L'Oiseau Blanc
Paris, France
⭐2 Stars
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
This is the contemporary French fine dining restaurant at The Peninsula, a luxury hotel located near the Arc de Triomphe. It is named after the plane in which Nungesser and Coli attempted the first North Atlantic crossing in 1927, and a life-size replica of the plane is affixed to the top of the hotel, as if poised to take to the skies before your very eyes. A fine tribute to the two aviation pioneers, as well as to the sky over Paris! Perched above the rooftops and encased in glass, the restaurant feels like it is in flight over the capital, while the terrace offers a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré Cœur. A perfect setting in which to sample the fine cuisine of chef David Bizet, which hits the nail on the head in all respects: cooking, jus and sauces, visuals. As for the desserts, pastry chef Anne Coruble treats our taste buds to the fruits of her talents. A great success.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
3 Unique / Unconventional Things About L'Oiseau Blanc, Paris
1. Aviation-Themed Ambiance with a Suspended Replica Biplane
L'Oiseau Blanc pays homage to French aviation pioneers Charles Nungesser and François Coli, featuring a striking 75% size replica of their original biplane suspended in mid-air, flying toward the Eiffel Tower. This 11-meter wingspan aircraft replica creates a unique, immersive dining atmosphere that blends history and gastronomy on the rooftop of The Peninsula Paris.
2. Custom Aviation-Inspired Tableware by Bernardaud
The restaurant enhances its thematic experience with bespoke tableware designed by Bernardaud, inspired by aviation elements. This attention to detail extends the aviation motif beyond decor into the dining experience itself, adding an elegant and unconventional touch to the presentation of dishes.
3. Semi-Alfresco Rooftop Dining with Panoramic Paris Views
Situated on the top floor of The Peninsula Paris, L'Oiseau Blanc offers a semi-alfresco setting that provides panoramic views of iconic Paris landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre. This combination of fine dining and breathtaking cityscape is an unconventional feature that elevates the sensory experience beyond just the cuisine.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant L'Oiseau Blanc in Paris include:
Pigeon: Used notably in a braised teriyaki-glazed preparation paired with turnip and piquillo pepper, showcasing a refined take on game bird with Asian-inspired flavors.
Blue Lobster: Featured in a stew combined with roasted salsify and Barbacoa chorizo, highlighting a luxurious seafood ingredient with smoky and earthy accompaniments.
Tahitian Vanilla: Celebrated in a dessert prepared five ways and matched with crystallized tobacco leaf, emphasizing the ingredient’s aromatic complexity and versatility in sweet dishes.
Caviar: Presented with purple flowers in a signature dish, reflecting the restaurant’s penchant for premium, delicate ingredients that elevate the dining experience.
Bresse Chicken: Prepared in a traditional French technique "à la Mère Fillioux," cooked in a pig's bladder with truffle infusion, served table-side as a theatrical and flavorful highlight.
These ingredients are significant as they represent a blend of local French haute cuisine staples and exotic elements, prepared with innovative techniques and elegant presentations that define L'Oiseau Blanc’s culinary identity. The dishes emphasize seasonality, refinement, and a balance of classic and modern influences.