Lafayette’s Paris: Where to Be for the Scene

There are restaurants you go to for the food, and there are restaurants you go to for the scene. Lafayette’s, tucked into the Marquis de Lafayette’s former private mansion on Rue d’Anjou, firmly belongs to the second category. And deservedly so, it makes no apologies for it. If you want to have a guaranteed glamorous night out in Paris, 99.99% of the time Lafayette’s will deliver.

Atmosphere

This is the reason to book a table. The 18th-century mansion once belonged to the Marquis Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette. With that many names, you know he was important and had a home worthy of MTV Cribs. But in all seriousness, Marquis de Lafayette was a hero of the American Revolution and a central figure of the French Revolution. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s credited with drafting France’s first Declaration of Rights. When the home came up for sale, the Moma Group, along with architect Lazaro Violan, restored the space with real reverence for that history. Lafayette’s restaurant in Paris in a word, is stunning.

While the space is a showstopper, what I like about Lafayette’s is how grand and intimate it is at the same time. The bar becomes a place to gather for pre-dinner drinks, then a place to mingle post. Where Lafayette’s is described as stunning, the crowd is described as glamorous. This is where to people-watch and the room layouts give you prime view of who’s in the house.

There’s also a private wine cellar downstairs, for anyone looking to disappear entirely. But traverse those stairs at your own risk; in my three inch heels, it qualified as life-endangering to scale down. With all the coin they put into the restoration, the staircase should have been the first enhancement. But knowing landmarked buildings, there’s probably a reason why the stairs to the essential bathroom are a danger to the well-heeled (literally) crowd. But regardless, Lafayette’s scene is a vibe. Chic, historic, and unmistakably Parisian — this is a room built for a proper night out.

Food + Beverage

The kitchen is led by Mory Sacko, a Michelin-starred chef known for weaving multicultural influence into classic French technique. There are moments where that ambition comes through. But on the whole, the food here plays a supporting role to the impressive room. It’s almost unfair, as the atmosphere sets such a high bar. But to be positive, I would say that the food at Lafayette’s is a touch better than sister restaurant, Laperouse. It caters more to the trends as a newer restaurant than Laperouse, which has been around since the 1700s. Think chicken nuggets with caviar and caviar pasta, which doesn’t get many objections from the crowd. Lafayette’s restaurant in Paris is French food that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Maybe the one exception is the onion soup, which is topped with puff pastry in lieu of traditional cheese. It’s a highlight of the menu, and pretty presentation. Similar to the Crepes Suzette flambeed tableside, Lafayette’s restaurant in Paris is all about the presentation of the food — which is good enough to guarantee a return visit for the scene.

Service

The service at Lafayette’s is relatively attentive and polished, in keeping with the grandeur of the setting. Servers have the modern French approach; little attitude and less judgment. Yes, your wine glass or cocktail may be empty at times, but there’s enough entertainment to keep you occupied in the scene. One thing to note is when the check comes, they give you options to add on 15-25%, American-style, to the check. Maybe it’s because I’m American, but my French friends were completely insulted.

Overall: 7.7/10

If you’re into scene, Lafayette’s is a place to spend an evening in Paris. It’s a restaurant where history, design, and atmosphere do most of the heavy lifting. The food is competent, well-executed, and entirely beside the point. Come for the mansion, the bar, and the crowd. Don’t come expecting a meal you’ll be thinking about the next day.

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FAQs

Q: Where is Lafayette’s Paris located?

A: Lafayette’s Paris is located at 8 Rue d’Anjou, in the 8th arrondissement, near the Élysée Palace.

Q: What are the hours of operation of Lafayette’s Paris?

A: The hours of operation of Lafayette’s Paris are as follows:

Q: What is Lafayette’s Paris known for?

A: Lafayette’s Paris is know for its gorgeous setting. The restaurant is set in a restored 18th-century Paris mansion. It was formerly the home  of the Marquis de La Fayette. Lafayette’s Paris is the place for  its scene – both the mansion as well as the people-watching.

Q: Who is the chef at Lafayette’s Paris?

A: The chef at Lafayette’s Paris is Michelin-starred chef Mory Sacko who oversees the kitchen.

Q: Is Lafayette’s Paris good for a special occasion?

A: Lafayette’s Paris is perfect for a special occasion. The atmosphere and history make it a memorable choice for a celebratory dinner or a glamorous night out.