Where to drink and dine in Paris: A literary guide

The streets of Paris are awash with history, the names of great writers and creative thinkers to be found on every street corner. As visitors continue to flock to the city to catch a glimpse of the Olympic Games, the intellectual spectres of the past are momentarily shelved for the Herculean feats of the sporting heroes of the moment.

For those that have time, and inclination, to step away from the fray and take a foray into the past, read on to discover some of the best restaurants and bars in Paris, and the intellectual greats that have walked their hallowed hallways.
Discover the new kid on the block at Annette
Located in the newly opened Le Grand Hôtel Cayré, this all-day brasserie is named in tribute to Annette Kolb, the inspirational French-German writer and pacifist who lived at the original Hotel Cayré for 17 years from 1944. Overseen by chef Bruno Brangea, the menu offers contemporary takes on classic dishes, like croque monsieur, tartare du boeuf, and crème brûlée. Made with local ingredients, each dish can be paired with one of an extensive list of French-produced wines, while taking in scenic views of Boulevard Raspail from the terrace.

After dinner, we’d recommend a trip to the hotel’s hidden bar, Officine Bac. On the site of a former pharmacy, the intimate space has swapped medical elixirs for craft cocktails, alongside a selection of rare spirits and infusions. Visit the city’s oldest Palace Hotel, for unfaltering French flair
Discover Restaurant Le Dalí , named for one of the hotel’s most illustrious and loyal guests, surrealistic genius Salvador Dalí. A regular fixture for over three decades, tales abound of his annual stays, when he kept staff on their toes while his domestic cheetahs prowled his suite. Catering to his every whim, he issued requests for flies to be caught in the Tuileries garden, and a flock of sheep to be brought to his suite.

Capturing this exuberant spirit, Philippe Starck has reimagined Restaurant Le Dalí, combining classic pieces with modern touches by his daughter, Ara Starck. The restaurant offers relatable, produce-led dishes by Alain Ducaisse’s previous head chef Amaury Bouhours, as well as delicious pastries and sweet treats from celebrated pastry chef Cedric Grolet.

Elsewhere at Le Meurice, for impeccable French flair and fine-dining, head to the hotel’s two Michelin, Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducaisse. Take a step back in time to discover Hemingway’s high jinks
A visit to Paris wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Ritz. Forever intertwined with the influential American writer, Ernest Hemingway is famously said to have run up a bar tab for 51 dry martinis having ‘liberated’ the esteemed hotel, with which he was enamoured, during the War.

The much-loved, intimate Bar Hemingway pays tribute to that deed, honouring the great writer among upholstered leathers and sepia lights. Known for its celebrated Serendipity cocktail, it also, fittingly, serves one of the best dry martini’s in Paris – a hard-won and worthy claim in a city of chic cocktail spots.

Read on for more food and restaurant news from Tempus