I had already mentioned the Hôtel Banke on the blog, when I introduced you to its bar, the Lolabar, and its summer terrace during the warmer months.
This luxurious 5-star boutique hotel, owned by the Spanish group Derby Hotels Collection, stands out for its history and décor. Located in the Opéra Garnier district, just a stone’s throw from the department stores of Boulevard Haussmann and the Place Vendôme, the Hôtel Banke is a place worth discovering. Formerly the headquarters of a bank, its 20th-century building gives it a truly unique soul.
But today, I want to talk to you about my discovery of the hotel’s restaurant, the Josefin. It offers refined Mediterranean cuisine within the establishment’s magnificent contemporary setting.
On the menu, chef Cyril Chevalier presents dishes influenced by his culinary background, resonating with the hotel’s Iberian roots.
What we tasted:
- For the starter, I was tempted (and I didn’t regret it) by the pressed duck foie gras with organic Sicilian mandarin jelly and black macarons with mandarin marmalade (€29). A beautiful presentation and a very successful pairing of flavors.
- For meat lovers, the Simmenthal beef fillet à la plancha with Pont-Neuf potatoes, a sauté of King Trumpet and Shiitake mushrooms, and a rich veal jus (€41).
- As for me, being more of a fish lover, I opted for the cod in an Iberian chorizo crust and piquillo peppers with bulgur, chanterelles, and pomegranate seeds (€37).
- To finish the meal, I tried the Josefin, the house’s signature dessert: an airy millefeuille with caramel mousse, a mini poached pear, pear sorbet, and a crispy caramel tuile (€16). It is very light, which allows you to end on a sweet note without feeling too full.
One detail I particularly appreciated: under each dish on the menu, a wine or alcohol pairing is suggested by the glass, which is very thoughtful. However, I do find the prices to be quite high (between €13 and €18 per glass).
The little extra: the owner of the Derby Hotels Collection group, Mr. Jordi Clos, exhibits part of his personal art collection in each of his hotels. He is one of the largest collectors of ethnic art in Europe. Between Egyptian, African, and Oriental art, as well as contemporary and modern pieces, Mr. Clos’ collection is extraordinarily varied.
At the Hôtel Banke, it is ethnic jewelry that is showcased. On each floor, jewelry from various continents is displayed, from China to Sri Lanka. If you come for lunch or a drink at the hotel, I advise you to take a walk through the floors to admire this collection.
The insider tip: the seasonal lunch menu (served Monday to Friday from 12 PM to 3 PM) with starter/main course or main course/dessert + coffee for €39 or starter/main course/dessert + coffee for €45.
Price: 7-course symphony to taste everything (or almost) for €95, or €145 with food/wine pairing.
Hôtel Banke Paris 20 rue Lafayette, 75009 Paris
Find all my restaurant reviews in Paris below:
⇒ All my restaurant reviews in Paris
MAP OF MY FAVORITE FOOD SPOTS IN PARIS AND THE ILE-DE-FRANCE REGION
Restaurant 
Bar 
Pastry / Bakery 
Tea Room / Coffee Shop
Brunch 
Ice Cream Parlor
Photo credits: Mademoiselle Bon Plan Photos are not royalty-free, photographer's authorization required before any use
