Altro Frenchie – A Chic Italian on Rue du Nil
Last week, I had the pleasure of lunching at Altro Frenchie, the newest Italian offshoot from acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Gregory Marchand. Nestled on the intimate and already deliciously hip Rue du Nil, Altro is a welcome and vibrant addition to this foodie haven in the 2nd arrondissement.
You may already know Marchand’s signature style from his flagship Frenchie on the same street, where French technique meets global flavors with precision and flair. At Altro, he’s taken a detour through Italy—blending rustic ingredients with fine-dining finesse for a more casual, yet still elevated experience with a French detour. The result? A wallet-friendly way to dip your toes into his culinary world without splurging on a full tasting menu.
I went with a friend and opted for the 34-euro fixed menu, which includes a starter, main, dessert. —yes, you read that right.
To start, we ordered Prosecco because the weather calls for it being progressively warmer these days – my brain is thinking #summervibes! I had the Vignarola Toscana: a delicate spring medley of asparagus, fava beans, peas, and smoky speck, all beautifully plated with just the right balance of crunch and salt.
For the main, the Agnolotti Carboniri was rich and comforting—pillowy pasta filled with flavor, coated in a silky sauce featuring guanciale and a bold kick from Sarawak black pepper. It was classic comfort food, dialed up with finesse.
And the dessert? What I always get is absolute joy: Castagnole al Cioccolato e Nocciole, a trio of chocolate-hazelnut fritters that were light, crisp, and deeply satisfying without being overly sweet.
The vibe inside Altro Frenchie is exactly what you want from a modern Parisian trattoria: warm, trendy, and humming with energy. It’s perfect for a stylish business lunch, but just as fun for a low-key lunch or date night. There’s an open kitchen, soft lighting, and friendly staff who guide you through the menu with care.
And let’s not forget the charm of Rue du Nil itself—one of Paris’s shortest streets, but also one of its most delicious. It’s home to Marchand’s whole food empire, from Frenchie Bar à Vins to Frenchie To Go, plus a cluster of gourmet shops like Terroirs d’Avenir. A stroll down this street always feels like a hidden luxury.
If you’ve wanted to experience Gregory Marchand’s cooking but were intimidated by the Michelin-level price tag, Altro is the perfect entry point. It’s a brilliant blend of French technique and Italian soul, done with style and generosity.
Altro Frenchie – 16 Rue du Nil, 75002 Paris
Open for lunch and dinner.
Menus from 34€
