l’abeille à côté

“L’abeille à côté offers a masterful take on Japanese-French cuisine in a space that feels both wonderfully intimate and vibrantly energetic. While the dining room is undeniably compact, it channels a cozy, cosmopolitan charm that makes you forget whether you are in New York, Paris, or Tokyo. The open kitchen layout is a brilliant touch, allowing diners to witness the genuine passion of the culinary team and the sommelier at work. The menu is a testament to culinary restraint and innovation—everything we ordered was remarkably light, beautifully composed, and thoughtfully seasoned without being overly salty. The Sushi Italiano is a clever and delightful East-meets-West bite, utilizing warm sushi rice and Parma ham to create an entirely new flavor profile. However, the absolute standout was the Wagyu Teriyaki Burger. It was rich, deeply savory, and executed to perfection. Our server, Ernesto, and the sommelier team elevated the evening entirely. We opted for the 2022 Giacomo Conterno Barbera d'Alba "Vigna Francia." The staff clearly understood the caliber of this wine, perfectly managing its presentation—from suggesting a brief decant to serving it in Burgundy glasses with a slight chill. The wine's vibrant acidity and deep cherry notes cut through the richness of the Wagyu burger flawlessly. A small point of consideration: because the space is so cozy and shares a kitchen with its Michelin-starred sibling next door, securing a table between 6 PM and 8 PM on a Friday is notoriously difficult. Plan your reservations well in advance, or aim for an off-peak hour. If you appreciate refined flavors, exceptional wine service, and an engaging atmosphere, this spot is highly recommended.”

“Every dish feels thoughtfully prepared. The cod and the wagyu were both excellent—well cooked and full of flavor. The matcha tiramisu was a standout, and the truffle ice cream was also delicious. A place that focuses on doing fewer things, but doing them very well. Will plan another visit soon.”

“The sweet potato and spring rolls were a highlight of the meal. The sweet potato was well flavored, and the spring rolls were light and crisp. Both were simple and well done.”

“I visited for a special occasion and had a very good experience. The dishes were well-prepared with clean, balanced flavors. Overall, it matched the level of quality I was hoping for.”

“An unpretentious fine dining restaurant with very attentive service. 3-course prix fixe menu for $88. Complementary bread. Drinks are bit pricey - all alcoholic drinks were above $20. Every dish has a great combination of flavors and texture. I really liked the black cod. Beautiful presentation with root vegetable garish and puree. The cod is so buttery. The crab croquette was good too. Creamy, cheesy fillings.”