The Top 10 Mediterranean restaurants in Paris

1. Bellotta-Bellotta: a taste of Spain

Near Invalides, this venue offers the best seafood and exceptional Spanish charcuterie. The hanging hams waiting to mature, anchovies from Cantabria, Jabugo petals, Lomo, chorizo, Pimientos del Piquillo, Manchego cheese and Turron from Alicante are pure gourmet treats. Count €40. www.bellotta-bellotta.com

At the table, the hams served on a "Volcano" and Bocadillos are to be enjoyed with leading Spanish vintages. © DR

2. Mavrommatis: at the table of Aphroditis

Oriented towards savors from Cyprus, the restaurant of Andreas Mavrommatis is a big favorite of Nikos Alliagas and Emmanuel Macron. As a recognition sign for his work, the Michelin guide has awarded it as the only star table of its style, aside from the Greek Islands, for its artichoke fricassée, grilled octopus and an exquisite eggplant with wild thyme. Count €80. www.mavrommatis.com

No folklore on the walls, here, one religiously tastes the recipes of a great chef serving sun-filled plates. © DR

3. Brasserie Lutétia: Massilia Food System

With Gérald Passédat at the helm of this low key brasserie in the only Left Bank palace, it had to be expected! The triple-starred chef of Petit Nice, in Marseille, supervises the menu with signature dishes such as a family aïoli, the Albertine salad with poutargue or a perfectly seasoned bream with a virgin sauce—recalling the Mediterranean Sea. Count €70. www.hotellutetia.com

Behind the undulated facade of the Hotel Lutétia, a top chef unravels his expertise of southern specialties. © Richard Haughton

4. Yaya: the cuisine from the Land of the Gods

Under the Halle Secrétan, Juan Arbaleaz has baptized his Greek mooring with a nickname given to grandmothers in Mediterranean countries. With the complicity of Grégory and Pierre-Julien Chantzios, founders of the Kalios olive oil, he serves the best of Greek countryside specialties with very nice meats and a squid à la plancha with herbs. Count €45. www.yayarestaurant.com

Blue and white, recalling the colors of the Greek flag, Yaya's decor is like an invitation to travel. © DR

5. Malro : Mare Nostrum

In the High-Marais, Denny Imbrosi, ex-second of Alain Ducasse, Top Chef 2012 discovery and star of the social networks, concocts a stunning menu spanning the entire Mediterranean basin. In this loft, that really appeals to chic bobos, he produces the standards of Barcelona and Istanbul, including those of Tel Aviv or Marrakech, setting aside all the traditional codes. Count €50. www.restaurantmalro.fr

The large banquettes and the communal tables are planned to welcome our friends… © JP Combeau

6. Baieta: the kiss from Nice

Wishing a restaurant in her image, Julia Sedefdjian has been awarded a star for her presentation of southern specialties a skip and a hop from Notre-Dame. Amongst her tempting dishes: cannellonis of potatoes with a mussel crisp, cod with shellfish on a cloud of glazed garlic and a bouillabaieta with rouille sauce and croûtons. From Nice with love! Count 50 €. www.restaurant-baieta-paris.fr

Highly appreciated by exacting palates, the starred chef has several addresses in Paris. © DR

7. Liza: The Land of Cedars as heritage

Treat yourself to a Lebanese escapade without moving from Paris! Near Bourse, Liza Asseily coaches the cuisine of this small corner of Beirut, featuring a decor with moucharabies. Houmous, taboulé of green wheat, babaghannouj of egglpant, labné with cow curd, grilled skewers and crumble of dates are all worthy of a Thousand and One nights feast. Count €50. www.restaurant-liza.com

Oriental savors are highlighted in this very pleasant dining room. © DR

8. Noto: tutto è buono

On the upper level of Salle Pleyel, this deluxe restaurant of the Moma Group draws its inspiration from the Baroque palace of the Sicilian town of Noto. In the kitchen, chef Alessandro Bonta whips up a fusion of Greek, Latin and Arab-Adalusian savors. We start off brightly with a caponata of eggplant and continue with the chermoula, or directly the grilled beef with boulgour. Count €75. www.noto-paris.com 

A big favorite amongst media and showbiz celebs, the tables of Noto are highly coveted. © DR

9. Timgad: as delicious as over there!

Dedicated to thousand-year-old traditions and local colors, the most refined local Moroccan enclave of the capital is located near Place de l'Etoile. While regulars come enjoy their variety of garnished couscous, with friends and family, egg bricks, tchakchoukas, tajines, hariras, pastillas, grilled meats and oriental pastries are also highly appreciated. Count €30. www.timgad.fr

To enjoy all the specialties, taste everything, but in small portions. © DR

10. Balagan: falafel & Co

Amongst the wide array of new Israeli restaurants creating the buzz in the capital, the one whose name means 'joyful bazaar' imposes its melting pot savors. Near Tuileries, chefs Assaf Granit and Uri Navon will make inside-track gourmets discover their Fatoush salad, Tahini, marinated pimentos, Ashkenazi chopped livr and new age kebab—all finger-licking delicious. Count €60 . www.balagan-paris.com

For a quick nibble at the bar, or elbow-to-elbow in the dining room, the house specialities are a hit at every service. © DR