Depending on which side you enter Palais Royal, reminders of its aristocratic past are slowly giving way to a more retail aesthetic of Marc Jacob stores as well as Rick Owens. But at the far end of the Palais complex is an undying remnant of its gilded past, the Le Grand Vefour, perhaps one of France's most esteemed eateries located in a gilded dining room that's hosted Napoleon and Josephine, Duke and Duchess of Windsor and Catherine Deneuve. Inside, magnificent 19th century design remains polished and tailored with neoclassical mirrors with gold leaf details, marble statues, ornate silk rugs and royal red upholstered banquettes ready for their Queen.
The Food
With the popularity of Palais Royal as a shopping center in recent year, the lunch crowd of Le Grand Vefour has morphed into a scene of post-Stella McCartney shopping fashionistas that squabble over cocktails and entrée salads. A culinary Mecca, come dinnertime a more serious crowd of savvy foodies arrives for the “Breton lobster with green apple jus, grilled turbot and artichokes with pineapple-sage infused oil, and green pea ice-cream” of this grand Relais & Chateaux food pilgrimage. Visitors should keep in mind that the restaurant is only open lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, closed for dinner on Friday and closed all day on Saturday and Sunday.
Last Word
Open for lunch and dinner, chef Guy Martin continues to be a top culinary draw despite being downgraded to just 2-Star Michelin in 2008.
