When in Paris, I absolutely recommend you visit this enchanting place: The Cristal Room Baccarat! Crystal chandeliers, crystal glassware, Baccarat tableware and cutlery… is not all there is to see!
The Cristal Room Baccarat is undoubtedly one of the chicest restaurants in Paris. It is located inside the Baccarat Museum on the Place des Etats-Unis, in the 16th arrondissement. I had the pleasure to discover it upon invitation from Maison Ruinart.
Before heading to Reims to participate in the harvest, we stopped in Paris for dinner in this spectacular venue, formerly the private mansion of Marie-Laure de Noailles, the Vicomtesse du Bizarre.
Everything in this place oozes sumptuousness! Spectacular chandeliers and candelabras welcome guests and show the way upstairs to the first floor.
Here, amidst plush lounges, the Cristal Room Baccarat offers the most exquisite cuisine. It is not a big restaurant so better make a reservation to ensure you get in!
Within the museum, you can also appreciate Baccarat’s heritage collections and the famous ballroom of the Vicomtesse. Good to know for corporate event planners: the different spaces of this designer restaurant can be privatised for exceptional events!
Transport yourself back to the year 1764, a time when Louis XV granted the royal approval for the establishment of Baccarat. Little did he know that this crystal glassworks venture would endure for over 250 years and still going strong.
Today, Baccarat continues to craft its exquisite crystal art in the original factory located in Lorraine, east of Paris. Initially producing everyday items like window panes, mirrors, and stemware, Baccarat witnessed a transformative moment in 1816 when the first crystal oven was installed, engaging 3,000 employees in crafting royal commissions. By 1855, Baccarat earned its inaugural gold medal at the International Exhibition in Paris.
In the 1800s, Baccarat initiated the practice of labeling its creations with a registered trademark on the crystal’s bottom. Notably, after World War II, a paperweight with a Baccarat trademark from 1853 was discovered in a damaged church in the town of Baccarat. Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra became admirers during their Paris visit in 1896, particularly captivated by a candelabra made with 3,300 crystal pieces, which the tsar ordered for his Saint Petersburg palace.
Baccarat’s influence extended globally, from crafting the world’s largest chandelier and crystal-lined staircase at Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Palace to producing 4,000 decorative glass bottles daily for various perfume makers during the Belle Époque (1875-1910).
The flagship store, museum, and restaurant of Baccarat find their home in a spectacular mansion in Paris, once the residence of Marie-Laure de Noailles, a descendant of Marquis de Sade. This prestigious hôtel particulier, located at 11 Place des États-Unis, was the abode of the eccentric writer, painter, and arts patron for four decades until her passing in 1971.
Renowned for hosting lavish gatherings attended by luminaries such as Jean Cocteau, Man Ray, Gertrude Stein, Georges Braque, Giacometti, Salvador Dali, and Yves Saint Laurent, the mansion often welcomed guests for temporary stays.
The Musée Baccarat, also situated here, unveiled its doors in 2003 with a contemporary design by Philippe Starck. Under the unified name Cristal Room Baccarat, Starck seamlessly integrated the boutique, museum, and restaurant, preserving the elegance of the original mansion. Today, the museum unveils treasures spanning 250 years of decorative arts.
When I was there at Cristal Room Baccarat, it was to enjoy dinner in the presence of Michelin star chef Guy Martin, then Head of the restaurant.
Guy Martin is perhaps best known for his association with the legendary Parisian restaurant “Le Grand Véfour.” He became the head chef at Le Grand Véfour in 1991 and held this prestigious position for several years. Under his guidance, the restaurant maintained its Michelin-star status and solidified its reputation as one of the finest dining establishments in Paris.
Throughout his career, Guy Martin has been recognised with several Michelin stars for his culinary excellence. These stars are a testament to his skill, creativity, and commitment to delivering a top-tier dining experience. Chef Martin is celebrated for his innovative and contemporary approach to traditional French cuisine. He has a knack for incorporating modern techniques and global influences into his dishes while respecting the foundation of classic French cooking.
Beyond Le Grand Véfour, Guy Martin has engaged in various culinary collaborations and projects. His collaborations with international chefs and participation in culinary events have contributed to the global recognition of his culinary expertise. Chef Martin has also been involved in teaching and mentoring aspiring chefs. His knowledge and experience have been shared through culinary classes, workshops, and educational initiatives, influencing the next generation of culinary talent.
In addition to Michelin stars, Guy Martin has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the culinary world. His impact on the French gastronomic scene has been acknowledged both nationally and internationally. As a respected figure in the culinary world, Guy Martin has served as a global ambassador for French cuisine. His representation of French gastronomy on the international stage has helped showcase the richness and diversity of French culinary traditions.
Chef Martin is known not only for the exquisite flavors of his dishes but also for their artistic presentation. His attention to detail in both taste and aesthetics reflects a dedication to creating a multi-sensory dining experience.
Since then, the Cristal Room Baccarat has undergone significant transformations, bidding farewell to Philippe Starck’s 2003 design and Chef Guy Martin’s menu, and welcoming Jacques Grange’s vibrant new aesthetic. The restaurant, affiliated with a prominent Parisian restaurant group overseeing establishments like Ralph’s on Boulevard Saint-Germain, boasts a fresh menu.
For those not in the loop on design trends, velvet has made a grand comeback, and the revamped Cristal Room Baccarat showcases this resurgence with a collection of richly hued velvet chairs. Designer Grange has introduced an intimate bar, ideal for private conversations, along with a striking feature wall adorned with 576 crystal tiles and an impressive array of Baccarat goblets. The restaurant continues to showcase the iconic Baccarat chandeliers and objets d’art on tables, high ceilings, and mantelpieces.
The updated menu at the restaurant takes a nostalgic journey through French classics. The trend of signature cocktails, gaining popularity in Paris, pays homage to royal origins — the Louis, comprising cognac, apple, lime, ginger, and mint leaf, is served in a Baccarat glass of your choice: Harcourt, Mille Nuits, Vega, Mosaic, or the Crystal of Kings.
Once you’ve savored your cocktail, a visit to the Baccarat museum is a must. Explore the De Noailles Smoking Room, designed in the 1920s by the influential minimalist interior decorator Jean-Michel Franck, who famously asserted, “The last touch of elegance is elimination.”
Contact and bookings: CRISTAL ROOM PARIS, 11 place des Etats-Unis, 75116 Paris, France, +33 (0)1 40 22 11 10, Tue – Sat: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM, Closed on Sundays and National Holidays.