Cover The Eiffel Tower is a sight to behold, but there’s so much more to explore. Declan Chan’s favourite Paris hotels and restaurants are feasts for the senses. (Photo: Raw Pixel / Freepik)
The Eiffel Tower is a sight to behold, but there’s so much more to explore. Declan Chan’s favourite Paris hotels and restaurants are feasts for the senses. (Photo: Raw Pixel / Freepik)
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From rooftop bars to hidden gems, Declan Chan reveals the Paris hotels and dining venues that capture the city’s youthful, stylish spirit
In a city celebrated for its gastronomy and hotel scene, finding the right restaurants and accommodations can involve sifting through an endless list of options. Enter Declan Chan: stylist, jet-setter and staple at global fashion weeks, whose personal recommendations for Paris hotels and dining options are not only stylish—as one would expect from Paris—but also fresh, fun and exciting. Whether your trip revolves around haute couture or a quest to explore the city’s more nuanced pleasures, Chan’s preferences are perfect for discerning travellers seeking an experience with substance. Here are his favourite Paris hotels and restaurants.
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1. Too Hotel Paris
Too Hotel Paris is a relative newcomer that boldly claims space above Paris, both in altitude and attitude. Its slender silhouette rises to a height of 120 metres in the south of the city, and the rooms amplify the effect with panoramic, wall-to-wall windows framing the skyline. The in-house rooftop bar Too Tac Tac is an attraction not just to hotel guests, but Parisians seeking atmospheric evening playlists, inventive signature cocktails and front-row seats to the Eiffel Tower’s nightly spectacular. Expect weekends to bring a well-dressed crowd for the Sunday brunch and a steady schedule of live DJs or themed soirées.
“A hidden gem tucked away from the city centre with understated elegance and modern charm. With unbeatable views of Paris, sunsets and sunrises were extra special here. The perfect contemporary counterpart to the historical charm of Paris,” Chan says.
2. Hotel Madame Rêve
Housed in a landmark 19th-century postal building, Hotel Madame Rêve sits at the intersection of history and modern hospitality. Just minutes from the Louvre and Bourse de Commerce, the hotel’s 83 luxuriously understated rooms often feature private terraces overlooking Paris’s rooftops—including the Sacré-Cœur and the Eiffel Tower. The architecture preserves the building’s grand scale while the transformation inside is all contemporary sophistication: think velvet textures, bronze accents and marble bathrooms. Hotel Madame Rêve has quickly joined the elite ranks of Paris hotels providing both comfort and bona fide cultural cachet.
“Located in the heart of Paris is a stunning and tranquil oasis. Indulge in quiet moments in a modern Parisian atelier with breathtaking views and lush gardens.”
3. Chop Chop
Chop Chop pushes against Parisian bistro convention. This casual natural wine bar reinvents itself with a revolving door of guest chefs from across Europe and Asia, making every meal different from the last. The handwritten menu swings from experimental small plates to comforting classics, changing according to the chef and season. There’s an unpretentious communal vibe, reflected in the relaxed service and regulars who treat it as an extension of their living rooms. Natural wines—often from lesser-known French producers—anchor the offerings, and staff are happy to discuss their latest finds.
“A wonderful homage to Parisian bistro and wine bar culture, but gives it an Asian twist. With innovative weekly menus, pop by Chop Chop for a surprise gastronomical experience where east meets west.”
4. Hanabi
Nestled inside the Hana Hotel, Hanabi borrows from the Japanese and Parisian palettes to arrive at something distinctly its own. The menu balances classic izakaya fare with contemporary Parisian twists: expect prawn tempura served with yuzu kosho aioli alongside duck terrine reinvented with miso. The space itself is a blend of Belle Époque architecture and minimalist design, creating the right amount of theatre for both date nights and informal business lunches. Like many in Declan Chan’s Paris selection, Hanabi delights in subtle crossovers and seasonal experimentation.
“The ultimate artisanal culinary destination to experience the delicate flavours of Japan. With bespoke interiors where tradition meets modernity, indulge in Hanabi's beautiful and delightful dishes, reminiscent of artwork in a modern gallery.”
5. Ogata
Tucked discreetly in Le Marais, Ogata is a Japanese cultural house whose dining experience is as precise as its tea salon or concept store. The omakase-only restaurant focuses on purity of flavour and craftsmanship, seating guests around a counter where dishes are explained by attentive staff. Expect vegetables flown in from Japan, fish that changes daily and handmade ceramics that communicate the same meticulous energy as the food. The tranquil setting makes it a meditative escape from city bustle—a perfect stop for those wanting Paris hotels-level exclusivity in their dining.
“Beat the summer heat with a refreshing afternoon tea at Ogata. Indulge in a matcha red bean kakigori and small tea snacks while soaking in the calmness of this beautiful Japanese-Parisian architectural oasis.”
6. Doki Doki
Paris’s first dedicated handroll bar, Doki Doki has carved out a cult following with its focus on simplicity. There’s no attempt to overcomplicate: open kitchens allow diners to watch chefs roll paper-thin nori around just-warmed rice and pristine pieces of tuna, salmon or tempura. Two central locations make Doki Doki a convenient stop, whether you need a quick lunch or a relaxed evening meal.
“In need of a sushi fix? Doki Doki is where Japanese craftsmanship meets Parisian charm. From crisp cucumber salads to delicious hand rolls and mochis. Every bite is a treat!”
7. La Plume
Perched atop Hotel Madame Rêve, La Plume blends panoramic views with a menu that balances Japanese restraint and French flair. Led by chef Benjamin Six, the kitchen delivers meticulously plated dishes that shift with the seasons—think line-caught sea bass in a yuzu-laced broth or wagyu beef married to delicate local vegetables. Desserts come via Pierre Hermé, whose signature pastries finish the meal with sophisticated sweetness. Tables by the window are most coveted, so make sure to book in advance.
“Soak up Paris with a panoramic view of the city whilst savouring a modern blend of flavours—elegant and fresh bites that guide your senses eastward. La Plume’s secret garden patio is the perfect urban escape for busy minds and souls in need of a recharge.”
Declan Chan’s must-visit Paris hotels and restaurants reflect a personal appreciation for design and spaces that invite participation and good old fun. For those tired of the usual five-star and Instagram-driven dining, Declan Chan’s Paris is a desirable departure.
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Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.
