“When I began designing La Fête, my goal was to bring the feeling of Paris—and all of France—to our corner of Birmingham,” Hall says. “I design by intuition, thinking about how guests interact with the wallpaper, pink marble, floral dishes, glassware, and menu. It all comes together to create a memorable, sensory experience.”
From the Parisian apartment–style interiors to the meticulous patisserie counter, La Fête embodies Hall’s love for detail. “Paris is about the little things—the sunlight on building curves, mismatched silver in wine bars, spaces that live new lives over and over—it’s endlessly inspiring.”
Hall brings the same spirit she uses to transform spaces into her approach to food and dining. Each of her favorite Paris cafés and restaurants embodies that same balance of history, energy, and joy.
Kristen Hall’s Paris List:
1. Le Bon Georges
A chalkboard menu of dishes rotates daily, reflecting Chef Loïc Lobet’s commitment to local, seasonal ingredients. The kitchen favors a traditional short menu, yet highlights like perfectly cooked steak and rich chocolate mousse make the visit unforgettable. The wine list, in contrast, is extensive and meticulously curated, guided by a sommelier to help you find the perfect pairing.
Make your reservation HERE.
2. Mokonuts
Weekday lunch reservations are a must, and tables often book weeks in advance at Mokonuts, which is only open for lunch service and private evening dinners. The café is helmed by the internationally trained and acclaimed duo Omar Koreitem and Moko Hirayama. Koreitem oversees the savory menu, bringing flavors from his Lebanese heritage, while Hirayama’s pastries elevate the petite space. Expect beloved cookie classics with surprising Japanese ingredients, adding a fresh twist to familiar flavors.
Make your reservation HERE.
3. Mamiche
Mamiche is a beloved neighborhood bakery in Paris with two locations. They serve a rotating selection of breads, buttery croissants, soft brioche, cream-filled chou pastries, seasonal treats, and classic French sandwiches. Their pastries are rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth, changing with the season, so be sure to try the specialties of the moment. For the full Parisian experience, enjoy your pastries at a nearby park, such as Square du Temple.
4. Frenchie Wine Bar
Frenchie Wine Bar sits across from chef Grégory Marchand’s 1‑Michelin‑starred restaurant, Frenchie, on Rue du Nil. Unlike the main restaurant, the wine bar is walk-in only, cozy, and relaxed, with small plates, excellent wine, and a lively neighborhood vibe. The space is intimate and often busy, making it perfect for sharing plates and soaking in the energy.
5. Dreamin Man
Dreamin’ Man is a tiny specialty coffee shop in Paris’s 11th arrondissement with a minimalist, cozy vibe. They serve expertly brewed coffee, including pour-overs, espresso, and seasonal drinks, alongside pastries like scones, fruit tarts, and Japanese-inspired treats. It’s perfect for a solo coffee boost or casual catch-ups.
6. Chez Aline
A street‑food favorite on Rue de la Roquette, known for top‑notch French sandwiches. The daily rotating menu features classics like jambon‑beurre, plus creative seasonal fillings on fresh baguettes. Casual and affordable, most sandwiches are made to order for takeaway, with a few counter spots if you want to linger.
7. Le Baratin
Run by Argentine chef Raquel Carena, Le Baratin serves personal, seasonal French cuisine that can be delicate or hearty. A daily chalkboard menu reflects market-fresh ingredients at restrained prices. Reservations are strongly recommended since the intimate space fills up quickly.
8. La Buvette
A cult wine bar and grocery in Paris’s 11th arrondissement, owned by Camille Fourmont. This rustic “cave à manger” pairs natural wines with simple, high-quality bites like charcuterie, cheeses, burrata, and oysters. Relaxed and friendly with a young local crowd; seating is limited, so cozy up at the bar. Open evenings Wed–Fri (5–10 PM), closed Sun–Mon; ideal for groups of four or fewer to sip and savor neighborhood vibes.
9. Early June
Early June is a small wine bar and restaurant near Canal Saint‑Martin, known for its warm, community-focused vibe. Founded in 2018 by Victor Vautier and Camille Machet, it hosts rotating guest chefs from around the world, offering a constantly evolving menu of creative, globally inspired dishes. The focus is on great food, natural wine, and enjoying the experience with friends in a relaxed, lively setting. Its name comes from the month the founders signed the lease, evoking the long, light-filled days of early summer.
10. Septime La Cave
Septime La Cave is the casual wine bar and shop from the team behind the Michelin-starred Septime. It focuses on natural, biodynamic, and small-producer wines, with rotating options by the glass or bottle, and knowledgeable staff to guide your choices. The bar also offers small plates like charcuterie, toasted bread, and simple seasonal bites that pair perfectly with the wine. First-come, first-served. Perfect for a relaxed aperitif or casual wine stop with friends.
Paris’s cafés, bistros, and patisseries offer more than just a taste; they are a full-on experience, the kind that inspires Kristen Hall’s approach at La Fête. Whether you’re after expertly crafted pastries, thoughtfully curated wine, or vibrant neighborhood dining, these spots capture the history, energy, and joy Hall loves about Paris. Follow her footsteps through the City of Light and discover the cafés, restaurants, and hidden gems that shaped her vision of French hospitality. Bisous!
