Lindsey Tramuta is a French-American journalist, bestselling author, and podcast host who has been based in Paris since 2006. Working fluently in both French and English, she covers culture, food and wine, travel, business, and women’s issues – often exploring where these worlds intersect. Her work has appeared in leading international publications including The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Bloomberg, and Vogue. Alongside her writing, Lindsey travels widely to report stories, while remaining deeply rooted in Paris, a city that continues to shape her perspective and storytelling.
Could you please tell our community a bit about yourself and what you do?
I’m a French-American journalist, author, and podcast host based in Paris since 2006. My writing spans France, occasionally other parts of the world, and covers culture, food and wine, travel, business, women’s issues, and, when possible, the intersection of all of them.
What are you currently working on or excited about?
My book with Eater, The Eater Guide to Paris, is coming up on its 1st birthday and I’m excited to launch a book on French design that I co-authored with Alice Cavanagh for Schumacher called Arbiters of Style: the New Wave of French Interior Design. But more broadly, I’m excited that I am still exploring and still telling stories about the country I love so much.
How would you describe the restaurant scene in Paris at the moment?
It’s been an exciting few years, with lots of openings and shifts, but right now, I think the stars of the restaurant scene are those cooking untraditional or non-French fare. Lebanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Levantine, and the ways in which those overlap, in some ways, with French.
What are three restaurants in Paris you particularly enjoy, and why?
What I care most about is consistency above all, both on the plate and in the experience, and few really nail that. Those that do:
Kubri, contemporary, creative Lebanese which is not only consistent but consistently knocks the socks of the friends I bring to dine there— flavour, texture, brightness, comfort. It’s all there.
Oobatz— for the best pizza in Europe, by far. I’ve even been to Tokyo where, I was told, some of the most exceptional pizza is being prepared (outside of the U.S., let’s say) and I wasn’t wildly impressed! In fact, Oobatz has become the reference.
Casa Pregonda— nails vibe, delicious, uncomplicated Spanish food, fantastic drinks, and a transportive feeling. Particularly necessary when the rain won’t quit.
Le Mary Celeste— always feels fresh, for cocktails, excellent wines, and small plates. I particularly love that you can show up at 4pm, have a drink, and order the house deviled eggs.
Is there a newer restaurant in Paris that you think is doing especially interesting things?
I think Hanz Gueco at Cheval d’Or has become one of the strongest chefs in town, particularly when it comes to a mashup of French and Chinese. His thoughtfulness extends to the tableware, the lighting, the music— it’s the experience that makes dining out so special. I also think Manon Fleury’s cooking at Datil is particularly special— very vegetable-forward, beautiful textures, careful work with sauces.
Are there any hidden gems in Paris you would like to highlight – and what would you order there?
They wouldn’t be hidden anymore if I share :)
Which food cities around the world inspire you the most, and where do you like to eat when you’re there (3 places per city)?
Marseille — the mix of high and low is extraordinary and the seafood is spectacular. I’ll go to wine bars and have pizza (Marseille style, of course) one night and something more like Ourea, a bit more sophisticated but still an accessible expression of the Mediterranean.
Philadelphia— Yes, it’s my hometown. But it’s also one of the most interesting places to eat on the East coast! Manong, a Filipino-American steakhouse, isn’t the kind of place I’m likely to get in Paris. Pizzeria Beddia is a forever favorite.
Rome — I don’t even have a favorite place but just being there is inspiring. I have had excellent meals at Colline Emiliane, La Terrazza at Hotel Eden, and Retrobottega.
What do you enjoy most about those places?
It’s that secret sauce of ambiance, food, value, and consistency that so few restaurants in the world get right.
What is your favorite dish and where is your favorite restaurant to have it?
A big bowl of mashed potatoes from L’Ami Jean followed by Stéphane Jego’s rice pudding. Neither of those was a favorite before living in Paris. But I think of both of these more regularly than I care to admit. And when I’m not thinking about them, I’m thinking about Dan Pearson’s polpette pizza at Oobatz.
Is there an up-and-coming chef you think is doing great things?
I’m deeply impressed with the cooking by Nazareno Mayol Curti at Eme, his first solo restaurant, and I’m very excited to see what Robert Mendoza does when he starts cooking at his own place this spring.
Is there a food expert or curator whose restaurant recommendations you would particularly want to hear?
Julien Pham, the food entrepreneur who runs Phamily First, a creative agency, and Gift Shop.
