BysairaFOOD & DRINKSNovember, 2026

REFINED FRENCH BISTRO DINING AT MARGAUX PARIS

Margaux is an address worth knowing in Paris’s 16th arrondissement.

Paris’s 16th arrondissement is known for its grand Haussmannian architecture, the Trocadéro and, of course, some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower. Along Avenue de New York, overlooking the Seine and just steps from Place de l’Alma, Margaux is an address worth knowing for anyone looking to experience this side of Paris.

A beautiful antique wooden dresser displaying vintage china is one of the first things you notice at Margaux. Dark wood panelling, terracotta tiled floors and crisp white tablecloths create the feel of a traditional Parisian bistro, while framed photographs, old editions of Le Monde and subtle Art Deco touches add personality. The lighting is soft, the atmosphere intimate and the overall effect effortlessly cozy, without feeling too formal.

The menu takes its inspiration from the family recipes of restaurateur Michel Puech’s grandmother, Margaux, after whom the restaurant is named. The cooking remains firmly traditional, with seasonal ingredients and generous portions. From truffled eggs mayonnaise and onion soup topped with golden puff pastry to slow-cooked pot-au-feu and classic tarte Tatin, the menu is quintessentially French.

Paris seemed the right place to try frog legs for the first time. The cuisses de grenouille en persillade were delicate and mild in flavour, and we scooped up every last bit of the verdant green, herb-laden sauce with the homemade bread.

The escargots came prepared Burgundy-style, served in their shells with fragrant garlic and parsley butter. Not our usual order, but we were glad we tried them.

The gratin de ravioles de Royans aux champignons combined delicate pasta parcels with earthy mushrooms in a creamy, oven-baked gratin. Easily a dish we would return for.

We also ordered the beef bourguignon, with melt-in-your-mouth, slow-braised beef in a glossy, robust sauce, served with a side of mashed potatoes that made the perfect accompaniment.

We finished with the mousse au chocolat à la cuillère, a classic French chocolate mousse served by the spoonful. Light and airy, with an intense dark chocolate flavour and a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness. A simple dessert we haven’t stopped thinking about.

Margaux has all the charm of a traditional Parisian bistro, with refined French cooking and a warm, intimate atmosphere. It’s exactly the sort of place we love discovering when travelling, and one we’ll be returning to and recommending to friends.