L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon

Still one of hottest gastronomic tickets in town, L'Atelier is designed around a bar enveloping an open kitchen. For the best seats in the house, sit at this bar on red stools and enjoy the gastronomic thrills of a kitchen that is well rehearsed in intricate, multi-layered plates that never miss a beat. For starters you might opt for creamy yellowtail tartare with avocado guacamole (Imperial caviar on top will be added for a small supplement), or there’s a classic foie gras terrine served with figs in season. Next, why not try the exceptional black cod, marinated in sake and mirin with miso sauce or Maine lobster spaghetti? Risotto is always beautiful, sweetbreads a speciality and which foodies would argue with slow cooked pigeon, foie gras and the ne plus ultra of mashed potatoes? For the full unreconstructed coup de gras, finish with les fromages or le chocolat. Lunchtime set menus are always outstanding value. The wine list a thing of beauty, though not for the impecunious.