Went to Amalia for lunch a few days ago. This was my second Michelin starred restaurant in Paris after Septime last October, and I had a really, really good time.
I did the lunch tasting menu, Grand Amalia, 145 euros. From the first amuse bouche to the mignardises at the end, everything was just very solid. What I liked most is that the cooking takes real risks. Some combinations sound a bit crazy on paper, but they totally work. Nothing felt safe or boring.
A few dishes I absolutely loved. The spicy scallop with the green sauce was incredible, super punchy and fresh. The red mullet with beef bourguignon elements and a red wine sauce shouldn’t work, but somehow it really does, and it was one of my favorite courses. The wild duck with grapefruit and coffee sauce was also a standout, really well balanced and not heavy at all.
Desserts were great too. One of them was a goat cheese mousse with caramel and Dijon mustard. Again, sounds odd, but it was honestly delicious.
The open kitchen makes a big difference. Watching the whole team cook while you’re at the table is genuinely enjoyable, and it kind of clicks why the food is so good when you see how focused and precise everyone is.
I had two wines by the glass, one white and one red, and both pairings were spot on with the menu.
Service was excellent. Like, really excellent. I felt properly taken care of the whole time, without it ever feeling stiff or over the top. The sommelier and the servers were all great. At the end of the meal, I even had a short chat with the chef and his wife, who were both super nice, which was a very cool way to finish the lunch.
Overall, this feels like a very high level one star. Easily a place that could punch above its weight. I’d 100 percent recommend it, especially for lunch. The value for the experience is hard to beat.
by frenchboy82
1 Comment
I’ve been there twice now, and it’s just excellent. The food is delicious, and very refined, the service similarly great. 145 euros isn’t exactly cheap, but it felt like excellent value.