I must admit I don’t go to Neuilly often. First of all, because it’s far from home, and secondly, because I simply don’t think about it… But you know that when it comes to discovering a great spot, I am ready to cross the city borders to head into the suburbs, whether I’m wandering through Boulogne-Billancourt or Alfortville. So, just a stone’s throw from the Seine and the American Hospital of Neuilly, I went to test a confidential table that is well-known among the foodies and bon vivants of Neuilly: Le Lily de Neuilly.
At the helm of the “Lily” is a very friendly duo, with Philippe Cabalé managing the front of house and the talented chef William Jourdain in the kitchen. But this spot, halfway between a gourmet bistro and a traditional restaurant, is also an institution; it opened in 1946 and has since served as a gourmet refuge for celebrities such as Michel Serrault, Claude Chabrol, and the painter Marc Aymé, who used to pay for his meals with his palette and brushes—as was common at the time—by creating a fresco (still visible today) in the intermediate space of the restaurant, which is covered in mirrors and woodwork.
The spot: I recommend you sit under the glass roof with a view of a lush garden at the back of the restaurant—a change of scenery is guaranteed! My dinner companion found a resemblance to the set of the film Casablanca (since I haven’t seen this cinema masterpiece, I cannot confirm or deny his claim… so you’ll have to judge for yourself!).
As for the menu, products are exclusively seasonal and selected from the best suppliers. Everything is homemade, from the desserts to the lightly spiced foie gras, and the salmon, which is smoked on-site.
Must-tries:
- The salmon tartare with mango for a starter, fresh and very well prepared.
- The tomato gazpacho with shrimp, the appetizer of the day when we visited.
- The lobster and mushroom cassolette, which you can choose as a main dish or a starter depending on your appetite. A house classic that you shouldn’t miss!
- The beef tagliata with arugula and parmesan, a great cut of meat for carnivores.
- The classic French toast (pain perdu) with vanilla ice cream and salted butter caramel.
- The Cannoli with cherries and orange, a dessert originally from Sicily that I didn’t know but which turned out to be very tasty and quite light…
Regarding the wine, you will find an eclectic list where great vintages stand alongside the personal favorites of Philippe Cabalé, who was trained as a sommelier and will be able to advise you based on your tastes and your choice of dishes—a point that is essential in a restaurant, I can never stress that enough.
The extra touch: the terrace right in front of the restaurant for sunny days, very pleasant since it is on a quiet, low-traffic street.
Note: all appetizers, main courses, and desserts are at a single price, which is quite rare in a restaurant and therefore very appreciated. However, for certain expensive dishes (such as lobster), there is a small supplement.
Price: appetizers are €15 / main courses are €25 / desserts are €9 / full menu (excluding drinks) is €42 with a starter, a main, and cheese or a dessert.
Lily de Neuilly 59 rue Chauveau - 92220 Neuilly-sur-Seine Reservations at 01 46 24 46 22 Closed Saturday and Sunday
Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez and Mademoiselle Bon Plan Photos are not royalty-free; photographer's authorization is mandatory before any use
