Walk out of the Charles de Gaulle – Étoile metro station, turn toward the Avenue de la Grande Armée, and you’ll find yourself staring at something that feels very "Old Paris" yet somehow entirely fresh. That’s Les Jardins du Presbourg. It sits right on the corner, a stone's throw from the Arc de Triomphe, and honestly, if you aren't looking for it, you might mistake it for just another upscale brasserie. But it’s not. It’s a Beaumarly property—that’s the Gilbert and Thierry Costes empire—and if you know anything about Parisian dining, you know the Costes name means specific things: high design, a certain "see and be seen" vibe, and interiors that cost more than most people's apartments.
The Design Fever Dream of Martin Brudnizki
Most people visit for the food, but they stay—and take a thousand photos—because of Martin Brudnizki. He’s the interior designer who basically reimagined what a modern Parisian "garden" should look like indoors. Forget dusty ferns. We’re talking about gold leaf on the ceiling that mimics the movement of the sun. The palette is all sunset hues—pinks, yellows, and deep oranges. It feels like you're sitting inside a giant, expensive piece of jewelry.
The lighting is low. The velvet is thick. It’s the kind of place where the furniture feels like it’s hugging you, which is great because you’re probably going to be there for a while.
The layout is intentional. It flows from a bright, airy terrace vibe into a more intimate, sultry bar area. Brudnizki’s work here is a masterclass in maximalism that doesn't feel cluttered. It’s opulent. It’s a bit much. It’s perfectly Paris.
What’s Actually on the Menu at Les Jardins du Presbourg?
Let’s be real: sometimes these ultra-stylish spots slack on the kitchen side. You've probably experienced it—a beautiful plate of food that tastes like cardboard. Thankfully, that’s not really the case here. The menu is "Cuisine Bourgeoise" with a modern kick. It’s fancy, sure, but it’s recognizable.
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You’ll find the classics. Snails in garlic butter (Escargots de Bourgogne) are a staple. They do a Vitello Tonnato that is surprisingly light for such a rich dish. But the real star for many is the Truffle Rigatoni. It’s decadent. It’s creamy. It’s exactly what you want to eat when you’re surrounded by gold leaf.
The Breakdown of Dishes
The Starters: The Tuna Tartare with avocado is a crowd favorite for a reason. It’s fresh, which balances out the heavier mains. If you’re feeling more traditional, the Foie Gras is served with a seasonal chutney that cuts through the fat perfectly.
Main Courses: Aside from the pasta, the Sole Meunière is prepared with a level of precision you’d expect at this price point. They also serve a classic Cheeseburger—because even in the 16th arrondissement, people want a burger—but this one is elevated with high-quality beef and served with those thin, crispy fries that are impossible to stop eating.
The Sweet Stuff: You cannot leave without trying the Mille-feuille. It’s huge. It’s crispy. It’s messy. The vanilla cream is flecked with actual bean, not that fake extract stuff. It’s the kind of dessert you tell yourself you’ll share but then end up eating 80% of.
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The Atmosphere: Expectation vs. Reality
If you’re looking for a quiet, library-style dinner where you can whisper about your 401k, this isn't it. Les Jardins du Presbourg has energy. By 9:00 PM, the music turns up. The crowd is a mix of well-dressed locals, international travelers who did their TikTok research, and the occasional fashion week regular. It’s loud. It’s buzzy.
The service is "Parisian." What does that mean? It means it’s professional, fast, and maybe a little cool. Don't expect the over-the-top "customer is king" bubbly attitude you get in the States. They are efficient. They know the wine list. They will get you your drink, but they won't ask you how your day was every five minutes. Personally, I prefer it that way.
The terrace is one of the best spots near the Arc de Triomphe for people-watching. Even in the colder months, they have heaters that actually work. Sitting there with a glass of Rosé while the traffic circles the Étoile is a vibe you can't really replicate elsewhere.
Is It Worth the Price Tag?
Let’s talk numbers. Paris is expensive. The 16th arrondissement is very expensive. You are paying for the location. You are paying for the Brudnizki design. You are paying for the brand.
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A dinner for two with wine and dessert will easily clear 200 to 300 Euros. Is the food "300 Euros good" on its own? Maybe not in a vacuum. But when you factor in the atmosphere, the decor, and the sheer "I’m in Paris" feeling of the place, it starts to make sense. It’s a destination.
Who is this for?
- Couples on a date: The lighting is incredibly flattering. Everyone looks 20% more attractive in this restaurant.
- Celebration groups: If you're celebrating a birthday or a promotion, the energy here is celebratory by default.
- Design nerds: If you follow architectural digest, you need to see the ceiling in person.
Who should skip it?
- Budget travelers: If you’re counting every Euro, there are plenty of incredible bistros in the 11th or 10th arrondissements that offer better food-to-price ratios.
- Solitude seekers: It gets crowded. Tables are relatively close together. You will hear your neighbor's conversation.
The Logistics: How to Actually Get a Table
Don't just show up. Especially not on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night. You’ll be standing on the sidewalk feeling awkward while people with reservations breeze past you.
The easiest way is their online booking system. Book at least a week in advance if you want a prime dinner slot (around 8:30 PM). If you're okay with an early dinner or a late lunch, you have more flexibility.
Pro tip: If you want the best photos of the interior without a hundred people in the background, go for breakfast or a very late lunch. The light coming through the windows in the afternoon is spectacular, and the "sunset" colors of the room really pop.
The Final Verdict on Les Jardins du Presbourg
It’s easy to be cynical about "trendy" restaurants. It’s easy to say they are all style and no substance. But Les Jardins du Presbourg manages to bridge the gap. It provides a genuine sensory experience. Between the scent of the kitchen, the feel of the velvet, and the visual feast of the gold-leaf ceiling, it hits all the marks of luxury dining without feeling stuffy or boring.
It isn't a "hidden gem." It's a shiny, loud, beautiful diamond sitting right in the middle of one of the busiest parts of the city.
Practical Next Steps for Your Visit
- Book through the official website: Use the Beaumarly portal to ensure your reservation is confirmed. Avoid third-party booking sites that might not sync correctly with their system.
- Check the dress code: While they won't kick you out for wearing sneakers (as long as they're nice ones), this is a "dress up" kind of place. Lean into the Parisian chic look—think blazers, silk, or a sharp button-down.
- Order the Rigatoni: Even if you think you aren't a "pasta person," just do it. It’s the signature for a reason.
- Plan your arrival: If you’re taking an Uber or G7, tell them to drop you at the corner of Rue de Presbourg and Avenue de la Grande Armée. Traffic at the Arc de Triomphe is legendary, so give yourself an extra 15 minutes of travel time so you don't lose your table.
- Explore the neighborhood: After dinner, walk the two minutes to the Arc de Triomphe. Seeing it lit up at night after a heavy meal is the perfect way to end the evening.