In the lively 9th arrondissement of Paris, Benjamin Schmitt Restaurant is the debut solo venture of a chef who honed his craft in some of the capital's most prestigious kitchens, including Le Meurice, Taillevent and L'Oiseau Blanc at the Peninsula hotel. Here, he channels that experience into a personal style of cooking rooted firmly in French terroir, celebrating small producers from the Paris region and beyond.

The menu is built around generous, sauce-driven dishes that pay tribute to classic technique while leaving room for more contemporary touches. Just as remarkable is the wine list, a rare passion project hand-crafted by the chef himself, featuring over 900 references gathered through direct relationships with winemakers, particularly in his native Rhône Valley, spanning old vintages, rare bottles and excellent finds at every price point.

The dining room shifts mood with the time of day, filled with natural light at lunch and softened by warm, intimate lighting in the evening. For special occasions, groups of six to ten can reserve the Chef's Table set within the heart of the wine cellar, enjoying a tailor-made menu starting at 85€ per person. Open Tuesday to Saturday, this is a restaurant well worth seeking out for anyone wanting thoughtful French cooking paired with an exceptional cellar.