Datil
Paris
At a glance
Located on Rue des Gravilliers in Paris, Datil offers an inviting dining experience that emphasizes a thoughtful and responsible approach to gastronomy. This intimate venue is characterized by its dedication to showcasing primarily plant-based dishes, complemented by carefully curated animal proteins. These proteins are treated with attention to their inherent characteristics, reflecting a commitment to ethical sourcing and preparation.
The culinary team at Datil embraces a philosophy that highlights the symbiotic relationship between the restaurant and its local producers. Each dish is crafted with seasonal ingredients, aligning with the natural rhythm of the environment. This approach not only ensures fresh and vibrant flavors but also supports ecological sustainability in its culinary practices.
Guests at Datil can expect a menu that evolves with the seasons, offering nuanced and innovative interpretations of produce often overlooked. The venue's dedication to environmental and social responsibility is further embodied in its respectful collaboration with regional farmers, ensuring that every ingredient carries both quality and a story.
Datil is an ideal setting for diners who appreciate a culinary experience rooted in conscious choices and a deep respect for nature's offerings. Whether for a special occasion or a sophisticated meal out, the restaurant provides a sensorial journey that celebrates the art of gastronomy while prioritizing sustainability.
Reviews
What an amazing experience! Staff was so nice and caring. They customised the menu to our dietary requirements. The food was a blast of freshness and aromas. The highlight was the drink pairing as it took me to a tasting trip beyond France with so many surprises.
We recently visited Datil and had an outstanding experience. The service was impeccable, and the explanations of each dish were wonderfully concise and informative. The restaurant itself is intimate and charming. Since it is a particularly hot summer in Paris, the dining room did feel quite warm at times during our three-hour dinner. While we understand this is largely out of the venue's control, it is an area that could be slightly improved for guest comfort. That being said, the freshness of the ingredients was absolutely remarkable, and the flavor combinations were masterfully executed. Highly recommend!
Without a doubt, one of the best Michelin-starred restaurants I have visited recently. The experience was remarkable from start to finish. The storytelling behind the menu, the elegant simplicity of the dishes, and the interior design all came together beautifully. The team was exceptionally warm, attentive, and professional throughout the evening. The wine pairing was also outstanding — truly one of the highlights of the experience. As a small constructive note, a few elements such as the tempura (amuse-bouche / starter) and the bread tended to create quite a few crumbs. Additionally, at one point I wished to request a fresh napkin and step outside briefly for a cigarette, but it was slightly difficult to get the attention of a team member as everyone was fully engaged with other tables. Perhaps having someone dedicated to handling small, momentary requests could further elevate the overall experience.
Unfortunately this just did not live up to the hype. Datil's food is experimental and creative - which I appreciate in a place like Paris where the 'classics' get beaten in to you on every street corner. I did find myself waiting for that "wow" moment throughout the entire meal. The pace of service needs work too - it was about 30 minutes before we had anything substantial on our table to eat, and the dinner went for nearly 3 hours, something to note. Across many courses, Datil attempts to showcase the best of French vegetables and nuts, with mixed results. The radish and pear entree was an interesting concept with 3 incisive sauces to dip in to and a heavenly blini topped with seaweed powder - umami plus! The scallop with charred brassica (cabbage, Brussels Sprout, broccoli) on a bed of fermented yuzu was just tangy enough to lift the mild sweetness of the dish up. Then the main - a glorious butternut Wellington was the best thing we ate here - it had seriously "yum" factor, a vague metric I know, but it's when you can't help but look up at your dining partner a exclaim (maybe a little too loudly) "YUMMM"! If the dinner were €70 cheeper, and only had these 3 courses - it would have been stellar. The flavour profile of each dish was extremely repetitious: everything came with some kind of nut-butter and citrus (too much marmalade flavour for me), and this was ultimately the kiss of death. It lead to palate fatigue when there should have been excitement for what was to come. To note: the service was impeccable. Everyone we interacted with was calm, gentle and kind. Coats and bags whisked away upon entering, a warm scented towel as we sat at the table, and extremely clear communication without feeling like we were bombarded with information - this was incredible and the team here no doubt work extremely hard to uphold the serene and warm atmosphere. A tasting menu with this many elements and moving parts needs to be lively, energetic and full of flavour. The repetition and subtlety of flavour may be something others enjoy, however it ultimately grew boring and did not feel worth the €160pp price tag.
