Le George*
Lunch: three courses, €80 (£70)
Follow the scent of Jeff Leatham’s fresh blooms to an even more profuse sensorial experience at Le George tucked inside the palatial Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris. Shortly after Chef Simone Zanoni took over the reins in 2016, the elegant eatery was awarded a Michelin star, followed by a Green Star recognising environmental responsibility. Growing seasonal produce in his own vegetable garden, Zanoni masterfully controls the ultra-freshness of his produce, shaping his recipes. Revel in his loved-by-all Tortelli alla Carbonara, a refined version of a Roman classic, either during the 3-course lunch or the more elaborate dinner, with selections fit for a gourmand. His veal chop Milanese with truffled mashed potatoes is also not to miss. End the feast with a light semifreddo full of fresh herbs picked from the chef’s garden. Since you can’t hone your cooking chops in Zanoni’s kitchen, crack open one of his cookbooks and try his recipes at home.
Address: 31 Avenue George-V, 75008 Paris, France
Website: fourseasons.com
Automne*
Lunch: €75 (£65)
Dinner: five courses, €110 (£96)
What appears to be a modest French right-bank bistro quickly transforms into a gastronomic gem with the first bite of Japanese chef Nobuyuki Akishige’s cuisine. Opened in 2017 and awarded a Michelin star in 2019, this talented chef, who mastered the art of French cooking by working alongside chefs like Patrick Henriroux and Arnaud Donckele, infuses his courses with Japanese subtlety and precision. The main product is the focus, and Akishige takes every care not to alter its essence, only to enhance it. The 100% French menu might include white asparagus from the Loire Valley with corn and sorrel, followed by monkfish tail with new potatoes and rockfish consommé, depending on the season and the mood. Peek into the open kitchen for a glimpse of the chef and his team at work, while his wife, Saeko, serves every course with a smile.