Foodies Can Live An Emily In Paris Fantasy At The Real-Life Version Of Gabriel's Restaurant

The hit Netflix series "Emily in Paris" has charmed audiences worldwide with its glamorous depiction of life in the French capital, filled with fashion, romance, and of course, food. One of the standout locations in the show is Gabriel's restaurant, where the handsome chef cooks up delicious meals and serves as a key character in Emily's whirlwind Parisian life. For fans of the show and foodies alike, the exciting news is that Gabriel's restaurant isn't just a set or a fictional creation — it's actually based on a real place that exists in Paris, and you can dine there to live out your own "Emily in Paris" fantasy.

@emmyoughton

Gabrielle's restaurant from Emily in Paris 😍🥩 #emilyinparis #emilyinparisseason4 #lilycollins #emilyinparispremiere #lilycollins #netflix #trending #viral #food #foodie #restaurant #paris #steak #foryou #fyp @Netflix @Lily Collins

♬ Mon Soleil (from "Emily in Paris" Soundtrack) – Ashley Park

While the real restaurant that is the setting of Gabriel's bistro is called Terra Nera, in the show it has gone by a different name each season. It was known as Les Deux Compères in Season 1, renamed Chez Lavaux in Season 2, and was most recently rechristened as the upscale Michelin-striving restaurant L'Esprit de Gigi in the show's third season. This is the restaurant where Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) and Emily (Lily Collins) share some steamy kisses, and where, in Season 3, Gabriel enlists his grandmother Gigi to help with the restaurant's reopening, and gets Emily to try some fish soup. It's also where Emily, Camille, and Mindy go to hang out, sip on some wine, and enjoy delicious food (especially that rare steak!) — while wearing their very finest French fashion staples, of course.

What might surprise you is that Terra Nera is not a French restaurant, it's Italian. "Terra Nera" means "black earth," and it's owned by Johann Baranes and Valerio Abate. The restaurant is housed in a historic building that was once a butchery in the 19th century. Today, it's a traditional bistro that serves classic Italian dishes like linguine alle vongole (pasta with clams), insalata caprese (tomatoes with mozzarella and basil), and desserts like tiramisu and panna cotta. So don't expect to find any quintessentially French food or fine-dining dishes (like Gabriel's elegant leeks). Vegetarian and vegan options are available. They also offer wine, cocktails (yes, the Kir royale!), soft drinks, tea, and coffee. The prices fall in line with the average Parisian restaurant, and this is how much you should expect to pay for food while traveling in France.

Approaching the restaurant, you'll notice the outside looks exactly like in the show, with a half-in, half-out, gorgeously painted terrace. However, the inside of the restaurant is completely different on the show (especially after Season 3's renovations), and was likely filmed on a set. Gabriel's restaurant has a large open kitchen, a full-sized bar with a seating area, and a spread-out table layout. In contrast, the real Terra Nera is a casual restaurant with an intimate feel, the kitchen is small and hidden in the back, and there's a winding staircase that leads patrons to a bathroom on the bottom floor. Nonetheless, the "Emily in Paris" fantasy is very much real — the food is delicious, the service is good, and the vibes are immaculate. 

Given its newfound fame, it's a good idea to make a reservation at Terra Nera, especially if you're planning to visit during peak dining hours. You can do so by calling them at 01-43-54-83-09 or sending a direct message to their Instagram. The restaurant's popularity has surged since the show's debut — as people figured out where the real restaurant is — with fans, both local and international, eager to experience the magic of this restaurant for themselves (even if Chef Gabriel doesn't actually work there).

Luckily, the staff, and especially the owners, are well-prepared for the influx of "Emily" pilgrims and are known for their warm hospitality. Terra Nera has fully embraced the "Emily" trend by curating a three-course "Emily in Paris" special set menu that includes a drink, appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Patio seats are especially coveted, and it's best to visit around the summertime for optimal weather in Paris — just be prepared to brave the crowds. 

The restaurant is located at 18 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques near the prestigious Sorbonne neighborhood and university. With its easily recognizable red exterior, you certainly won't miss it. If you're taking the train, the nearest station is Luxembourg. After a lovely meal, you can explore the neighborhood and the nearby Jardin du Luxembourg, a 17th-century park with beautiful gardens, statues, and fountains — you might even spot some celebrities there. The Panthéon, an 18th-century mausoleum, is another must-see site in Paris and is only a two-minute walk away. Bon voyage!