kitchens of Joël Robuchon’s Atelier Étoile.
Undoubtedly one of the best tables in Paris
For dinner, the focus is on the house’s signature specialties. The tone is set from the very first bite with the famous pâté en croûte, a skilful balance of veal, foie gras, pistachios and mushrooms. A perfectly mastered classic. For starters,the Lobster Roll is an instant hit: fluffy brioche, ultra-fresh lobster… A no-brainer, and undoubtedly one of the best in the capital.
As for the main courses, it’s hard to resist the lobster linguine to share. But in the end, we fell for the melting Pork Belly, confit in a honey-spice marinade, accompanied by carrots subtly flavored with cumin. Special mention goes to the filet of Rossini beef with pan-fried foie gras and sauce, a pure jewel of gourmandise, and probably the best tournedos Rossini we’ve tasted to date. The side dishes are just as delicious: the Mac & Cheese takes us straight to Manhattan, while the creamy, generously buttered mashed potatoes are reminiscent of Joël Robuchon.
What can we say about Temple & Chapon, except that our experience bordered on perfection? A spectacular setting, impeccable service, an attentive team and, above all, an undeniably talented chef: everything we needed for a timeless gastronomic interlude. Yes, it has to be said, it’s been a long time since we’ve been so seduced by a Parisian restaurant. If you’re looking for a chic, refined and tasty place to dine for two, look no further than Temple & Chapon. Temple & Chapon is the new address to know.
Restaurant Temple & Chapon, 116 rue du Temple, 75 003 Paris
Dining Tuesday to Saturday, 7pm to midnight (closed for lunch)
Breakfast, 7am to 10:30am
American Bar, with or without reservations, 6pm to 1:30am