The most fervent readers of the Bonbon surely know that here, we are enthusiasts of everything related to Italian culture. Experts in Italian restaurants, we have expanded our horizons, without forgetting our favorite addresses. Oh yes, and just for you: we're giving you the chance to win a weekend in Italy in Turin (the birthplace of the famous Italian Lavazza cafes), including flights and hotel! All you have to do is try your luck at the bottom of the article.
Epoca, the place where we talk with our hands
Endorsed by food lovers and well-known among Italians living in Paris, Epoca is a spot that hits the spot. We recommend finishing the meal with a sweet and original touch, with a dessert based on Affogato al Caffé Lavazza - a hazelnut ice cream drowned in a Lavazza espresso. You'll definitely love it.
Little Nonna, to discover Italy in a healthy way
Gluten-free enthusiasts, make a stop at Little Nonna to discover authentic and original recipes, made with organic ingredients, and homemade - pasta (goat cheese-honey gnocchi, bolognese with "Lady and the Tramp" style meatballs, lobster linguine or bottarga linguine), generous salads and antipasti. Don't miss out on tasting the Nonnargherita (gluten-free Margherita at an unbeatable price of €10), the Il bello il brutto (four cheese) or the Truffisima (truffle-infused), always gluten-free.
12, avenue Niel – 17th arrondissement
La Libreria, for crossing literary borders
In recent years, the Rue du Faubourg-Poissonnière has been infused with the Italian peninsula, including La Libreria. Its owner is almost transalpine: she spent fifteen years of her life there. You can find both French and Italian books there, and the bookseller gives excellent advice.
89, rue du Faubourg-Poissonnière – 9e
Pozzetto, the meeting place for food lovers
One of the few spots in Paris where you can drink real Italian caffè (and gelato). With its quest for the perfect balance between quantity, pressure, water temperature, and coffee molding (which determines the final quality of the infusion), Pozzetto is undoubtedly the ideal place to sip on a black coffee while devouring your newly purchased book a little higher up... Feeling a little hungry? In addition to the artisanal ice cream (made on-site with fresh milk and seasonal fruits), taste the specialties from Piedmont, such as gianduiotti (small artisan chocolates) and other spreadable creams.Made with hazelnut or Gianduia.
Italian Cultural Institute
Photo exhibitions, tributes to various Italian artists, language courses and other cultural resources: the Italian Cultural Institute offers everything you need if you want to immerse yourself in the Latin world.
The very arty Artcurial Café
Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the Champs-Élysées, Artcurial Café (a trattoria by the eponymous auction house) offers a hidden gem, celebrating Italian bristronomy that effortlessly balances tradition and modernity. Don't miss out on trying the Enrico's Vitello Tonnato, one of the best in Paris, the Truffle Egg Cocotte, or the Raviolis Plin with Three "Mamma Lidia" Sauces. Before you leave, make sure to explore the exhibition rooms of the mansion and browse through the specialized art bookstore dedicated to 20th-century art.
7, roundabout of the Champs-Élysées-Marcel-Dassault - 8th
La Tour de Babel, a must-visit
It's THE Italian bookstore in Paris: La Tour de Babel has been welcoming since 1984 all those interested in Italy, its language, and its culture, right in the center.
The Jacquemart-André Museum to Discover Hidden Gems
Museums within the museum, the three rooms dedicated to Italy (the sculpture room, the Florentine room, the Venetian room), which were initiated by the André couple, have served various purposes. They were once a reception area, then served as a workshop, and eventually, the Florentine room was transformed into a chapel to finally exhibit the masterpieces of Italian artists.
158, Boulevard Haussmann – 8th arrondissement
Borgo Delle Tovaglie, our latest gem
The concept store made in Italy, Borgo Delle Tovaglie, unveils for the Indian summer its restaurant's patio, hidden from prying eyes but certainly not from the sun. Decoration, gifts, gastronomy, wines... it is impossible not to fall head over heels for one of the products offered by this little treasure. It is impossible not to be completely enchanted by the grandeur and charm of the place, an old workshop of 700 square meters.
4, rue du Grand-Prieuré – 11th arrondissement
Ma'Lucia to take all your friends
Whether it's for a change of scenery during a meal, a brunch (all-you-can-eat for €20) or a typical Italian aperitivo (offered from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm), Ma'Lucia has its doors wide open to delight the entire neighborhood. Buona giornata! as Lucia would say to passersby.