It was two thirty-somethings, Magalie and Delphine, who took over the Volnay in 2009.The result ? In scarcely two years the bistro was awarded the much fought-over Staub-Lebey Prize for best Paris bistro 2011. Luxe-Magazine checks it out…

A woman’s touch

With its chic bistro atmosphere straight out of the 1900’s, gourmet (…and rather ambitious) menu, and faultless location just a stone’s throw from the Opera house, thus attracting a mixture of regular diners, Bistro Volnay already has everything it needs to charm its clientele (on paper anyway…). Whilst it is two passionate and ambitious women – Magalie Marian (oenologist by trade) and Delphine Alcover – who rule the roost, it is ex-Guerard, Loiseau and Ducasse, Basque chef Thierry Dufroux who is in charge of the menu.

A la Carte...

Expect a bit of a wait (this is the key to their success) but once you have been served, it will definitely have been worth it. You are sure to be charmed by the surprisingly friendly atmosphere, refined, low-key decor and modern, lovingly prepared dishes such as the excellently selected mussels en papillote with herbs and homemade duck foie gras… We love the selection of 200 wines, that are sure to satisfy all tastes and budgets (ranging from €16 to €215) and the truly gourmand dessert list – just as we like it! You will be torn between the chocolate feuillantine, the ‘just as grandma made it’ rice pudding and the divinely traditional soufflé. There is only one solution: you’ll have to go back !