Les Bains

There’s no need to feel any nostalgia for the cocaine and sequin years at this famous ‘70s spot. Denis Montel, an extremely clever interior designer, got his feet wet to revamp the restaurant/bar of the Les Bains hotel: the legendary black and white checkered floors spreads out their pixelated patterns, the walls are covered in orange fabric, the ceiling becomes a fluid and brilliant shade of burgundy that flows in organic columns around a vast ceramic bar… There’s no doubt about it, this is a classy spot. And the bar can hold its own: from the bitterness of the Artichoked (€18) made with artichoke-infused gin, Cap Corse Mattei vermouth and Cynar bitters; to the acidity of the Magic Number (€18) composed of Waqar pisco, Choya Yuzu liqueur, Quinta Do Noval port, homemade lemon tonic and lime… In total, the menu includes 24 creations, amongst which there are a few virgin elixirs (€12), like the Red Fruit Lemonade (homemade raspberry/rhubarb/rosebud tonic, lemon juice, lemonade). And for a bite to eat? Vegetable samosas (€13), miniature burgers (€16), etc. // A.B.