Distinguished by the passion of its owners, the Plaza Athénée is perfect in every detail. And what a base it is; especially when Jean Imbert is in charge of the food. His restaurant won its first Michelin star within nine weeks of opening. But grand food, grand chef, grand reputation? The combination could spell an exercise in pretentious disaster. Yet what is remarkable about Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée is that it rises serenely above these pratfalls. The most lavish option is the turbot. Garnished à la Dieppoise, expertly de-boned, beautifully studded with shells and drizzled with just the right amount of a buttery sauce, it’s worth a trip on its own.
With such delights to be discovered within, it is of little surprise that the Plaza Athénée has been the undisputed toast of the town this week. So here’s to the enduring glamour of Paris – and the Plaza, its reigning queen.
Strike a pose: The gilded halls of the Plaza (as captured in Tatler’s December 2022 issue) were once again abuzz with the drama of fashion week
Luc Braquet
Fond farewell: Walking out the revolving doors of the Plaza is always the hardest goodbye. Pictured, an image taken from the February 2024 issue of Tatler
Luc Braquet