The Lutetia in Paris Reopens Famous Brasserie With Chef Gérald Passedat

After an ambitious, four-year renovation, the Lutetia made a splash when it reopened last summer in Paris. Architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte transformed the legendary landmark; the idea was to reclaim the hotel’s status as a happening hot spot on the Left Bank. The bar has been buzzing, but we’ve been waiting for the famous brasserie to open its doors. And now it’s back… with one of France’s top chefs at the helm. The Brasserie Lutetia is the first Paris restaurant for Gérald Passedat of the three Michelin-starred Le Petit Nice in Marseille. He is importing his fish-focused, Mediterranean style from the south of France.

Seafood has always been an important element at the heart of the Parisian brasserie experience, and chef Passedat is taking it up a notch with a new “Sea Bar” concept. Seated at the bar— inspired by Japanese Kaiseki counters and the Grand Central Oyster Bar in New York— diners can try fresh seafood like oysters with an aloe vera, cucumber and horseradish condiment; sardines on toast; and candied langoustine. In the dining room, the Mediterranean menu is just as exciting. Think fristo misto, octopus fisherman's pie, and sea bream flambéed with pastis. (Of course it’s not just seafood served here; you’ll also find beef tenderloin, foie gras, and other French classics.)

The redesign has returned the brasserie to its original 1910 layout: a two-level space with hand-painted columns. There’s also a private dining suite, and outdoor tables on the terrace. The Brasserie Lutetia is open every day from 12 noon to 10:45pm (last order). The Lutetia is part of luxury hotel group The Set, whose portfolio also includes Hotel Café Royal in London and Conservatorium in Amsterdam.

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