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Simay Demirel
Paris-based freelance wholesale expert and curator of @whereiwouldliketoread and @wiwltr___reads. Born in Turkey, Simay has been living in Paris for nearly a decade.
Culinary focus: Classic bistros, Asian fusion restaurants, cool wine bars, & coffee shops.
If she only had 3 meals in Paris: Brasserie Lipp, Lao Siam, Cheval d’Or
Holly Liss Jammet
L.A.-based CEO and founder of social media agency Enlisst, who formerly ran social media at Theory, Goop, and The Infatuation.
Culinary focus: Splurge-worthy meals, French classics, & neo-bistros.
If she only had 3 meals in Paris: Can’t pick just 3 so here are 5! Le Doyenné: An hour outside the city and the most incredible farm to table meal, on their actual farm. Subtle genius in every bite. Folderol: This place IS the perfect pairing, ice cream and natural wine. Chez Georges: My favorite classic French bistro, all the hits well executed in a space that feels like home. Le Clarence: Bucket-list worthy meal, if you're looking for a fancy fine dining experience in a historical space off of the Champs-Élysées. Clamato: The first stop on every trip. Truly, the best seafood and, when you're finished, go to Tapisserie Patisserie down the block for the most perfect choux.
Monica Mendal
U.S.-born, Paris-based fashion editor–turned–travel writer with a knack for knowing the best new openings, and great hotels in nearly every destination.
Culinary focus: Parisian institutions, exciting new openings, & casual, everyday spots.
If she only had 3 meals in Paris: The copper tasting menu at Cheval d’Or, the house gnocchi with sage butter and a perfect glass of wine at Parcelles, and, of course, steak at Chez Georges!
Anna Polonsky
Paris-born, New York–based creative director who’s worked on some of our favorite cool culinary projects, from Fini Pizza in New York to Le Doyenné just outside of Paris.
Culinary focus: Old-school classics, local patisseries, & cool wine bars.
If she only had 3 meals in Paris: Morning pastries at Sébastien Gaudard, lunch at Chez Georges, dinner at Le Dauphin
Mélanie Masarin
L.A.- and Paris-based French tastemaker and the founder of Ghia, a non-alcoholic apéritif inspired by the Mediterranean.
Culinary focus: Local haunts, intimate dinner spots, & classic bakeries and bistros.
If she only had 3 meals in Paris: Cheval d'Or: It's this cozy, effortlessly cool spot with French-Chinese food—you'll want to try everything. Trust me and get the mapo tortellini! Chez Georges: A classic for good reason! It's been open for decades, and is still my favorite meal and my first stop when I get to Paris. Le Rigmarole: There's nothing like a long lunch at this incredible tasting menu spot. Everything is cooked on coals by the owner, who also owns my fave natural wine and ice cream spot, Folderol. It's a couple blocks away, and where I usually walk to for dessert!
Léa Julian
French fashion model who also runs Leotta Studio, a media relations agency focused on curating events and special dinners.
Culinary focus: The coolest spots in town, bistros for wine and small plates.
If she only had 3 meals in Paris: Everything about Cheval d’Or is perfect. I also love the pizzettes at Café du Coin—sharing pizza and wine with friends there is just perfection. For a gourmet pizza experience, I head to Le Rigmarole, there’s simply no better pizza in Paris. I’m adding a bonus 4th pick! Tomo is my go-to for afternoon matcha, mochi, and Japanese cheesecake.
Sam Youkilis
New York-born, Italy-based photographer and filmmaker who is an expert on authentic, local spots, many of which are the subject of his captivating photographs and videos.
Culinary focus: Hidden gems, classic brasseries and bistros.
If he only had 3 meals in Paris: Paul Bert for steak frites, Ozlem for doner or adana kebab tucked inside lavash with a grilled chili, and Brutos for Sunday roast chicken.
Rocky Xu
L.A.-based creative and founder of Rocky’s Matcha, who has worked for Nike, Converse, Beats By Dre, & more.
Culinary focus: Authentic Asian restaurants, casual coffee and sandwich shops.
If he only had 3 meals in Paris: Coffee, matcha, and pastries at Dreamin Man, everything on the menu at Lao Siam, lunch at Racines, where I would again order one of everything.
Paris Starn
NYC-based pastry artist and chef, who got married in her husband's hometown of Paris in summer 2024, and spends time there annually visiting his family.
Culinary focus: Lesser-known gems, classic bistros, must-try croissant and crepe spots.
If she only had 3 meals in Paris: Boulangerie Polka for perfect baked goods. Everything is amazing, from the sourdoughs and baguettes to the light, flakey croissants and pain au chocolat. Also worth trying their almond croissant and creamy custardy flan Parisienne. Caractère de Cochon for a classic, simple baguette sandwich. First you pick your pork—we usually go the saucisson route but the Jambon de Paris is delicious as well—then butter or cheese (in our case, both), and then something pickled (I always get artichokes, my husband does cornichons). Lastly, Chez l’Ami Louis for a classic brasserie with comically large dishes. Everything we’ve had here is delicious: veau a la creme, steak, chicken, escargot, any specials of the evening—and be sure to get both the frites and the Pommes Anna. It is very expensive, and thus we reserve it for special occasions only, like our wedding dinner.
Charlotte Forsyth
British photographer, foodie, and co-founder of Hands, a London-based agency curating dinners and food-based events for brands.
Culinary focus: Boulangeries, coffee shops, & a curated list of can’t-miss restaurants.
If she only had 3 meals in Paris: Chez Georges, Cheval d’Or, Le Doyenné
Débora Rosa
Portuguese stylist and brand consultant who is based in Lisbon but makes frequent visits to the French capital for Fashion Week.
Culinary focus: Casual-cool lunch spots, trendy dinner restaurants, & stylish cafes.
If she only had 3 meals in Paris: Crudo at Vivant 2, onagi don and temaki shiso at Onii-San, more crudo at 19 Saint Roch
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