Inside the Hôtel San Régis
There’s something deeply satisfying about ending a long day of guiding, walking, explaining, and pouring your heart into Paris… by being taken care of yourself.
That evening, after a full day of tours, my feet were tired but my spirit was light. I found myself drifting into one of those moments Paris does so well — a soft landing. Les Confidences, tucked discreetly inside the elegant Hôtel San Régis, felt like exactly the right place to exhale, reconnect, and let the city spoil us a little.
From the moment we stepped inside, the energy shifted.
The Setting: Quiet Luxury, Parisian Ease
Les Confidences strikes that rare balance between polish and warmth. The décor is refined but never stiff — deep tones, intimate lighting, plush seating that invites you to linger. It’s a room that naturally softens conversation, where time stretches and the outside world gently fades away.
There’s also something undeniably romantic about dining inside a hotel. It adds an extra layer of luxury — a feeling that you’re momentarily stepping out of everyday Paris and into something more cinematic. In this quietly chic part of the city, Les Confidences fits seamlessly into the neighborhood’s rhythm. It’s the kind of place that’s well loved by everyone — hotel guests, locals, couples on date night — not flashy, not trendy, just deeply appreciated for doing things beautifully and consistently well.
The service mirrors this mood perfectly: attentive without hovering, confident yet warm, with an ease that immediately makes you feel at home.
A Cuisine Made for Intimate Evenings
At the heart of Les Confidences is Chef Erwan Ledru, whose cooking sets the tone for the entire experience. His approach feels instinctive and generous — elegant without being precious, comforting without ever being boring. It’s cuisine designed to support conversation, not interrupt it.
There’s a deliberate sense of discretion here. Hidden inside the five-star San Régis, the restaurant feels à l’abri des regards — sheltered, intimate, made for quiet rendez-vous and long, meaningful exchanges. This philosophy extends directly to the menu.
One of the most thoughtful elements of the dining experience is its format: guests choose their protein — from a selection of fish or meat — and then pair it with accompaniments treated as true dishes in their own right. These aren’t afterthoughts but carefully crafted plates, full of personality and comfort. It encourages curiosity and trust, and it explains why following the waiter’s recommendation felt so natural — and so rewarding.
A Mysterious and Promising Beginning
We began with amuse-bouches that immediately set the tone.
A chickpea emulsion arrived first — smooth, subtle, almost mysterious. The kind of flavor that makes you pause, trying to place it, before it gently reveals itself. Comforting, refined, quietly addictive.
Alongside it came water, salted butter, and nut bread — the kind you keep tearing into absentmindedly, already relaxed, already present.
Starters: Unexpected Pairings Done Right
For my starter, I chose roasted pumpkin with grapefruit sauce — a combination I genuinely didn’t see coming. Sweet, earthy pumpkin met bright, slightly bitter citrus, creating a playful tension that worked beautifully. Each bite felt alive, surprising, and well thought out.
Benoît opted for the mackerel with beetroot — rich yet fresh, perfectly balanced. The sweetness of the beetroot softened the mackerel’s depth, creating a dish that felt both grounded and elegant.
By this point, I was fully in.
The Main Event: Trusting the Waiter (Always)
Now for the moment that truly sealed the evening.
When it came time to choose my main, I hesitated — until the waiter gently suggested the supreme of volaille with spelt (épeautre) risotto. I wasn’t immediately convinced, but something in his confidence made me trust him.
Best decision of the night.
The volaille was perfectly cooked — tender, flavorful, and comforting in the best possible way. But it was the spelt risotto that completely blew my mind. Nutty, rich, beautifully textured, and deeply satisfying, it elevated the dish into something memorable. It became my favorite plate of the entire meal — the kind you think about days later.
Benoît chose the scallops with salsify — delicate, elegant, and expertly balanced. Soft, sweet scallops paired with the earthiness of the salsify made for a refined yet soulful dish.
This is where Chef Ledru’s philosophy truly shines: nothing loud, nothing forced — just deeply considered food that rewards trust.
The Wine: Crisp and Effortless
I went for a Chablis — crisp, mineral, and refreshing. It paired effortlessly with the meal, cleansing the palate and letting the flavors speak for themselves. Sometimes the best choice is the one that simply feels right.
Dessert: Curiosity Meets Comfort
Dessert leaned fully into curiosity.
Benoît chose the clove ice cream — an unexpected, almost strange choice that somehow worked beautifully. Spiced, warming, intriguing, and surprisingly delicate.
I went for the chocolate cake — rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying. A classic done right, which is sometimes exactly what you want to end the evening.
We lingered. Talked. Let the night stretch just a little longer.
Final Thoughts: A Place to Return To
Les Confidences isn’t about spectacle. It’s about being held — by the space, the service, and the food. It’s a restaurant that understands rhythm: when to surprise you, when to reassure you, and when to simply let the moment unfold.
Being tucked inside a hotel gives it that extra layer of romance and polish, while the warmth of the San Régis ensures it never feels distant or formal. It’s no surprise this address is so quietly beloved.
After a full day of giving Paris to others, this was Paris giving back to me.
If you’re looking for a refined yet relaxed date night, a place where trust — in the chef, the waiter, and the moment — is rewarded, Les Confidences is exactly that.
And yes… always listen to the waiter.
Practical Information
Les Confidences
Located in: Hôtel San Régis
📍 12 Rue Jean Goujon, 75008 Paris
📞 01 44 95 16 00
📷 Instagram: @lesconfidences_restaurant
