Let me tell you about a restaurant in Paris, where the food is inventive, delicious, and truly some of the best you will ever enjoy. And while the food is the star of the show, Au Passage will also have you feeling a vibrant and welcoming coziness as if you were at your best friend’s house for a dinner party that you’ll talk about for years to come. I first dined at Au Passage in 2016 by myself and had such a memorable experience that I still talk about it to this day. And here I was 10 years later, dining at Au Passage Paris once again, but this time I was with Lisa! Keep reading to hear all about the Au Passage, one of the best neo-bistro restaurants in Paris.
For me it was a full circle moment, and yet again- the experience was one that I won’t soon forget.
Au Passage, Past and Present
10 years ago, I walked into this restaurant, my first solo dining experience in Paris, and had the most memorable, and delicious experience. And while I did not remember what the restaurant looked like, the feeling was exactly the same. Vibrant, warm, and welcoming. And with each dish that came out, it became clear once again that the focus of Au Passage is serving an experience. Where the food and the flavors shine the brightest, and the ambience is perfectly imperfect in every way.
In need of tips on how to dine alone? Read my » 16 Tips for Solo travel (table for one please)
As I looked around the room, I couldn’t help but wonder how many people had been there before? There was a friendliness in the room, and the longer we were there it became more clear that the staff of Au Passage was the reason we felt right at home.
Immaculate Vibes and Inventive Dishes: Best Restaurants in Paris
Au Passage is the kind of restaurant that I crave. Where I can be myself, relax, and ask the staff for details about the food. The menu at Au Passage is made for sharing, and they present a mix of classic dishes with a twist along with completely inventive dishes that Lisa and I are still talking about two weeks later.
Wine + Oysters at Au Passage Paris
We started with a glass of wine and the oysters. The first was one of my favorite dishes of this trip to Paris. An oyster with Citron Caviar and Green Chartruse. It had a layer of flavors that didn’t come out all at once, but instead they were slowly introduced to my palate. Worth the wait!
The second Oyster was Lisa’s favorite of the two. Very creamy and rich with an earthy flavor thanks to the pollen that had Lisa and I discussing natural remedies and pronunciation differences between Dutch and English.
A truly special and surprising Dish: The Sea Urchin
A dish that equally intrigued me as much as it scared me, but after encouragement from the staff, which I needed! We decided to give it a try. And I am so glad we did! Lisa and I LOVED the sea urchin. Prepared along with eel and mussel juice, the dish had a mild flavor and was quite decadent. To compliment the fish- a bit of herb and a delicate spiciness on the back of my tongue, which was immediately softened by the creaminess. And the presentation? Incredible. Please see Lisa’s photograph below.
Flaky, Decadent, and Declicious
The potatoes were to die for! Flaky crunchy yet soft a buttery with truffles that made it so sinfully delicious. The creme was oh so fresh and a lovely compliment to the creamy potatoes. I loved this dish for its play on textures. Paired with a glass of red wine and the ambiance of Au Passage it was the ultimate comfort food.
Au Passage 2016: My first Solo Dining Experiece in Paris
Before I tell you about our next dish, I must take you back to 2016. It was my first solo trip to Paris, and my friend had highly recommended Au Passage which was already about 5 years old. The restaurant was packed, so I made my way to the bar in hopes that I could find a glass of rosé and if I was lucky, a seat for dinner.
After getting the bartender’s attention, I gave him my best attempt at ordering a glass of wine in French, and before I knew what was happening, he was clearing a spot for me at the corner of the bar and finding me a stool. This act of kindness continues to be my favorite story to tell of all of my solo travels. You never know who you’ll meet, but more importantly who will offer to help you- whether it’s a grand gesture or a simple act of kindness.
♥ Want to read more of my Paris dining stories? Read my guide: Where to eat and drink in Paris
Simple Acts on Kindness
And as I sat at the bar and sipped my glass of rosé while talking to the French American couple who was speaking their own version of Franglish, I thought about how lucky I was to have found a helper, and this fantastic restaurant.
The food at Au Passage back then was also incredible, and introduced me to what I like to call “New Paris” Cuisine. French techniques paired with inventive flavors and fresh and sustainable ingredients. And the ambiance? Well let’s just say that while the food feels like it should be served on a white table cloth, my favorite “new Paris” restaurants embrace a more casual and effortless style.
Au Passage 2026
Lisa and I were lucky enough to spend time with one of the owners of Au Passage Paris- Audrey. And what a delight she was! And as we talked about Au Passage over a glass of Pinot Noir, she spoke of her love of the staff, the history of Au Passage, and the first restaurants to introduce this groundbreaking Neo Bistro style to Paris.
She also spoke so warmly of the elite roster of Chefs who have orchestrated the menus of Au Passage over the last 15 years. Including the current Chef, Minwoo Lee, who beautifully weaved his own Korean heritage into the menu.
This influence came through most notably in the tartare de boeuf. I loved the balance of flavors! The Gochujang brought a smokey spice to the dish. The pine nuts lent a lovely crunch and the creme tied it all together. I of course enjoyed it with the bread served on the table. And if you’ve been reading about my adventures through France in the last 10 years you know how I feel about French Bread. Chef’s kiss!
What is the Neo-bistro movement in Paris?
The Neo bistro movement in Paris can be quickly defined as modern, innovative, and in my opinion quite fancy food in a setting that is casual and completely approachable.
The Perfect dish for Springtime in Paris: The Green Asparagus
After the tartare, the staff brought out the green asparagus. These were easily the most beautiful, perfectly cooked asparagus I have ever had. Not only were they an impressive size – some would say gigantic- but they were unbelievably fresh. Served with creamy stracciatella with hints of citrus, wild garlic and the delicate kiss of anchovy, this dish tasted exactly like spring. And one of the many highlights of our meal.
From there we dove in to the smokey spiciness of the Lamb Skewers, and ended our evening with the Chocolate Black Sesame cake. Such a beautiful presentation and along with my glass of pinot noir it was a stunning finale to our meal.
Inspired + Intimate Dining: Best Restaurants in Paris
The flavors at Au Passage Paris left me giddy! Each bite had my analyzing the flavors and the inspiration behind them, and paired with the wine, atmosphere and the company? I am fairly certain that I floated all the way back to our hotel.
Au Passage delivers an intimate, warm ambience, and a menu that will make you want to dine with them for every occasion. With friends, on a date, for the most special occasions, or even solo as I did back in 2016.
Chicago Lisa & Dutch Lisa
When it comes to my love of Au Passage, don’t just take a positive recommendation from me. I just so happen to have another very close friend named Lisa who lives in Chicago, and when I told her that I went back to Au Passage she immediately shared her own love of the restaurant.
Lisa noted how kind everyone at Au Passage was to her and her husband Pat, and what a wonderful dining experience they had. That made me smile. Now the only thing that could make this story any better would be if one day I was able to dine with Chicago Lisa AND Dutch Lisa at Au Passage in Paris! Now that would be fun.
Au Passage Paris | On the move
It was such a dream to be back at Au Passage Paris after so many years, and after sharing my story with Audrey, it became quite clear that my story was just another example of the genuine warmth and joy that everyone feels when they arrive. Au Passage is a place that people come back to. And for the times you arrive alone, you may just leave having made new friends like I did.
Lisa and I would like to thank Audrey, the staff, and of course the chef for such an incredible meal and experience. I look forward to visiting again very soon, and I promise to not let another 10 years go by.
Want to read more about Paris, and my best tips for meeting new people while you are traveling. Click here to read about my favorite way to spend 48 hours in Paris.
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Meet Julie Anne, our enthusiastic writer who believes every day is an opportunity to learn and grow. Passionate about local food, wine, fashion, and history, she dives into each city’s culture to bring you authentic, inspiring stories. She started writing in 2020 for Dutchbloggeronthemove. When not traveling, Julie Anne teaches music in Chicago, IL, and advocates for students with special needs. Stay tuned for her unique insights and adventures!
