The 8th arrondissement in Paris is one of those neighborhoods where you can walk around and see fancy buildings everywhere. Epicure sits inside Le Bristol Paris on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré,which is basically the spot for high-end shopping and luxury hotels. The restaurant has held three Michelin stars since 2009. Chef Arnaud Faye took over as Executive Chef in April 2024 and brought a new approach focused on vegetables and seasonal ingredients.

Key highlights:

- Three Michelin stars since 2009 with new leadership from Chef Arnaud Faye - Elegant dining room with garden courtyard views in a historic palace hotel - Contemporary French cuisine emphasizing plant-based seasonal ingredients

PROFILE

Epicure opened its doors as the main dining restaurant at Le Bristol Paris. The restaurant earned its three Michelin stars back in 2009 and kept them ever since. Chef Arnaud Faye became Executive Chef in 2024 after working in different regions of France. He oversees all culinary operations at Le Bristol including room service and the other restaurants. The chef holds the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France which is a big deal in French cooking. His cooking style puts vegetables first and treats meat and fish as supporting ingredients. Faye works closely with local producers and changes the menu multiple times per year based on what is in season.

AMBIENCE

The dining room at Epicure has a pretty elegant vibe with views of the courtyard garden. The space feels luxurious without being too over the top. Big windows let in natural light during lunch service. The room has classic French design elements but nothing too flashy. Tables are spaced out enough so you are not listening to other people's conversations. The overall atmosphere is calm and refined. Staff wear traditional uniforms and the dress code asks guests to wear elegant clothing. Jackets are recommended but not required for men.

MUST-TRY

The signature dish that people talk about is the whole chicken cooked inside a cow's bladder. This is called poulet en vessie and it is a traditional French technique that keeps the chicken super moist. The dish gets prepared tableside which makes it feel special. The macaroni stuffed with black truffle, artichoke,and foie gras is another popular choice. It comes gratinéed with aged parmesan on top. People also mention the blue lobster dish as one of the standout items on the menu. The dessert selection is extensive and comes out in multiple courses. The vanilla dessert gets mentioned in reviews as a surprise that the kitchen sends out.

FOOD

The tasting menu at Epicure runs about eight courses and showcases seasonal ingredients. Vegetables take center stage in most dishes with proteins playing a supporting role. Everything gets plated in a refined way without being too complicated. The caviar course and langoustine plates get mentioned frequently in reviews as memorable dishes. Bread gets made in-house from scratch in their own mill and ovens. They also have a dedicated chocolate room for dessert prep. Portions are generous for a fine dining restaurant and people often say they feel full by the end of the meal. The kitchen avoids gimmicky presentations and sticks to classic French techniques with modern updates.

SERVICE

The staff at Epicure runs a tight operation with lots of attention to detail. The ratio of servers to guests is pretty high so someone is always nearby if you need something. Service feels formal but not stuffy. Servers know the menu inside and out and can explain each dish in detail. The sommelier provides wine recommendations that pair well with the food. Tours of the kitchen areas including the bread room and chocolate room are sometimes offered to guests. Staff handles special requests like dietary restrictions without making a fuss. Mistakes are rare but when they happen the team apologizes and fixes things quickly.

PRICING

Epicure is expensive even by Parisian standards. The tasting menu costs over 100 euros per person and that is before wine pairings. Lunch service tends to be slightly less expensive than dinner but it is still a splurge. Wine pairings add a significant amount to the bill. The sommelier can recommend options at different price points if you ask. Despite the high prices most reviews say the quality justifies the cost. You are paying for three Michelin star food and service at a palace hotel. Budget at least a few hundred euros per person for the full experience with wine.

SUMMARY

Epicure delivers the kind of meal you expect from a three Michelin star restaurant in Paris. The food quality is consistently high and the service team knows what they are doing. Chef Arnaud Faye's focus on vegetables brings something fresh to classic French cuisine. The setting at Le Bristol adds to the experience with its elegant dining room and garden views. It is definitely expensive but people leave feeling like they got their money's worth. This is the type of place you visit for special occasions or when you want to experience top-level French dining. If you are serious about food and have the budget this restaurant should be on your list. Just make reservations well in advance because tables fill up fast.

FAQs

What is the dress code at Epicure?

The restaurant requires elegant attire for all guests. Men are highly encouraged to wear jackets though it is not mandatory. Casual clothing like jeans or sneakers would be out of place here.

Does Epicure accommodate dietary restrictions?

The kitchen can modify dishes for allergies and dietary needs. You should mention any restrictions when making your reservation so the team can prepare. The staff handles these requests professionally without making guests feel like they are causing trouble.

How far in advance should I book a table?

Reservations should be made several weeks or even months ahead especially for weekend dinner service. Lunch slots on weekdays might be easier to secure. The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday so plan accordingly.