Trend predictions for 2017? Without a doubt, many more Italian restaurants are to come. While East Mamma already has three sister addresses and Popine has just opened a new site in the 18th, it’s Il Posto’s turn now. The super popular pizzeria has given birth to a new bambino. But petite it is not – this baby is huge and replaces former restaurant Manger, with a big open loft space including an entry hall, immense bar and big room at the back with an open kitchen.
At 7pm, we’re headed straight for aperitivo, of course. The cocktail list is a beauty with Italian classics like l’Autentico (€10) a jazzed-up Aperol spritz or revisited classics like a mio-negroni with coconut infused Campari. Craft Italian beers, Peroni on draught and a stellar wine list too (bottles start from €20). Our appetite is whetted by teeny-tiny baked calzones with ham and mozzarella and zeppola, deep-fried vegetable balls a little like tempura. The place fills quickly and the atmosphere ramps up, with families, couples and trios of women hounding the barman for limoncello.
But of course, we didn’t come here just for a snack, there is pizza and pasta to be had. There’s the classic margherita (voted the best margherita in Paris) as well as more elaborate offerings like the Diavoletto (€14): positively celestial with Calabrian sausage that leaves more than a fiery taste on the tongue. The homemade pasta like linguini with Cabras poutargue (salt-preserved mullet roe), lemon juice and a well-seasoned sauce or the black truffle pappardelle (€19) has us all aflutter.
The desserts are equally special and the toilets are pretty much the size of the average Parisian apartment. But really we leave it to you to discover this Il Posto's new post, bang on-trend with its solid serving of rock n’ roll and downright deliciousness.
TRANSLATION: MEGAN CARNEGIE