le M64 Restaurant: Where to Eat Near the Champs-Élysées

It’s no secret that the Champs-Élysées, arguably the most famous avenue in the world, has been taken over by international brands and box stores that aren’t necessarily Parisian (of course there are a few exceptions!) But sometimes it’s a challenge to find an authentic place to eat in the area. Where do Parisians reserve for lunch? We’ll let you in on a little secret, an address we recently discovered: The Intercontinental Paris Marceau is an intimate, family-owned hotel in the heart of the Golden Triangle. (The location on avenue Marceau puts you just a stone’s throw from the prestigious Avenue George V and the Avenue des Champs-Élysées). Recently, the Bansard family revamped their restaurant called le M64, named for the hotel’s address on avenue Marceau. A highlight is the lovely, leafy terrace for eating al fresco. It’s a quiet place, away from the urban hubbub, and you’ll see business meals alongside lingering, leisurely lunches. The Bansards also recruited a new chef, Cedric Douchin, who has overhauled the menu based on seasonal products. Starters might include the soft boiled egg with wild asparagus and parmesan, followed by pan-fried sea cod served with multi-colored carrots, or a rib-eye steak with potato purée. Desserts are just as tantalizing. Try the truffled brie cheese, or go for the lemon meringue pie or the peanut-butter and Guanaja chocolate treat. There’s also the classic Café Gourmand, pairing an assortment of sweet delights with an espresso. Le M64 also proposes a fixed-price daily lunch menu, priced at 39 EUR for a starter and main dish, or main dish and cheese or dessert; or 45 EUR for a starter, main dish and cheese or dessert. Looking to book a room? The 55 guest rooms were elegantly designed by Bruno Borrione, a member of Philippe Starck’s team for 20 years. The best rooms are the duo of suites on the top floor which offer Eiffel Tower views. InterContinental Paris Marceau, 64, avenue Marceau, 8th arrondissement. Tel: +33 (0)1 44 43 36 36.