Daroco

Daroco took over Jean-Paul Gaultier's old Galerie Vivienne flagship in 2016 and turned it into one of Paris's most photographed Italian dining rooms — two-story open volume, mirrored ceiling, theatrical lighting, the Gaultier corsetry mannequins kept on as decor relics. Le Fooding gave it the 'Best Decor' prize that opening year. Beyond the room, the cooking holds: fresh pasta made on-site, wood-fired Roman pizza, Italian charcuterie pulled from named producers, a wine list deep into Tuscany and Piedmont. Service moves fast, the bar pours Negroni-grade aperitivos, and the floor stays packed past 11pm. The best-room Italian default in the 2e — the Big Mamma alternative for visitors who want craft over spectacle.