Paris | Why Septime Should Be on Every Food Lover’s Paris Itinerary
Dining in Paris feels like stepping into a fairytale where every dish tells a tale—sometimes of love, sometimes of butter. From charming sidewalk cafés to Michelin-starred havens, the city is a foodie’s playground. But among all the culinary gems, Septime shines as a bucket-list destination for anyone obsessed with innovative French cuisine. Tucked in the 11th arrondissement, this cozy-meets-chic hotspot has earned global fame for its seasonal creations, creative flair, and effortlessly cool vibes. And getting a reservation? Let’s just say it’s an Olympic-level sport. Even locals set alarms like it’s ticket release day for Taylor Swift.
Snagging a table at Septime requires strategy, persistence, and maybe a little caffeine. Reservations drop online three weeks in advance at 10 a.m. Paris time and vanish faster than the battery life of my iPhone. Armed with multiple alarms and a refreshed browser, I was ready to pounce. My dedication paid off, and victory never tasted so sweet.
If luck isn’t on your side the first time, don’t despair. There’s always a chance of a last-minute cancellation or a cozy spot at their wine bar, Septime La Cave, just around the corner. Whether you score a seat or not, one thing’s for sure: the thrill of the chase is as much a part of the experience as the meal itself. And at Septime, it’s a pursuit well worth savoring.
By the time you’re reading this, the menu at Septime has probably changed three to five times—because that’s just how they roll.
Septime is all about a seasonal, market-driven menu that puts fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients front and center. Chef Bertrand Grébaut is basically a magician, crafting dishes that walk the perfect line between simple and creative. The vibe? Contemporary French cuisine with a splash of global flair is often served as a tasting menu that’s always keeping you on your toes.
Expect vibrant veggie dishes that celebrate peak-season produce, seafood, and meat with flavor combos you didn’t know you needed, and desserts that are subtly sweet, letting the natural flavors shine. And yes, every plate looks like it belongs in a gallery. With textures, contrasts, and surprises in every bite, this is the kind of food that makes your taste buds want to send a thank-you note.
We all know the vibe can make or break a restaurant experience—because, let’s face it, bad lighting and awkward chairs are dealbreakers.
Septime nails the balance between rustic charm and modern chic. Think exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and a cozy ambiance that says, “Stay awhile,” without trying too hard. It’s casual yet polished, with just enough style to feel special but not so much that you’re afraid to drop your fork. The attention to detail is spot on—elevated, but never crossing into the territory of too fancy to relax. It’s basically a modern bistro with its cool factor dialed up to just the right level.
When you hear “Michelin Guide” or “World’s 50 Best Restaurants,” it’s easy to assume the service will be stiff and intimidating—the kind of place where you feel like you need a crash course in fine dining just to fit in.
Septime, however, flips that script entirely. Despite its Michelin-starred clout, the service is refreshingly unpretentious, adding to the relaxed yet effortlessly upscale vibe. Honestly, it was one of the highlights of the meal. Every dish came with a thoughtful explanation and the sommelier? Absolute legend. Maybe it’s because he was from the States, but his laid-back approach to wine and spot-on pairings made the experience feel personal and fun.
Toward the end of the meal, we got chatting about a few standout bottles I wanted to track down before heading home. Not only did he share all the details to help me find them in Paris, but he also hooked me up with tips to snag them back in Nashville. Talk about going above and beyond!
Septime delivers the ultimate Parisian dining experience, where innovation meets charm in every bite. It’s the perfect mix of haute cuisine and laid-back vibes, making it ideal for everything from celebrating big milestones to simply soaking up the city’s buzzing food scene. Whether you're a die-hard foodie or just curious to explore Paris' culinary magic, this spot ticks all the boxes.
Tariff: Tasting Menu €135, with wine pairing at €75. Feeling extra? Add the cheese course for €18. And whatever you do, don't skip the Aperitif! I went with a glass of Brut, and let’s just say—exquisite doesn’t even cover it.
Until Next Time!