GRAZIE

An offshoot of the equally trendy Merci concept shop, Julien Cohen’s hip pizza joint-slash-cocktail bar is just down the road from mummy’s retail emporium. Meter-high letters lean against the right hand wall spelling out the word ‘amore’ while the rusty faded finish spell out the manifesto – this is shabby chic, bobo-style, on the Eastern edge of Marais.

The front porch is glass-fronted with mini Chesterfields dotted around for a New York-ish lounge feel in the massive Grazie shop window – did we mention that it’s a place to see and be seen? – while tables crowd together in front of the open plan kitchen. Sure, this is first and foremost a people place.

The menu is as stripped back as the decor but surprisingly good. Starters on offer include the rotolini, a mix of squid, baby potatoes and rucula. Mains consists of a fine range of rustic-style pizzas, hearty and coming straight from the large stone oven. Try a Diva with tomato, mozzarella, cured ham, mushrooms and olives, or a classic Babbini, topped off with spicy sausages and spinach.

Booking is essential for a coveted table, but you’ll also be served at the bar. Only patience is required for a seat there, but it’s arguably a better spot: the top notch cocktails are at least as delicious as the pizzas – and nearly as yummy as the mummies packing the place.