Paris: dine in this sexy hidden garden where Brad Pitt peed
Introducing, Le Grand Salon at Hotel Particulier (in Montmartre)
This completely hidden restaurant is situated in “the largest hotel garden in the French capital,” and also happens to be a place where Brad Pitt peed.
When we went
6pm on a Sunday, in September 2022. It was fairly quiet since (a) it is hidden, (b) it was a Sunday, and (c) the French don’t usually eat dinner until 8pm or so. Do we recommend? Absolutely. Can you find it from the street? Nope.
Making a reservation
We made a reservation via the hotel website a few days in advance. Do this if you plan to go on a weekend to secure a table in the garden.
What to wear
This place is seriously sexy so this is the time to look good. If you’re dining in a cooler month, definitely bring a jacket so you don’t let the brisk evening air ruin your night.
How to actually find it
Put the address into your phone (23, AVENUE JUNOT, PAVILLON D, 75018 PARIS) and follow walking directions from wherever you are in Montmartre. It’s a fairly short walk from the central shops.
Once you “arrive,” you’ll be scratching your head. We walked by the entrance about 3 times before finding it.
The entrance can be identified by a giant unmarked gate that looks like it is meant for cars to drive through. If you see this (pictured below), walk up to it and look for a plaque that says “Hotel Particulier.” See it? Give the gate a tug and walk through!
Once through the gate, follow the walking path straight ahead. It will lead you back just a little ways to a garden entrance on your left. You’ve arrived!
What we ordered
Be prepared to splurge a little. Between the three of us, we shared the following:
GALICIAN OCTOPUS 36
Fennel in two ways, potato and safran aioli
It sounded interesting. That said, it wasn’t our favorite and we recommend just going for the 7-hour lamb shoulder instead…
7-HOUR LAMB SHOULDER FROM AUVERGNE 92
Roasted vegetables with thyme - To share
Recommended by our server, for good reason! The lamb was so tender, flavorful, and melts in your mouth. If you don’t normally like lamb for it’s gamey flavors, join the club. This one though… it’s the bomb dot com. The menu suggests sharing between two people, but we think it is plenty for three.
SIDE DISHES 9
Pureed potatoes
Our server said this was her favorite, describing it “ like ice cream.” These potatoes are whipped, creamy, and oh-so buttery. Paired perfectly with the 7-hour lamb shoulder.
Hidden bar for a nightcap
If you thought the garden was the hidden treasure, wander inside the hotel entrance and down the stairs to your left. Walk past the bathrooms (where Brad Pitt peed) and into the even sexier downstairs bar. Dripping with red velvet, elaborate carpets, and dim lighting, you’ll definitely want an Espresso Martini.
We discovered this by accident but couldn’t resist staying for a specialty cocktail and some seriously moody ambiance.
Where Brad Pitt peed
At some point you’ll probably need to use the toilet, located downstairs before the bar. Bring your phone because you’ll want to take pics.
The bathroom is unisex, so don’t be thrown off if you see a guy in there. In fact, it could be Brad Pitt! To find the headlined throne, go in the very last bathroom stall against the wall. You’ll see a giant gold plaque above the toilet confirming you found the hidden treasure.
Before you go, catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower
Follow the path in the opposite direction of the gate. On the horizon, you’ll see a majestic view of the Eiffel Tower, sandwiched between two buildings. Sit there for a moment and take it all in. Yes, you are in Paris.
