Marcello. Like Marcello Mastroianni, the famous Italian actor.
This is how the Vaconsin sisters—also owners of the Blueberry and the Steam Bar in the 6th arrondissement—named their restaurant in 2017. But this one is not like the others. If this exceptional place bears the name of the transalpine Marcello, it is not without reason. Below the Saint-Germain market, under a staircase, curled up under a thick awning, the tables, surrounded by old stones and a period fountain, form a square where the green terrace seems to no longer belong to the city. Welcome to Rome, far from the hustle and bustle of cars, in a magical and elegant square. The warm atmosphere of the interior is also an ode to the Dolce vita. Wood panelling, leather sofas and cinema lighting give it a unique atmosphere.
And the easy-living atmosphere can also be enjoyed in the food. As a special favourite, it was the sea bass “a la plancha” with its cream of Jerusalem artichokes, poivrade artichokes, olives and fried basil that caught my palate’s attention! The beef polpettes, spiced up to perfection, were greeted with a most approving clap of the tongue. As for the happy marriage of smoked burrata with grilled pumpkin and quince, it will delight lovers of fresh Italian cheese. And even if the famous tiramisu remains, of course, the best-seller of the House, the Dolcetissimo—chou pastry topped with hazelnut ice cream and almonds—is, just as much, a matter of succulent emotions. Ci vediamo presto Mister Marcello!
8-10, rue Mabillon – 75006 Paris
+33 1 43 26 52 26 – marcello-paris.com
Photo © Gabriel Pistre