We recently had the pleasure of dining at the Golden Poppy, Dominique Crenn’s inaugural Parisian restaurant located in La Fantasie hotel. Having experienced her more casual San Francisco venue, Bar Crenn, we were excited to taste her new Paris menu, having missed the chance to visit her three-star Atelier Crenn before our move.
Chef Crenn, a Brittany native who now considers San Francisco home, skillfully blends flavors from her Californian experiences with Asian influences, creating a distinct culinary style. Despite its global inspirations, the menu prioritizes local ingredients, focusing heavily on fish, seafood, and vegetables.
The restaurant’s design centers on an open kitchen and a striking olive tree surrounded by, of course, golden poppies, creating a welcoming, light-filled space. Expansive windows open to a vast garden, offering a serene backdrop perfect for a warm summer evening.
The menu features several standout dishes. The dry-aged tuna tartare, paired with shiso leaves for a hands-on eating experience, particularly impressed us. Another highlight was the refreshing zucchini with Petrossian Oscietra caviar and goat cheese, ideal for a warm day. We also savored the whole roasted Ikejime and dry-aged sea bream, complemented by white asparagus and the teriyaki octopus with kimchi carrots.
We had heard mixed reviews of the restaurant before going. However, we thought the food and service were excellent and would return again, especially for a refreshing dinner after a heavy bistro lunch in Paris.
Note: The Golden Poppy provided support for the reporting of this story.