Laurent, French excellence

Located in a pavilion just a stone’s throw from the Champs-Elysées, Le Laurent is the address for influential personalities, business leaders and wealthy tourists. A peaceful little bubble.

The century-old facade is imposing. On the pediment, a few gilded letters: Laurent. The place is a veritable Parisian institution, a house imbued with a particular spirit, a skilful alchemy of old-fashioned luxury tradition and discreet modernity. The architecture was designed by Jacques-Ignace Hittorff, commissioned by King Louis Philippe in 1840 to develop the avenue des Champs-Elysées and restore the guinguette.

The hall / DR

With its large circular sofas, the room is very comfortable and pleasant. The menu is rich and it’s hard to make up one’s mind. I start with artichoke hearts “poivrade”, velvety vinaigrette, beef jerky and summer truffles. A treat!

Pepper artichokes / Copyright Julien Tissot

I then choose the Roasted Cod with black olive, semi-cooked tomatoes with basil, eggplant caviar cream. Perfectly cooked!

Cod / Copyright Julien Tissot

Both creative and simple, always refined, Alain Pégouret’s cuisine is above all respectful of essential flavors. Elegance, respect for the product and subtlety are his watchwords in the preparation of each of his dishes. He combines tastes and colors with originality, cooking dishes with finesse and lightness. He seeks to give light and color to each dish, making it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. It’s haute cuisine à la française, with a modern twist. His cuisine is gourmet and elegant, combining classic and contemporary, which is the hallmark of the place.

For dessert, the Sablé gourmand with strawberries and Bugey-Cerdon espuma is divine. The mignardises that accompany the coffee are delicious.
At the end of lunch, I chat with Philippe Bourguignon, the restaurant manager. Attentive to the smallest details, he combines courtesy, discretion, attentiveness and humor.

Dessert / Copyright Julien Tissot

Le Laurent’s 5 cosy lounges can accommodate from 6 to 60 diners, at one or more tables.
Le Laurent’s great charm also lies in its garden-restaurant, hidden behind hedges next to the Hittorff fountain. Come fine weather, lunch or dinner under the century-old chestnut trees on the Champs-Elysées is a real treat. It’s probably the most beautiful terrace in Paris, set in an island of greenery, flowers and scents. Far from the noise, it’s like being in the countryside.

The legendary Laurent terrace / DR

Laurent
41 Avenue Gabriel,
75008 Paris
Tel : 01 42 25 00 39
www.le-laurent.com
[email protected]
Open every day except Saturday lunchtime and Sunday.
Pavillon menu (lunch or dinner): 95 euros (starter, main course, cheese, dessert – drinks not included)
Average a la carte price (based on starter, main course and dessert): 170 euros

Cette publication est également disponible en :