Derriere is a fairly unique restaurant concept in the heart of Paris. It offers its guests the qualities of a gourmet restaurant dinner with the comfort and warmth of eating in a traditional Parisian home. The basic idea behind this concept was to make guests feel as though they are welcomed into a friend’s house – a concept that has recently become more and more popular amongst Parisian restaurants, bars and even clubs.

Starting with the site of the venue, Derriere is located in the 3rd district of Paris amongst numerous area bars and restaurants. Its name (derriere = behind) originates from its exact location, which is right behind 404 Restaurant and the Andy Wahloo cocktail bar on la rue des Gravilliers. As you walk on, hidden in a rather exclusive spot on the street, Derriere appears as a surprise offering amongst the options of Le Marrais.

What distinguishes this restaurant is its atmosphere, which again provides its focal point. With the decor of a French baroque house, Derriere is equipped with numerous little touches that make the visitor feel as if they are having a family dinner, or one amongst friends – so that they feel comfortable behaving likewise. Little wooden chairs, messy bookshelves loaded with huge piles of books, an old ‘baignoire’, a bed placed in the middle of the room, a ping-pong table and lots of other objects add that little something to make Derriere feel like home.

Upon their arrival, restaurant guests are welcomed by the staff and are asked to choose their seating according to their mood. Guests choose between sitting in the traditional yet cozy dining room, playing ping-pong in the homey salon, watching a film in the designated ‘movie’ area or having a cocktail with their friends in the boudoir.

The venue also offers a quieter area upstairs, which functions as a bedroom, and guests can go there to relax.

What one should not forget to mention is Derriere’s famous ‘secret room’. This refers to a delicately discrete fumoir (smoking room). With its entrance door looking like an old baroque wardrobe no one expects that opening it will lead you to a private room where smoking is allowed ‘off-the record’.

Regarding the cuisine and menu options offered by Derriere, it could be said that the proposals are more or less similar to most hype restaurants of its genre, offering the typical ‘revised’ French cuisine. What is rather interesting is the menu itself. Derriere has commissioned the design and graphics of the menus from Ich&Kar, also responsible for the graphic design of the famous Momo in London.

The menus are printed in thick paper illustrating vintage images such as the ones shown, whereas each dish carried in the menu is accompanied by its dictionary definition.

Regarding drink choices, being a French restaurant Derriere offers a large variety of wines, and cocktails and champagne are also available upon request.

Derriere is open for lunch weekdays from 12.00 to 2.30 and for dinner all week except Monday from 20.00 to midnight. As we all seek warmth and comfort, it is better to book at least five days in advance…

So secretly  Chic!

Joelle's Tips:

The Restaurant: Derriere 69, rue des Gravilliers 75003 Paris + 33 1 44 61 91 95 info@derriere-resto.com

Photo Courtesy: Andrea Ferrari and Owen Franken

Production: Studio Pepe Milan

Source: Via Yatzer

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