Restaurant Frida at Maison Barrière Vendôme – Steps from the Louvre
Most people walking past 5 rue Danielle Casanova have no idea there’s a restaurant tucked behind the glass doors of Maison Barrière Vendôme, a 5-star hotel just off Place Vendôme.
Frida isn’t loud, flashy, or on the usual tourist radar. It’s refined, modern, and quiet, designed for people who appreciate good food and a slower pace, especially after a long morning of sightseeing.
Location and Atmosphere
The hotel sits one block from Place Vendôme, two blocks from the Tuileries Gardens, and under ten minutes from the Louvre. You’re in the heart of Paris, surrounded by flagship boutiques and luxury hotels. But once you step inside, the noise fades.
Frida’s dining space wraps around an interior courtyard with greenery and soft natural light. The design is subtle: blond wood, stone floors, and earth tones, with large windows and a calm, open layout.
Service is quiet and professional. You’re left to enjoy your meal without interruption. The restaurant draws a mix of hotel guests, local professionals, and the occasional traveler who’s done their research.
It never feels overbooked or loud, even during weekday lunch.
The Food
Frida’s menu is seasonal and concise, with 4 to 5 main dishes at a time. The kitchen focuses on fresh vegetables, well-sourced protein, and careful presentation. Nothing is overly rich or heavy.
You’ll find fish, poultry, and one or two vegetarian options, all plated like fine dining without the formal portions.
One standout is the caramelized cauliflower steak, served with almond purée, citrus accents, and a drizzle of spiced oil. It’s not just “good for a veggie dish” – multiple diners have called it their favorite meal of the trip.
Other recent mains include:
- Line-caught cod with fennel and saffron broth
- Free-range chicken breast with crushed peas and a thyme jus
- Duck breast with charred apricot and turnip purée
There’s also a short list of starters and sides, plus a small but thoughtful dessert menu. Look out for their roasted fig tart if it’s in season.
Portions are moderate, enough to satisfy without slowing you down for the rest of the day.
Pricing
A main dish at Frida typically costs between €24 and €32. Starters range from around €12 to €18, and desserts fall in the €10 to €14 range. A glass of wine will set you back about €8 to €12, depending on the selection.
If you’re having just a main and a drink, you’ll spend about €35 to €40. A full three-course meal with wine usually lands closer to €45 to €50 per person.
It’s on the higher end for lunch, but the setting and quality make it feel worth the price.
When to Go
Frida is open for both lunch and dinner. The vibe is best at lunch, less crowded, with natural light in the courtyard. It’s a perfect spot to regroup after the Louvre or escape the Place Vendôme crowds for an hour.
Dinner works too, especially if you’re looking for something central but calm. Just note that the area empties out in the evening compared to the liveliness of Saint-Germain or Le Marais.
Good to Know
Frida accepts reservations, and it’s a good idea to book ahead if you’re planning to go for dinner. For lunch, walk-ins are usually fine, especially on weekdays.
The dress code leans smart casual, nothing formal, but you’ll feel more comfortable if you skip the sneakers and backpacks.
Staff speak English and are used to international guests, so there’s no pressure if your French is rusty.
The space is calm and quiet, not particularly geared toward children. Older kids who enjoy dining out will do fine, but it’s not the kind of place with a kids’ menu or crayons on the table.
The restaurant is accessible, with a step-free entrance through the hotel and level flooring throughout the dining area.
Final Word
If you’re in central Paris and want a quiet, quality meal without falling into the overpriced brasserie trap, Frida is worth a detour. It’s especially appealing if you’re near the Louvre or Place Vendôme and don’t want to battle for a table or eat next to a crowd of Instagrammers.