Kei

Paris, France

If you're after French fine dining in a cosy 25-cover spot in the 1st Arrondissement, tucked away behind the Louvre, look no further. Kei Kobayashi left his home country of Japan in 1999, setting off on a gastronomic tour of France, perfecting his knowledge of the different techniques and terroirs around the country. He has trained with some of the best, including Gilles Goujon at L'Auberge du Vieux Puits and Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athénée. When he opened his own place in 2011, his admirers followed, as did the accolades. The grand salle is as sophisticated as the cooking, designed to make you think of haute couture or jewellery maisons, all soft grey seating, glass walls and polished marble. Kei's French methodology, sprinkled with a little Japanese precision, have kept the fans loyal: the tasting menus might include salmon with a sorrel cream; shrimp quenelles in mushroom broth; Scottish blue lobster claw in kadaif noodles; seared veal chop and aubergine caviar; and the chef's signature Garden Salad which is layered with multiple tastes and textures.

Key Information

• Tasting menu from $338
• Lunch: Fri – Sat Dinner: Tues – Sat
• +33 1 42 33 14 74
• Visit Kei's Website

Location

5 Rue Coq Héron, 1st arrondissement, Paris, 75001 Paris