Istr, an oyster bar and multi-faceted gastronomic spot, reinterprets the typical “way of life” of New York oyster bars in the heart of the Haut Marais in Paris.
We were first invited to discover this wonderful place with our favorite photographer one evening in 2017 shortly after it opened, which is quite rare for us as you know, because I always try to test addresses during lunch, mainly for lighting reasons. But I must admit that I found it to be a truly great nightlife spot, so I have absolutely no regrets about this evening discovery, even though the photos were obviously less bright than usual.
However, I was able to make up for that in September 2020, when we had the chance to return to Istr for lunch to discover the new menu by resident chef Cyril Krieg.
During our first visit in 2017, it was chef Julien Kerwien (formerly of Table de Joël Robuchon and Guy Martin) who was in charge. Today, the resident chef Cyril Krieg (who comes from prestigious Michelin-starred establishments and trained under Yannick Alléno) creates fine, creative cuisine crafted from fresh, seasonal products with bold and surprising “land and sea” flavor combinations that I highly recommend you go and discover.
This address remains a true culinary favorite for me and a place I would gladly return to, as I really appreciated the stylish decor, the casual, trendy atmosphere, and the creativity of the cuisine.
A glimpse of our dinner in 2017:
- For the starter, we chose the assortment of starters to share between two (24 €), which gives a pretty complete overview of the house menu regarding starters.
- We also tasted some oysters (between €6 and €10.50 for 3 / between €24 and €42 per dozen), obviously, since it is one of the house specialties. Note: the N°3 “Lune” variety oysters are produced especially by Cadoret for Istr (starting from €24 per dozen).
By the way, in this regard, the establishment’s oyster bar offers oyster tastings that are as varied as they are original, served plain or accompanied by house sauces (soy-ginger or Tabasco-based).
- As a fairly original starter, you can also test the tartare-style oyster with a kiwi granita (6 €), a real delight! Plus, if you’re not used to eating oysters, it can be a slightly different way to start.
- For the main course, I opted for the scallops (which were perfectly cooked), with a Jerusalem artichoke cream and beurre blanc (24 €).
- My favorite photographer set his sights on the meaty part of the menu, with the breaded veal rump, capers, parmesan, and smoked puree (25 €). Well, at the same time, it was super good, so I stole a small portion from him…
- For dessert, I recommend you try the coconut/passion fruit blancmange (9 €); it’s super light and as surprising (you have to find the mystery ingredient in the layer underneath) as it is delicious!
- As for the cocktail menu “Food & Spirits” (13 € per cocktail), for perfect pairings, it displays signature cocktails imagined by Philippe Morin as well as revisited classics. I particularly recommend the St Katharine (gin, bergamot, grapefruit, Timut pepper, and Schweppes -13 €) which I tested and approved.
A glimpse of our lunch in 2020:
- If you are vegetarian, I recommend you try the salt-crust baked beets with blackberries and Greek yogurt (19 €), because it is truly delicious!
- We also tasted the chef’s culinary innovation for the start of the school year with the Oyster burger, which is made of two tempura oysters (special n°1), prepared with rice flour, beer, and fresh cilantro, two artisanal “potato buns” from the Bread shop, topped with pickled wakame seaweed, aged cheddar, cucumber slices, and romaine lettuce (25 €). And I must say that this burger is a real success!
- For desserts, we tested the honey-roasted fig cake (10 €), as well as the chocolate fondant with hazelnuts and a scoop of dulce de leche ice cream (10 €).
Top tip: starting at 6 PM, enjoy the Oyster Hours for discovering Philippe Morin‘s “Home Made” cocktails while tasting oysters offered at €1 each. Every day from 6 PM to 8 PM.
Great delivery option: since April 2020, ISTR has been offering home delivery (delivered in 30 minutes in Paris) of homemade cocktails and fresh products via “Shake ISTR easy” through their website (link below).
Thanks to the Istr oyster bar for these invitations.
Istr 41, rue Notre-Dame de Nazareth, 75003 Paris Open Tuesday to Saturday from 12 PM to 2:30 PM and from 6 PM to 2 AM / Saturday from 6 PM to 2 AM Lunch set menu with starter + main course or main course + dessert for €19, or with starter + main course + dessert for €24
Find all my restaurant reviews in Paris below:
⇒ My restaurant reviews in Paris
⇒ My addresses for eating seafood in Paris
MY TOP FISH / SEAFOOD ADDRESSES IN PARIS
⇒ La Reine Mer, fishmonger and marine restaurant
⇒ Polpo, the Brasserie on the water
⇒ La Marée Jeanne
⇒ Sea Bar Paris Pêche
⇒ Istr, oyster bar
⇒ Autour du Saumon
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MAP OF MY TOP FOOD ADDRESSES IN PARIS AND THE ILE-DE-FRANCE REGION
Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez Photos are not royalty-free, photographer authorization is mandatory before any use
