A floor-to-ceiling renovation by Claves Architecture paves the way for a cinematic design haven at Le Cornichon, also home to some of the finest fare amongst Paris's multitude of bar de quartiers. The space is cluttered with knick-knacks; there’s a retro pinball machine in one corner, an LED-lit reclining pickle-man (Le Cornichon’s logo and name) propped amidst the liquor and a love-letter filled postcard holder. The breakfasts and celery-topped Bloody Marys are epic, though it’s at midi that Le Cornichon gets its skates on: endive salad topped with parmesan hunks and croutons, pickles and coleslaw with a side of hake & chips and a raspberry, vanilla swirl whirl dessert that begins a sugar frenzy. 

Entrée, plat, disco is the Saturday formula; here, the midi menu becomes an à la carte sharing plate occasion for post supper servings. Corrugated iron wall mounts line the walls and ceilings, record covers become the artworks and a stainless steel reflective bar becomes the glaring centerpiece. Oak-wood tables become chock-a-block with plates as the remarkably friendly small kitchen whips up sardines marinated in a whisky broth, laden onto smoked-ricotta smothered toasts. The "cheese of the moment" is an evening must. 

Vantre in Paris is a neo-bistro where culinary creativity meets French tradition. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques, it's a dining experience that surprises through and through.

On those warmer Parisian nights, a perfect evening involves grabbing a sizzling, hot pizza slice from Sonny's and tucking into it overlooking the Canal St Martin. Though, sitting in and absorbing Sonny's electrically good vibes in the industrial, rectangular box of a restaurant is also never a bad solution. Dimly-lit lighting, great music and a constant waft of wood-fired pizzas await.