What are the Best Middle Eastern Restaurants to Eat in Paris?

Perched atop the Arab World Institute, Dar Mima is a vibrant tribute to Middle Eastern and Maghrebi cuisine, influenced by the culinary heritage of Fatima, Jamel Debbouze's mother. The restaurant offers an experience where Oriental flavors blend with a festive atmosphere typical of Arab cultures. The decor, envisioned by Laura Gonzalez, adds to the warm ambiance with modernized Oriental touches.

In terms of cuisine, Dar Mima offers a variety of dishes that showcase the culinary traditions of the Middle East. Recipes like Zaalouk, pastilla, tagine, and Fatima's famous couscous are testaments to the richness and diversity of flavors from this region. The restaurant is not just a place to relish food but also to experience Arab hospitality through passionately prepared dishes.

Beyond its culinary offerings, Dar Mima transforms into a festive venue in the evening. With live music several times a week and a decor evoking a Mediterranean garden, the restaurant creates a lively and welcoming Oriental atmosphere. It's a celebration of the senses, where flavors, sounds, and sights combine to offer a memorable experience to its visitors.

Shabour, a gem of Mediterranean cuisine in the heart of Paris, epitomizes the talent of Israeli chef Assaf Granit. With a vibrant atmosphere and raw decor, each dish tells a story of freshness and creativity, like the orientally-inspired bouillabaisse red mullet or the orange blossom semolina cake.

The magic happens around a marble counter, where flavors merge Ashkenazi and Sephardic classics. The delicacy of dishes, such as the tahini-marinated soft-boiled egg or the revolutionary lobster borscht, is paired with an exploratory wine list and complimentary magical shots, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

Shabour, with its hidden menus and enigmatically named dishes, offers a memorable culinary escapade. Creations like 'kügelet', a unique interpretation of cassoulet, or 'meüricette', a reimagined navarin of lamb, capture the essence of modern Mediterranean cuisine, paying homage to the chef's roots and the vibrant rue Saint-Sauveur.