In 1907, “Le Clown” becomes a café which will be the meeting place and the mailbox of circus artists from all over the world.
Its name inspired by the neighboring Cirque d’Hiver (winter circus)—has a decorative border from the 1920s depicting clowns at play along with green, yellow, and white tiled walls and a curving zinc bar.
When I came here often, Tokyo-born chef Sota Atsumi still held sway. He put the most unforgettable dishes in front of you here. What a party and what a great atmosphere.
But even now, with a new chef behind the stove, it remains a place I love to return to!
The Clown Bar offer authentic and simple cuisine in this exceptional location which is listed since 1995 as a historical monument. The menu features intriguing contemporary but traditional French small plates with international influence. With one of the largest cellars in France for “natural” wines, they want to inspire with as many people as possible the taste for good things while taking care of nature.
An absolute must, if it is just to drink a glass of wine and breathe in the atmosphere of the beautiful decorations in the restaurant and the friendly staff.
Sota has since left and has opened his own restaurant under the name 'Maison'. And that name fits him perfectly because that's what you felt: like you were at home!
Atsumi describes his culinary style as “modern, gastronomical, and simple,” and his dishes often embrace luxury ingredients, along with flavors from France, Japan, and elsewhere around the world.
My favorite dish was the hot Pithivier with date puree —medium-rare duck and jiggly foie encased in flaky pastry.
114, Rue Amelot
75013 Paris