Located on a discreet street, between Saint-Michel and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Christine brings together everything one would expect from a culinary address: beauty, goodness and taste!
This restaurant, opened in 2004, hasn't aged a day. On the contrary, it exudes a sense of both novelty and timelessness thanks to the talent of chef Mehdi Bencheikh, who offers us an inventive, delicate, and masterful cuisine—a cuisine of inspired and inspiring products.
Regarding the interior design, the place was completely redesigned in 2021, using warm materials like velvet, in shades of green and ochre that create a cozy and elegant atmosphere inspired by Mediterranean addresses.
We opted for the five-course tasting menu, following the excellent advice of the restaurant manager, Thibaut Anger. Before our starters arrived, two lovely pieces of mushroom bread were brought to our table, accompanied by a coffee-mushroom infused butter. The flavors were subtle yet impactful; the combination of coffee and mushroom was a true delight.
Next came the first starters: red beetroot, tangy vinaigrette, tarragon sauce, barberry and pine nut, beautifully composed, full of color and delicacy, with surprising and perfectly mastered seasonings; then, corn espuma on toasted corn kernels, pumpkin and flax seeds… A smooth and comforting dish, perfect for gray autumn weather, accompanied by a glass of Sylvaner white wine (Alsace), a successful match with the different flavors tasted.
Next, we move on to the dishes: cod from Saint-Guénolé, pike roe, burnt leeks, dashi sauce, kombawa and ponzu gel, a sweet mix of tangy and smoky flavors, a real taste shock when the dashi sauce arrives in the mouth, accompanied by a glass of Monthelys white wine (Languedoc) with aromas of white fruits, pear and peach, a divine pairing.
Then came the second course, smoked chicken fillet, roasted parsnip, mustard gel, honey, lovage oil and supreme sauce – once again flawless, perfectly cooked, with original and balanced combinations. A delight.
Finally, for dessert, Inaya chocolate truffles, coconut gianduja praline, vanilla mascarpone, and coconut ice cream—light as a caress; the truffles, with their exquisite and pronounced flavor, are softened by the mascarpone and the coolness of the ice cream. A delicate and flavorful dish, a delight.
Here, we are dealing with "intelligent" dishes: each ingredient has its place and a crucial role to play in the balance of each dish prepared by the chef.
We seemed to see loyal customers who knew the place well, and we quickly understood why.
This lovely place could well become the new favorite haunt of everyone who enters it.
Melissa Burckel
Le Christine
1, rue Christine, Paris 6e
France paris