The Paris base of the gastronomical God made flesh Joël Robuchon, L’Atelier Saint-Germain reflects the Michelin mastery of a chef with more stars than any other. Raising a few eyebrows when it opened back in 2003, this red and black lacquered new breed is a stark departure from the white-tableclothed world of the classic restaurant Français—boldly pushing the boundaries of modern haute cuisine in the same way it boldly pushes the accepted notions of restaurant decor. Set up more like a tapas bar with high stools round a U-shaped bar, L’Atelier packs an oft-changing menu filled with traditional Robuchon specialties as well as more nouveau creations (caramelized quail stuffed with foie gras par example). It’s all so good that you’ll be pushing some limits of your own—that of acceptable behaviour, as you lick the last drops off your plate.

If you’re craving Italian, then head to Caffe dei Coippi, a tiny Italian style trattoria run by culinary couple Fabrizio and Fedrica Mancioppi, who left the glitz and glamour of le Plaza Athenee in order to open this little spot in the 11th arrondissement.

After choosing whether to sit at the bar sip wine and watch them cook, or to take a table—keeping your eyes peeled for celebs of the likes of Isabella Rossellini—you’ll find an array of authentic Italian dishes as well as a variety of wines from Chianti to the lesser-known Italian wines such as Vermentino, Negro Amaro, and Primitivo.

The menu remains seasonal and rustic. Be sure to try the red wine risotto, polpette (Italian flattened meatballs) or spring style Italian frittata. And no need to feel guilty about straying from French cuisine. After all, it was Catherine de Medici and her cooks who taught King Henry II’s court how to eat and eventually cook. Eating Italian may actually be the right thing to do in Paris.

Located in the heart of Paris, and next door to the town hall, Le Trumilou is a family owned cosy bistro restaurant serving up traditional French home-cooking. If you’re after something authentic, their menu really delivers.

Enjoy the beautiful view of the River Seine while tucking into the incredible duck in prune sauce, beefsteak with fries, lamb, soup, the works. Limited English is spoken here but the staff are friendly, polite and knowledgeable, and it’s a favorite with locals. Go hungry and leave happy.

Butter is to the French as olive oil is to the Italians. However, La tête dans les olives proves otherwise. Located on a funky street in the 10th arrondissement, you can get your fix of artisanal/hand-picked Sicilian olive oil as well as an array of other typical Italian fare. Owner and founder, Cedric Casanova, once a former tight rope walker, opened the store with the vision of a venue where both native Parisians and intrepid tourists can access authentic quality products.

The store also functions as a restaurant where customers can lunch or dine on plates of bresoala, ricotta salata, sundried tomatoes, anchovies, fresh tuna, and more. It is quintessentially Mediterranean in its feel and ethos, the perfect indulgence for those who long to grace the Italian Riviera or other culinary hot spots like Sicily this summer.