Enter the Sormani restaurant in Paris, as the first Italian address ever to be Michelin starred

Located in a small, peaceful street near the legendary Arc de Triomphe monument, Sormani has been an essential Italian institution for nearly four decades. Created in 1985 by Pascal Fayet, a chef of Venetian origin, the restaurant was the first Italian restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star, thus marking the history of Parisian gastronomy.

Since 2019, Franck Potier-Sodaro, a former sommelier and disciple of Mr Fayet, has been striving to preserve and enrich this culinary heritage with talent and rigor. By AP 

As far as we know, the Sormani restaurant stands out for its ability to combine the simplicity of Italian ingredients with an impeccable gastronomic technique. On the menu, a palette of subtle flavors pursue the timeless gastronomic tradition, initiated in the 1980s by the founder Pascal Fayet, who kept his Michelin star until 2006. Recently revived by chef Franck Potier-Soda, as well as a sommelier trained, the original magic promises to go on. Apart from those culinary assets, we can say that Sormani would naturally charm you with its cosy atmosphere and its attentive service, able to contribute to lend each diner a memorable moment (photo credits: AP). 

The dining room, with a capacity of 70 seats, is divided into three classic-style lounges, decorated with Murano glass chandeliers, surrounded by immaculate tablecloths and nowadays an exhibition of fashion photographs by Jean-Daniel Lorieux. Adding to this, a private lounge with 18 seats, located in the basement, and an annex, on the other side of the street, dedicated to professional events add a touch of exclusivity.

The clientele, still loyal and demanding, reflects the prestige of the establishment, such as businessmen, politicians, journalists and artists rub shoulders in a chic but warm atmosphere.

So, from the first antipasti, the tone is set, since Sormani invites you on a trip to Italy, with premium mortadella. Among the starters, the sea bass carpaccio, seasoned with lemon and enhanced with bottarga, competes with the raw red tuna, sublimated by eggplant caviar and candied tomatoes. Unless you prefer the legendary arancini, garnished with shrimps, but also a lobster sauce, we can admit that their antipasti, as a whole, offer a promising prelude.

These colorful and carefully presented plates demonstrate a know-how that is both classic and creative. 

For the primo piatto, we can say that the roasted lobster rigatoni is a true masterpiece. The pasta, cooked al dente, is combined with the finesse of Breton lobster, all topped with fresh basil, embodies the perfect combination of generosity and refinement. Another equally delicious option is the grilled turbot, served with chanterelles and pan-fried vegetables. This fish is cooked to perfection, with delicate flesh that recalls Mediterranean flavors. In addition to the must-haves such as spaghetti alle vongole, along urchin infused coquillettes, or Sicilian artichoke risotto, without missing surprising butternut filled raviole.. the menu regularly changes to adapt to the seasons and offer new creations to explore. 

To conclude, desserts are also in the spotlight, with the Gigantesco, a signature creation of the house, which offers a liter of vanilla ice cream, with meringue and nougatine to share. Icing on the cake, their wine list is another major asset of Sormani, featuring more than 600 references, it highlights prestigious vintages, either from Italy and France. Thus, wine lovers would appreciate countless treasures, mainly for different Italian regions. A selection as varied as it is exclusive, which would perfectly accompany each dish.

For lovers of elegant lunches, a €58 priced menu offers an excellent compromise between refinement and accessibility. 

Sormani restaurant, 4 Rue du Général Lanrezac, 75017 Paris (France) / Phone : 00 33 (0)1 43 80 13 91. More details on their official website.