I visited the brand new Ritz Bar in Paris and it’s epic
For many years, I used to visit the Ritz Paris for an after-dinner glass of wine. It has always been a relaxing and elegant place to enjoy a fine wine or classy cocktail in a luxurious setting, albeit without having made any changes in recent years. Until now.
Last year, Ritz Paris revamped its on-site bar scene, and you can only say they’ve really nailed it.
The Ritz Bar has moved out of the darkness of its usual slot, often left relatively quiet in the shadow of the ever-popular Bar Hemingway. Instead, it has moved a few paces outside into a well-lit lobby area. Boasting its own new space, with a very classy cloche sitting over the bar itself, which raises with great ceremony upon 7pm when the bar opens, something of an event which even Bar Hemingway must envy ever so slightly.
The seating is intimate, circling the bar. Whilst the number of tables may be slightly less than in its previous home, it adds to the charm of the bar. Fortunately, they have also had the good taste to retain a handful of bar stools - always my favoured space when alone, and the ideal spot to admire the cocktails being manufactured and to talk to the bar staff. Simply ideal for the solo traveller in Paris.
The Ritz Bar at the Paris Ritz Hotel
What is the best wine to drink at the Ritz Bar in Paris?
The choice of wines is not overwhelming, but it is bursting with quality. As with most wines, the choice is personal. My most recent visit was in the heat of the summer and, as is customary, I opted for a cool and refreshing rosé - a crisp and dry Clos Canereccia from Corsica. A change from the many wine bars in Paris serving the ubiquitous Provence rosé, and what a refreshing change it was.
The waiters are experts in offering guidance. So for those who are unfamiliar with French wine, or simply want to be taken on an adventure by allowing the expert sommelier choose for you, this is always a good option.
For those who prefer a cocktail instead of wine, rest assured you will not be let down. As well as the brand new overhaul of the bar itself, the cocktail menu has been entirely revamped. The complexity has been stripped back and each cocktail is based around a particular theme and flavour. The waiter takes the time to explain the concept and leaves the beautiful menu for you to peruse at your leisure.
Ritz Bar Paris
A refreshing glass of Clos Canereccia from Corsica at the Ritz Bar in Paris.
How to get to the Ritz Bar in Paris
Those who, like myself, are use to venturing onto Place Vendôme to get to the Ritz Bar through the hotel entrance will be delighted to hear that the hotel has now opened up the back entrance located on Rue Cambon.
It is hard to criticise the Ritz for having made patrons stroll through the great gallery on their walk to the bar - after all, it isn’t a bad stroll is it?
However, it is refreshing to see the new entrance directly to the bar from the street without needing to cross the entire lobby if you so wish. And if you haven’t visited yet, the classy sign hanging outside in the street means you can’t possibly miss the more discrete entrance.
What is the seating like at the Ritz Bar in Paris?
The choice of seating, as mentioned, is slightly smaller than the previous home of the bar. However, there are some very comfortable intimate tables with banquettes around the bar which is the centrepiece of the venue.
The bar also has a nice row of bar seats. As a solo visitor on many occasions, I find the seats at the bar to be the best to enjoy the experience. It is also worth noting that there tends to be somewhat less of a wait to be able to sit at this area.
Is there a dress code at the Ritz Bar in Paris?
Unlike its counterpart across the channel in London, the dress code is slightly more relaxed in Paris. Smart casual is the order of the day and you will be allowed access if you are wearing sneakers - unlike in London where you’ll be turned down at the door.
However, to properly make the most of the Paris evening experience, and to match the surroundings, it is certainly recommended to adopt a smart casual style. After all, it is the Ritz and it is Paris!
Useful information:
Ritz Bar at the Ritz Paris
Address: 38 rue Cambon 75001 Paris