Behind one of Paris’ busiest avenues hides a sun-soaked Mediterranean terrace that feels surprisingly far from the city. Welcome to CIRA – one of those addresses you almost want to keep to yourself.
There are places in Paris you find because everyone is talking about them. And then there are the ones you discover almost by accident. CIRA belongs to the second category. Hidden inside the Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel, just steps away from the crowds of the avenue, this confidential summer terrace feels like a small escape to the South of France. You leave behind traffic, tourists and the constant movement of the Champs-Élysées and enter a lush courtyard filled with greenery, oversized white umbrellas and red-and-white striped chairs. The atmosphere is elegant without feeling overly formal – somewhere between a Parisian hidden garden and a long lunch on the Riviera. Designed as a place to slow down, CIRA works just as well for a sunny lunch as it does for after-work drinks that accidentally turn into dinner.
Come for the terrace, stay for the Mediterranean table
The menu follows the same philosophy: Mediterranean, generous and made for sharing. Start with homemade tzatziki, zaatar hummus or smoked aubergine caviar before moving onto plates such as citrus tuna tartare, grilled watermelon with feta or yellowtail tiradito. Fire is at the heart of the kitchen, with fish, prawns, octopus, lamb and beef cooked over charcoal and vine shoots directly on the terrace. And because summer afternoons deserve to stretch a little longer, there are rosés and biodynamic wines from the South of France, signature spritzes and cocktails – including a Paloma Rosé – followed, perhaps, by pistachio tiramisu or the wonderfully Mediterranean combination of chocolate mousse and olive oil.
On Thursday evenings, DJ sets and acoustic performances give the terrace a livelier soundtrack, while Sundays are dedicated to a Mediterranean-inspired brunch.
Jetlaggers tip: go in the late afternoon, order something cold, stay until golden hour and temporarily forget that the Champs-Élysées are only a few metres away.
📍 Restaurant Cira – 70 avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris 8th
📞 Reservations at +33 1 53 93 55 06