An absolute gem of a 3 star Michelin, with great value lunch if you want the 3 star experience at a fraction of normal price. No menu, just what the brilliant Pascal Barbot dreams up based on daily availability. As a wine professional I can also recommend the amazing, if quirky wine pairings which are truly complementary to each dish. I've eaten here twice and will as often as my budget will allow in future. As far as I know, the restaurant is not open if chef Barbot is not cooking, which is how it should always be!

We made a special trip to paris with the specific intent of going to L'astrance recently.

~ Getting a reservation ~
Contrary to a lot of reviews on the internet, getting a booking was far from impossible. I called 2-3 minutes before opening on the first business day the month before. I got through immediately and found suitable dates on both lunch and dinner for the two days we wanted. Charlotte was very helpful and confirmed the booking.

~ Location ~
Located in trocadero in a quiet street where a bistro used to be.

~ Review ~
~ Food ~
We opted for the 7 course astrance menu with the matching wines. The food was exceptional, fresh and complex. I won't write a dish by dish review as the menu changes but will give an overview.

The food would best be described as a fusion of French and Asian. Barbot's (head chef) travels are evident in many dishes, with strong influences from both japanese and south east asian cuisine. Both subtle and complex flavour combinations feature throughout, with a pursuit of perfection that is reminisicent of Japanese Kaiseki. The flavours are rarely dominating but are well balanced. The lightness Barbot's work is achieved by fresh ingredients and a shift away from the heavy creams and butters of French cooking. The meal is nonetheless at its core french.

The matching wines were phenomenal, even to us as fairly uneducated wine drinkers. The mix of food and wine on the palate was generally remarkable and provided us with new insight on how certain wine varieties may combine with certain flavours.

I do however believe that some people will be disappointed with the menu because it doesn't represent a true reflection of a traditional French three michelin experience.

~ Service ~
The service is playful and unconventional. Its a mostly casual affair, unpretentious and relaxed. The service is mostly on point, but don't expect what one would normally associate with a three star experience. There's no silver cutlery, nor are the staff dressed impeccably. Instead the staff are more likely to play 'guess the dish' games with patrons. Think a warm and cosy house, not a mansion with chandeliers.

~ Decor ~
Not much to write home about. You'll see photos other people have posted. It's modern but again casual. There's a good amount of space throughout. Don't expect chandeliers or gilded wallpaper.

OVERALL IMPRESSION
L'astrance isn't everyones cup of tea. It's just not your traditional idea of 3 star michelin. As exceptional and remarkable as the food was for my palate, I also completely understand why some people will not enjoy this place. There are flavour combinations that some will simply dismiss or subtlety that others may not appreciate. There's also a casualness in the service and decor that otherwise will simply criticise as not worthy of three stars. I can certainly understand that perspective.

For me personally, L'astrance is the closest to perfection in food i have experienced out of many 3 star experiences. For that alone, i will always fondly remember our visit.

This is our 2nd time having lunch over a 1yr gap and overall, the food, service, ambiance and environment was superior and memorable.

The only small feedback would be a major revamp of the menu should be in the works. Both times, we had the 5 course meal and ate almost (70%) the same food as our last holidays in 2014. That said, again it maybe unfair to them as we normally visit during late spring/early summer and that maybe their seasonal menu.

Of course, the signature dishes can be kept but I would think think most of the others could be refresh or overhaul.

That's the reason I gave 1 star less, the food became predictable for a 2nd timer. But I would gladly return since the overall food is a major magnet for return customers.

We had an outstanding experience at L'Astrance. We were seated at a beautiful table on the upper level. The service was perfect - attentive, but not hovering. The menu was fixed and the pace at which the courses were presented was perfect.
A nice wine list - the sommelier could have been more helpful though.
We would recommend L'Astrance very highly.

Did not live up to expectations. Appetizer tasteless fois gras, main was a small chicken dish had some grizzle sent it back got duck instead better but nothing special. Dessert unmemorable. Time to update a very dated tired menu. Wine average. Should have realized when most people there were not french mostly tourists for lunch something was off. Having eaten over the years at a number of starred french restaurants this was the poorest. Cannot figure out why this place is three stars I'd give it none. Save your 330 euros. Try Asperge a truly 3 star experience with an inventive chef and menu.