Formerly a personality in Parisian nightlife and already running the charming brasserie La Belle Epoque, Franck Maillot is doubling his stakes on the same street by whisking us off to the sea. At Mer & Coquillage, sea spray wafts over urban chic and total comfort in a very enticing ambiance. At the helm, chef Mathieu Poirier fills his menu with oysters, crayfish, crab, sea urchins, blue lobster, and beautiful fish served whole. A special mention for his sole in a pistachio crust served with roast celery and Parmesan emulsion. Mer & Coquillages, 36 rue des Petits Champ, Paris 2 (01 42 33 00 22).
