There is no shortage of memorable dining experiences in Paris, and this Michelin-starred brasserie is one of them. On a recent vacation, I squeezed in a leisurely lunch with my mother at 114 Faubourg, located inside the 100-year-old hotel, Le Bristol Paris.

From the moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere set the tone. The autumn-toned interiors balance elegance and warmth such as plush purple seats, bold floral wall paintings highlighted by precision spotlighting, and a glow that feels refined without being formal. It is unmistakably Parisian, yet relaxed enough to invite diners to slow down.

As soon as we were seated, I noticed the table linens that were embroidered with “114 Faubourg.” Our water was served in a Be WTR Aqtiv+ carafe, a filtered and locally purified system that subtly reveals the restaurant’s understated sustainability efforts. Fresh orange juice arrived in a double-walled glass bottle, and even the biodegradable straws are made from sugarcane. Complimentary warm sacristain—puff pastry that are long, thin, and twisted—along with toasted sourdough slices, and a slab of soft butter sprinkled with rock salt were also served.

Led by Chef Vincent Schmit, with menus developed with Le Bristol Paris executive chef Arnaud Faye, the cuisine stays true to classic French brasserie cooking, elevated by seasonal ingredients and focused technique. An open kitchen at the basement or lower level allows diners a glimpse of the calm precision behind each plate.

For starters, we had their mesclun salad and crisp lettuce hearts, parmesan shavings, and black truffle. We were also served cured ham sliced in front of us, along with seasoned mashed tomatoes. The staff suggested pairing both with the house sourdough, a combination that delighted our taste buds from the very first bite.

I chose the degustation menu, which began with a truffled Jerusalem artichoke velvety soup, paired with celeriac (turnip-root celery), hazelnut, and parsley sauce. For me, the hazelnut is the most delightful addition, a surprising crunch to this frothy soup. This was followed by Breton lobster ravioli in a rich bisque, with an unexpected candied fennel and lemon twist.

One of the highlights was the roasted scallops with horseradish butter, served in a delicate bone marrow “pot-au-feu” broth. Light yet comforting, it felt restorative. For the main course, we were impressed by the tenderness of the roasted farmhouse poultry. The glazed skin delivered a satisfying crunch against the juicy meat, served with a vegetable-and-fruit casserole and finished with verjuice—pressed from unripe green grapes—as a gentler alternative to vinegar or lemon.

The meal concluded with a pavlova of kiwi, tarragon, and aloe vera, offering a light, palate-cleansing closure to the richness of the earlier courses.

My mother opted for the farmhouse pork chop, which was juicy and succulent. Served with cabbage, ginger, preserved lemon, chanterelle mushrooms, and a classic charcutière sauce, it’s generously portioned for diners to share a few slices with friends.

Dessert was shared: a chocolate soufflé with cognac ice cream, followed by complimentary macarons and chocolates. One piece, made with aromatic toasted rice, stood out so much that we asked about it. The staff gladly escorted us to the chocolate shop on the ground floor, turning the end of the meal into an unexpected discovery. Naturally, we brought home a few boxes of handcrafted chocolates.

Before leaving, we were given a tour of the hotel’s ground floor, including its serene garden and the lively café. Our lunch at 114 Faubourg felt like an introduction to the world of Le Bristol Paris, leaving us eager to return and explore more.