Welcome to Nectar. Nectar is a creative bistronomy restaurant in Paris’s 9th arrondissement, set inside the boutique Hotel Maison Mere. Where fine dining meets a chic, playful and very stylish space to reveal a creative take on bistronomy that invites you to relax and enjoy yourself. Located in the 9th arr of Paris, Nectar is a restaurant that embraces creativity in the culinary arts. From their lunch menu, to a noteworthy and quite affordable tasting menu in Paris that deserves your attention. Nectar also has a rather thought provoking and unique drink menu that showcases mixology at its best. Keep reading to hear about my delicious dinner at Nectar with Lisa, and the craft cocktails we started with that were indeed a taste of spring.
My 10th trip to Paris
This was my 10th trip to Paris! There are so many unique corners of Paris that keep me coming back again and again. I always find new and beautiful things each time I visit, and I am always on the lookout for the best restaurants in Paris. And while many of my trips to Paris are solo, for this trip I met Lisa Vermeer- the founder of Dutchbloggeronthemove. We planned this trip for two reasons. #1, to expand our Paris Hotel and Restaurant Portfolio, and #2 to celebrate my birthday. It was quite the celebration!
Nectar by Maison Mere: A creative tasting menu in Paris
Lisa and I had a reservation for Nectar on a rainy Wednesday evening in Paris. Nectar by Maison Mere is a restaurant located in the 9th arr of Paris and inside of Hotel Maison Mere. We sat down and were pleasantly surprised to find a note welcoming us to Nectar. Lisa and I had just spent a couple days staying at Hotel Maison Mere, and the staff was so kind and welcoming to us every single day! This lovely note was just another sweet gesture that made us feel right at home.
Day to Night: From breakfast to bistronomy in Paris
While we stayed at Hotel Maison Mere, every morning we had breakfast in this very same room that we currently sat in to dine at Nectar. And after just two days, this room had become my beloved breakfast nook. Yet somehow here with the lights down low, the room took on a completely different mood. It really goes to show what mood lighting, cocktails, and a carefully curated playlist can do to change the feeling of a room. It went from sunny and chic to moody style with an artistic vibe.
Nectar: An Affordable Tasting Menu in Paris
Nectar has 2 tasting menu options. We opted for the “Pollen” Menu which was described as having around 3 major acts. And I must agree with the choice of words. Because as our journey at Nectar began, it was very much like a springtime symphony of flavors where each course was a different movement with many interludes in between. I honestly lost count of how many delicious things they brought to our table.
Creative Mixology in the 9th arr.
Our experience began with a cocktail. The cocktail menu was quite unusual- in the very best way. It was written more like a journal- which I loved. “The Alchemist’s notes” explained each cocktail and its flavors through a drawing and a story, where the author discussed the inspiration behind the cocktail and flavors. I also enjoyed the periodic table twist on how the ingredients to every cocktail were presented.
The Alchemist’s Stories: Mixology at Nectar by Maison Mere
I chose the Marsiho cocktail which was described as Kalamata olive and thyme infused gin, fennel, and bitter orange shrub, Pastis, herb-infused honey syrup, white vermouth, and saline mist. It was the perfect way to awaken my taste buds, and just like the Alchemist’s story, I too pictured myself day dreaming under an olive tree.
Lisa chose the Teosinte cocktail, which was described as Tequila fat-washed with corn, mezcal, grilled corn shrub, lime, and chipotle pepper syrup. The cocktails were beautifully presented and of course Lisa and I tried each others as well. The menu was too interesting not to!
Creative Bistronomy in an eclectic and stylish space
I had become quite fond of the light pink couch in the dining room, and as I sipped my Marsiho cocktail I became quite enraptured with the pink hue of the chandelier over Lisa’s shoulder in the next room. And behind me? The work of local artists on display. I love a space that makes you think, and just like our room at Maison Mere, the details throughout the dining room at Nectar were eclectic, beautiful, and quite chic.
A delightful Journey of the Senses: Affordable tasting menu in Paris
And so began the journey of the senses at Nectar by Maison Mere. Served along with the cocktails were the Amuse Bouche. A trio of delightful bites for each of us that showcased different flavors and textures. From fresh apple to a creamy foie gras, each bite was just as unique as our cocktails.
And served alongside the amuse bouche was the caviar- which if you ever doubt whether you should order caviar, let me give you some advice. Caviar is always a good idea! It will make you swoon and oh so satisfied.
We continued to sip our cocktails, and chat about the flavors we’d tasted so far. I adore a dining experience that makes my tastebuds pay attention. And just like gorgeous fanfare – I was officially excited and on the edge of my seat waiting to see what the next course would bring.
The next Movement: Bistronomy at Nectar by Maison Mere
For our next movement of flavor, a stunning flower of buttery amberjack and radish and beets. What a lovely crunch. The artistry was apparent in both taste and presentation. Served alongside a Cocktail of beetroot, I loved the bold colors of this pairing and the freshness of the dish.
I also must give special recognition to the bread at Nectar by Maison Mere. As someone who cannot eat bread in the US- I CAN eat bread in Europe. So when in Paris? I pay extra special attention to the bread. When our waitress Amanda set this adorable mini loaf on the table, I was intrigued. And I am very happy to report that not only was it as delicious as it was beautiful, but it was the best bread I had on this trip to Paris. Bravo!
The drink pairing: wine and cocktails at Nectar
Before our next course, it was time to switch over to wine. Lisa and I chose to have a drink pairing along with our dinner, and I’m so glad that we did! And while we chose wine and cocktails, Nectar by Maison Mere also has non-alcoholic drink offerings.
The Main Course + Wine Pairing
For me, a glass of White. I ordered the Meagre, a whitefish with watercress, broccoletti, and smoked butter sabayon and it was perfectly fresh with the perfect buttery flavor and consistency that had me savoring every bite.
For Lisa, a glass of Red. She ordered the Duck with scorzonera, juniper, and Chinon wine reduction. The duck was just beautiful and the presentation really set the stage for what was to come. It was the perfect ratio of fat to meat. The Flavor and jus- a delight.
A memorable culinary experience: Affordable tasting menus in Paris
We swirled our wine- so impressed by what we had enjoyed so far. And the staff was so friendly and kind. It truly amazes me how many talented and skilled people were behind the scenes, crafting such a memorable culinary experience.
The next dish to appear on our table was a sweet interlude, and very on brand. A cup of ice cream adorned with a honeycomb. It was perfect.
The Finale at Nectar by Maison Mere: The Dessert
For the finale, I loved my rare citrus and sweet potato pie, And Nectar continued to wow us with the presentation of the creams and sauces. There is something so satisfying about watching a beautiful sauce complete a dish. Or in Lisa’s case- a cream that was dolloped on her comice pear dessert. It just looked so decadent! And as I sit here and look back at the video my mouth is watering all over again.
The encore: limoncello and macarons
But just like any great concert, there was an encore to our culinary journey at Nectar at Maison Mere. Amanda brought us a glass of Limoncello along with a few more sweet treats and macarons. Lisa and I then raised our glass to Paris, Springtime, our friendship and a delicious meal!
On the move: Nectar by Maison Mere
Nectar truly does take you down a creative path where each of your senses will be stimulated in the very best way. And my favorite part about Nectar is that the experience was truly one of a kind. I am always on the lookout for a great affordable and bistronomic tasting menu in Paris. And from the menu, to the way the cocktails are described in the Alchemist’s journal, Nectar knows exactly who they are. So what are you waiting for! I recommend Nectar by Maison Mere for their tasting menu, along with their cocktails and wine selection. I can’t wait to come back to be delighted by their culinary artwork all over again.
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 ways to spend in this city, and follow along on Instagram.
- Au Passage: Best Restaurants in Paris
- Hotel Maison Mere Paris, France
- Hotel Balzac Paris Champs-Élysées: Luxurious escape with Eiffel Tower Views
- Art & culture hotspots in Paris
- 48 Hours in Paris | Guide Hidden Gems
- Where to Eat and Drink in Paris
Lisa and I dined at Nectar as part of our editorial visit hosted by Maison Mere. All opinions are our own.
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!
