The story
In the lively 9th arrondissement, Benjamin Schmitt Restaurant is a personal project years in the making. After honing his craft in the kitchens of Le Meurice, Taillevent, and L’Oiseau Blanc at the Peninsula, chef Benjamin Schmitt opened his first restaurant to write a new chapter. The result is a place that pays tribute to French terroir, letting the land speak through both the food and the wine.
The restaurant’s atmosphere shifts with the day. At lunch, natural light fills the dining room. In the evening, softer lighting sets a more intimate tone. It’s a warm, welcoming space that puts the focus squarely on the plate and the glass.
Chef Schmitt’s cooking is resolutely gourmet. Every dish comes with a sauce — for him, the essential link that ties a plate together. Ingredients are sourced from small producers around Paris and across France. The menu honours tradition while also presenting dishes with a more modern edge. This is modern cuisine rooted in respect for classic technique and the best of the French terroir.
It is rare for a chef to build his own wine list, but Benjamin Schmitt did just that. A passionate oenophile, he travels to meet vignerons, especially in the Rhône Valley, his home region. The cellar holds over 900 references, ranging from old vintages to rare finds, with options for every budget. This dedication earned the restaurant a Michelin Recommended distinction, a nod to the quality and care found throughout the experience.
For a more immersive evening, the chef’s table sits right in the heart of the wine cellar. It accommodates groups of 6 to 10 guests, with a bespoke menu starting at 85€ per person (excluding drinks). It is a rare chance to dine surrounded by the bottles that define the restaurant’s soul.
Recognition
Ambience
Location