Speedway is one of the most popular new restaurants in Paris, France. It recently became a “must-try” place for locals and tourists alike after it opened its doors in June 2019. Located in the 17th arrondissement, the restaurant is inspired by Italian culture, but serves Japanese and French cuisine. Its rustic Italian décor features exposed brick walls, antique furniture, and classic Italian art. One of the most unique aspects of the restaurant is its name: it is the only one in Paris that is not named after a famous French figure or literary character. Locals have been flocking in large numbers ever since its opening since it provides a place that feels a little bit like home.
What It Is
Located in the heart of Paris, the restaurant serves as a hub for social life. It is a gathering place for people who want to enjoy traditional Italian and Japanese food, as well as craft beer and cocktails. Guests can choose from a three-course meal, a tasting menu, or an a la carte menu. Prices at the restaurant vary, but are mostly affordable. A popular dish is the spaghetti carbonara, which is priced at €12. A main course veggie pizza is priced at €11, and a pasta with duck breast is also available for €13. French Riviera pizza with goat cheese, roasted peppers, and olives is €12, and a burger with truffle, arugula, and cheddar is €11. The wine list at the restaurant is extensive, with bottles available for €25 and up. Craft beer is priced at €7 for a bottle, and cocktails cost €12. The outdoor seating area at the restaurant is beautiful, with patrons seated underneath large umbrellas and lush green plants. In good weather, it is a perfect place to unwind with a coffee and crostini after a day of touring the city.
Unique Selling Point
The restaurant’s name, “Paris Speedway”, is inspired by the famous Milano Raceway in Italy. The French restaurateur who owns the place, Antoine Bonhomme, wanted to pay homage to the track, which is famous for its extreme turns and long straightaways. However, it is not a full-blown replica of the original racetrack; rather, it is a tribute to the style and sensibility of the place. Bonhomme wanted to create a fun, relaxed atmosphere that was unique to his restaurant. The designer of the restaurant, Karim Kassar, also studied graphic design in Paris and took inspiration from the City of Light in his work as well.
Ambiance
The restaurant is located in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, a part of the city that is known for its cobbled streets, tiny boutiques, and bistros. It is close to the Bois de Boulogne, which is a forested park that is a favorite of Parisians. It takes about 15 minutes to walk there from the restaurant, which is closer to 20 minutes by taxi or bus. Since opening, people have been flocking to try the new Italian eatery, with some reviewers putting its food quality at the top of the list for restaurants in Paris. For those who want to stay a while and enjoy a coffee or cocktail, they can, as there is also a bar at the restaurant called Bar Italia.
Cuisine
The restaurant serves Italian cuisine and takes its inspiration from Italian culture. The menu features a wide variety of pizzas, pastas, and salads. There is also a range of steaks, including ribeye, and a range of traditional mains including chicken cacciatore, risotto with lobster or mussel, and slow-cooked Tuscan pork. For dessert, patrons can opt for a range of homemade pastries and cakes, orchid-filled profiteroles, and Italian ice-cream. For a more traditional experience, there is also a version of the classic tiramisu served in a coffee cup, or a classic pizza made with thin-crust. Every Friday, the restaurant hosts a “pizza express”, where patrons can get a large pizza or calzone delivered to their table in under 10 minutes. The restaurant gets its name, Paris Speedway, because of the frequent fast deliveries.
Service
The restaurant is family-run, and its co-owner, Antonio Bonhomme, is also the brother of the owner of Bon Appetit!, one of Paris’ most popular restaurants. During peak hours, the restaurant can get busy and there is often a line outside, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Since it is a small place, reservations are not necessary but are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, and for parties of four or more. On Thursday nights, the restaurant offers an early bird special, which runs from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and on Sunday, there is an a la carte menu until 3:00 pm.
Is It Worth Visiting?
Since its opening, Paris Speedway has become a regular stop for tourists in Paris, with many diners opting to eat there several times during their stay. It is a great place for traditional Italian food and is a one-of-a-kind restaurant in the city. For those looking for an experience that is a little different, but still want to visit the French capital, this is a must-try place.