VIBE

Forget fancy-schmancy Gallic gilding–despite its behind-the-Louvre locale, this neo-colonial restaurant and bar oozes classic Anglophone clubbiness. In the sunny front room, a heavy oak bar (originally from a Chicago speakeasy, no less) is ringed with savvy young professionals saddling up for stiff drinks, while back in the library, trendy diners lounge in wing chairs and survey the handsome collection of oil paintings and 6,000+ leather-bound volumes. Swedish chef Henrick Andersson has whipped up an eclectic menu of international classics (think meal-sized salads and hearty sandwiches) that consistently earns plaudits, though most of the scenesters who pack in seem more interested in the skillfully crafted drinks.

CROWD

A well-traveled (and partially English-speaking) crowd of young professionals and hipsters.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

On the trendy side of upscale casual; we’d go with sexy designer jeans, heels, and a funky top.

GO HERE WITH

Trendy friends; a date

WHY WE LIKE IT

The food is delish, the cocktails are potent, and the New York-meets-London vibes are cool. In the summer, we come for people watching on the sidewalk patio, while in the winter we like to snuggle with a hot toddy and a warming meal in the library. When we want to avoid the crowds (like when we’re on a date), we come for the weekend champagne brunch.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

It can get really crowded, especially on weekend evenings.

GOOD TO KNOW

This is a great place to come for a leisurely morning coffee, since there’s free Wi-Fi and a selection of international newspapers and magazines available. If you can, avoid the tables near the busy door.

CLOSEST COMPS

Campanile (Los Angeles); Great Queen Street (London)

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