Gentle flow

Sushi Park, 17th arr listings, Left Bank natural wine shops, Sophie Carbonari Skincare, Le Square Trousseau, Julhès, L’Auberge Sauvage, MORE

May 16, 2025

RESTAURANTS • First Word

Fashion plates

The Skinny: When Peter Park opened his sushiya in a quiet Los Angeles strip mall in 2006, collaborating with French fashion house Saint Laurent for a Paris restaurant couldn’t have been part of his long-term plan. But in 2022, after garnering the attention of Hollywood royalty (and the paparazzi that they come with), Park imported a pop-up of his restaurant to Paris during Fashion Week. It was his first time working with Saint Laurent, and a success. In February, Park opened a permanent, polished omakase outpost of Sushi Park on Rive Droite, in the basement of the Saint Honoré location of Saint Laurent, gifting the Parisian sushi scene another top-tier option.

The Vibe: French elegance meets Japanese-minimalism in a space that clearly connects fashion with high-end cuisine. An unassuming black door — not easy to find, around the corner from the store — leads diners to a rather dull corridor, at the end of which are stairs descending into a calm, softly lit bar area. Past it, an open dining room unfolds, flanked in the back by the open kitchen. Remi, the smooth maître d', attempts to touch every table at the beginning of the omakase experience. The staff wear casual-smart elegant black clothing with white accents, gliding around a room framed by brown wood panels and black dining tables anchored by leather banquettes. There’s no splash in the decor, just simple elegance.

The Food: Tuesday through Saturday, a meticulously crafted omakase is served for dinner (with no accommodations for dietary restrictions). We were served 11 courses of nigiri, preceded by a top-notch miso soup and edamame. Two pieces of nigiri were presented at a time, in crisp nori, featuring everything from sea bream to langoustine, akami and otoro, red mullet, brill, and amberjack. Some variety came via a well-seasoned oyster, an expertly cooked scallop in a pool of delicate ponzu, and a mini toro rice bowl topped with thinly sliced nori. A crab handroll was a last course for us, until we asked for one more thing and were presented with a flawlessly rolled toro temaki. Housemade mochi concludes the meal.

Custom plates and dishware were specifically designed for the project by Korean master ceramicist Daeyong Kim. Dinner in an omakase format only is 210 € for the regular 11- to 12-course experience, 260 € with the wagyu and caviar supplements (plus optional wine and sake pairings for 55/85 €). When lunch service arrives, as it soon will, the menu will start at 70 € with omakase options going for 110/160 € (plus wine and sake pairings for 45/75 €).

The Verdict: A stellar, intimate, and chic addition to the Paris sushi scene. –Andra Zeppelin

→ Sushi Park (1st arr) • 8 Rue du 29 Juillet • Tue 7-11p, Wed-Thu 7-1130p, Fri-Sat 7p-1230a • Book (required).

PARIS WORK & PLAY LINKS: Swimming in the Seine returning in July • Final stage of the Tour will include Montmartre climb • A local’s guide to life in the Haut-Marais • The new codes of smart-casual.

GOODS & SERVICES • The Nines

Natural wine shops, Left Bank

The Nines are FOUND's distilled lists of the best in Paris and surrounds. Additions or subtractions? Hit reply or email found@foundparis.com.

La Cave des Papilles (14th arr), pioneering natural wine institution, over two decades of history, situated on buzzy rue Daguerre
Les Flacons (5th arr), natural wine shop w/ small bar space, tapas just a few steps down from Sorbonne
In Natura Voluptas (13th arr), charming shop highlights responsibly made wine, spirits, and beers + tastings and masterclasses
Aux Vins Vivants (15th arr), one of four locations (plus a bar à vin) featuring over 800 natural and biodynamic wines
Les Petits Domaines (7th arr), thoughtfully curated natural wines, including cult favorites, not far from Eiffel Tower
Vivres (1st arr, above), half natural wine shop, half épicerie (fresh farmers’ market fruits and veggies included) not far from Montparnasse, open 7 days
Les Jajas de Juju (15th arr), vibrant addition to quiet neighborhood features more than 400 hidden gem natural wines
Cave Sophie Germain (14th arr), small, fierce shop named for famed French mathematician-philosopher, not far from Denfert-Rochereau hub
La P’tite Cave (13th arr), staple for well-priced, terroir-driven bottles sourced from small vignerons, on Boulevard de Port-Royal since 1999

REAL ESTATE • On the Market

Three notable properties for sale in the 17th arr:

→ Pied a terre (17th arr) • 2BR/2BA, 140 m2 apartment • Ask: 3.36M € • 4-floor duplex with double-height windows near Parc Monceau • Agent: Sébastein Andre, Daniel Feau.

→ Private mansion (17th arr) • 5BR/3BA, 500 m2 private mansion • Ask: 5.3M € • five stories built in 1880 with four separate apartments, steps from Parc Monceau • Agent: Baptiste Ofcard, Engel & Völkers.

→ Mansion with garden (17th arr, above) • 6BR/2BA, 144 m2 private townhouse • Ask: 6.3M € • built in 1900 with wine cellar and landscaped garden • Agent: Isaure Payenneville, Barnes.

WORK • Friday Routine

Face forward

SOPHIE CARBONARI • CEO • Sophie Carbonari Skincare
Neighborhood you live in: Oberkampf (11th arr)
Neighborhood you work in: Jardin du Palais Royal (1st arr)

It’s Friday afternoon. How are you rolling into the weekend?
I start my morning early with a meeting at artisanal coffee shop and roaster The Beans on Fire in the 11th. I take time to sit with my notebook, writing down thoughts, plans, and inspirations for the day ahead. From there, I walk toward the vibrant Marché d'Aligre, letting the energy of the market set a lively tone. I settle in at Chez Charlette, a welcoming café where I can work quietly while observing the gentle flow of Parisian life.

Lunch is at Le Square Trousseau, a beautiful place to enjoy a moment of calm in the middle of the city. In the afternoon, I take a break by the river — a necessary pause to recharge — and stop by Beaubourg or wander into a gallery in Le Marais to reconnect with art and fresh perspectives. As the week winds down, I love to cross the Jardin du Palais Royal on foot — it’s a moment to breathe. I usually head straight for a glass of wine at Verjus Bar à Vins, where I start planning the weekend with friends.

What’s on the agenda for today?
Each morning, I begin by refreshing my skin with a fine mist of Evian facial spray, awakening and hydrating my complexion. I follow this with a generous application of Rohto Mentholatum's Lotion Premium Hada Labo Gokujyun, a deeply moisturizing essence that preps my skin. Next, I smooth on The S Serum by Sophie Carbonari — a concentrated formula that brings an immediate glow and firmness to my face. To lock in moisture and nourish my skin, I massage in my own custom blend of precious oils, creating a spa-like moment that feels both restorative and indulgent.

Before heading out, I complete my routine with a layer of SPF 50+++ from Korean skincare brand Benton, to shield my skin from the sun. A sweep of mascara and a touch of Glossier highlighter add the perfect finishing touches, giving me a fresh, luminous look to carry into the day. After my morning routine, I head toward my studio near Palais Royal. It’s a little ritual: a first takeaway coffee at Caféinoman on Rue Saint-Maur, then another stop at Calibré on Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Once I reach the studio, I swap into work shoes and prepare to welcome my first client.

My studio is perched just above a design gallery on the Jardin du Palais Royal, surrounded by remarkable pieces of contemporary art. It's a setting that constantly inspires — a space where creativity and elegance meet. I'm a devoted admirer of Diptyque candles and Perfumer H fragrances, both of which subtly perfume the studio, adding layers of warmth and sophistication. The design of the space is intentionally minimal, allowing every object — and the surrounding garden — to breathe. The garden itself feels like a living sculpture, an ever-evolving creation that becomes part of the studio’s serene atmosphere. It’s a peaceful, contemplative context that grounds and elevates my daily work. My morning is starting off with a soin sur-mesure, a custom facial for one of my regulars, a Parisian actress who trusts me to refine and restore her glow.

Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
For lunch during the week, you’ll often find me at my go-to spots like Il Fico, Takara, and Cibus. After hours, dinner is a real treat: I love Jean-François Piège’s Le Grand Restaurant, Langosteria at Cheval Blanc Paris, and Caviar Kaspia. The weekend calls for neighborhood gems like L'Ami Pierre or Le Dauphin.

How about a little leisure or culture?
I always carve out time for culture. Some of my favorite escapes are Bourse de Commerce — Pinault Collection, Beaubourg, and the Musée d'Orsay — each offering their own kind of magic.

Any weekend getaways?
If I can sneak away, Champagne or the painters’ village of Barbizon (at the edge of the Fontainebleau forest) are my preferred destinations — both just close enough to feel like a proper escape, yet worlds away from Parisian pace. Most recently in Champagne, I ate at Au Carillon Gourmand and did a Champagne tasting at iconic maison Ruinard.

What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
Tickets to the Opéra Royal at Château de Versailles — it’s an unforgettable experience.

What store or service do you always recommend?
Julhès is an absolute must for anyone who loves beautiful, thoughtfully sourced products. I love picking up everything from cheese to dessert at the specialty food shop.

CULTURE & LEISURE • P.O.P.

Yannick Noah • Int’l Tennis Club de France (Bois de Boulogne, 16th arr) • Sat @ 23h • GA, 68 € per
Magma • Le Grand Rex (2nd arr) • Fri @ 20h • Carre Or, 96 € per
Marina Satti • Le Trianon (18th arr) • Fri @ 19h • balcony, 41 € per

GETAWAYS • Servon

Natural rhythms

Tucked away in the quiet village of Servon, just beyond the tidal reach of Mont Saint-Michel, L’Auberge Sauvage is a place where nature takes the lead. Chef Thomas Benady and host Jessica Schein have transformed a 16th-century stone presbytery into a serene retreat that feels more like home than hotel. Marcel the dog greets you upon arrival, and around 17h, you might run into their two young daughters enjoying a goûter in the dining room after school.

The experience begins in the garden, where wild herbs and edible flowers grow freely. This botanical abundance isn't merely decorative: it's the cornerstone of Thomas’s ever-evolving, vegetable-forward tasting menu. Dishes might include a tartlet of kohlrabi mousse topped with raw beet petals, or a hazelnut leaf still on its branch, spread with house-made praline. Each plate is a reflection of the surrounding terroir, with ingredients sourced from their own garden, local producers, and independent fishermen from Mont Saint-Michel Bay.

Everything is made in-house, from vinegars and ferments to jams served at breakfast. Jessica's role is equally vital, orchestrating the dining experience with warmth and grace. She also curates a selection of natural wines to complement the menu. The dining room, minimalist in design, features local ash wood furnishings and is adorned with dried herbs and wildflower bouquets.

Beyond the dining experience, L’Auberge Sauvage offers three guest rooms — poetically named Passiflore, Berce, and Mélisse — and a separate apartment. Each space reflects the same ethos as the rest of the inn: simplicity, comfort, and a deep respect for the local landscape. Slow down, savor the moment, and reconnect with the natural rhythms of life. –Victoire Loup

→ L’Auberge Sauvage (Servon) • 3 Place Saint-Martin • Reserve.

GETAWAYS LINKS: A visit to Martin-Pouret Artisan Vinegar Maker in the Loire • Anyone can shop at the Pope’s tailor in Rome • In Florence, Rocco Forte Hotel’s Hotel Savoy debuts new restaurants • New European hotels, spring 2025.

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