All year round, Parisian food journalists roam the streets of the capital searching for new gems ready to delight your taste buds. This Tuesday, April 21, 2026 was a chance for the Time Out team to reward the best of the best in the food scene in Paris. On the agenda, 14 awards, including the award for best lunch spot, best pizza, best snack, best cocktail bar, and of course, the one we’re really interested in, the best restaurant. So, who took home the gold medal?
A true taste journey
Last autumn, on Rue Rodier, restaurateur and sommelier Jonathan Caron (L’Innocence) and chef Manogeran Shasitharan, known as Jack, launched Mantra. A vibrant place, with a cuisine inspired by the Malaysian roots of the chef.
Very quickly, this gourmet restaurant has made a name for itself on the Parisian scene, even snagging the ultimate prize last night: the title of best restaurant 2026.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Behind this victory lies a tasting menu of about ten courses, inspired by the chef, featuring striking dishes that draw from both South Asian flavors and the craftsmanship and precision of French cuisine. These wildly creative dishes offer a direct escape to Kuala Lumpur, perfectly paired with carefully selected wines chosen from the list curated by Jonathan Caron.
A Restaurant at its Peak
To enhance the experience, this tasting is offered in a room with an enchanting ambiance.
Black tea, where the sumptuous green marble counters only add to the dim light of the room, bringing us back to what truly matters: the colors and flavors of the plates. All of this with a view of the open kitchen, immersing us in the sounds and scents. The result is a true culinary journey into the chef’s childhood memories in Malaysia, executed with a star-worthy finesse. In short, a reward more than deserved.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Address: 17 Claude Rodier Street, 75009 Paris, France