JAJA

Comfortable and private, Jaja's luminous space is a mix of historic architecture, atelier, and modernity tucked into hidden Marais courtyard. In this Parisian courtyard-inspired space, the attentive staff waits on guests murmuring quietly over beautifully plated dishes.

The extensive wine list, featuring organic and natural wines from all over France, is curated personally by the general manager, Balthazar.

They also have an excellent "emporter" program where you can take any bottle to-go for 40% off the menu price. A fantastic deal if you fall in love with a vintage while at the restaurant.

Like walking into a friend's home, the ease of comfort is palatable to everyone as I watched guests arrive and a smile spread across each person's face.

What Makes This Place Special

The restaurant is a perfect fit for solo travelers, as there are many small tables and spaces to tuck yourself into and watch the scene unfold before you. You can even privatize the beautiful vaulted room in the basement, where up to 25 people can share large oak tables, to have evenings with friends, or celebrate a birthday or host an event.

The chic bistro cuisine of Eduardo Gonzalez oscillates between revisted classics, inventive new dishes, and all of the plates are generous and creative. The restaurant remains as close as possible to the ultra-fresh organic and artisanal products that arrive daily for suggestions according to the seasons.

The langoustine, which I can never seem to cook properly, was literally melt-in-your-mouth buttery, juicy, absolute perfection. I enjoyed a glass of white from the Loire, balanced and floral.

My creamy, ricotta aubergine was topped with herbacious greens bursting with flavor and a hint of tangy mustard. Balthazar paired this dish with an acidic white from Portugal.

And the pavlova featured a mind-blowing strawberry sorbet flavor bomb – I wish I could have taken a pint of that home! Sweet but the essence of summer.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Address:
  3 rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie
  75004 Paris

• Website: https://jaja-resto.com/

• Hours:

  • Monday to Saturday: 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.

  • Sunday: 12:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m.

• Reservation needed? Yes, online booking available.

• Menu online? Yes

• Vegetarian options? Yes

• Pet Friendly? Yes

• Family Friendly? Yes