It was one of those far niente days and I was meeting my friend Albert on the just remodeled Emporio Armani Caffé for lunch and a view of the passing parade. Across the blvd. Saint-Germain from the Café de Flore it attracts many of the same clients: actors, actresses, writers, and elegant shoppers who choose it for a business meeting, a quiet meal with a friend or lover or even alone as the charming woman to my left.

It was one of those far niente days and I was meeting my friend Albert at the just re,modeled Emporio Armani Caffé for lunch and a view of the passing parade. Across the blvd. Saint-Germain from the Café de Flore it attracts many of the same clients: actors, actresses, writers, and elegant shoppers who choose it for a business meeting, a quiet meal with a friend or lover or even alone as the charming woman to my left.

This is not one of those spots where tourists scan the menu as they pass by looking for bargains but a destination where one can expect calm, correct service and a refuge from the frenetic pace of Saint-Germain.

The restaurant is managed by Massimo Mori of Mori Venice Bar, so you can always be assured of the freshest ingredients and the finest olive oils and balsamic vinegars, imported from Italy. 

You might describe the remodel as Armaniesque-clean lines, modern and unadorned-elegant simplicity. We were seated at the entry where the wrap-around window walls provide a picture card perfect view of the Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots and the iconic church that gives the neighborhood its name. And this being Saint-Germain, there is no shortage of elegant women and smartly dressed men of all ages providing a documentary film as you eat. A flirts delight.

For starters Albert had a classic carpaccio of beef and in an equally classic mood I opted for thin slices of veal in a tuna sauce.

For a main course Albert chose the classic spaghettei alla pomidoro with slices of parmegano and since the restaurant is open until midnight an excellent choice for a post-cinema meal.

Having recently returned from Venice I was seduced by the assorted perfectly grilled fish ( swordfish, tuna and squid) with grilled onions and fennel.

A Barbera was the perfect partner for these shared pleasures.

Emporio Armani Caffé • 149 Blvd. Saint-Germain • 75006

Tel: 01 45 48 62 15 • Open daily: Noon-Midnight