Top 20 Parisian terraces for restaurant reopenings: how to enhance them and make them profitable?

At a time of decontamination, terraces are more than just an asset for restaurateurs. Today, they represent the only authorization to reopen before June. And after 7 months without eating out, the French will be flocking to Parisian terraces.

Terraces have always been part of Parisian culture, and a major contributor to sales. However, the beginning of May 2021 presents a few special features. Only the terraces will be open, i.e. around 30% of the capital's establishments, and at 50% of their capacity. Many restaurateurs are questioning the profitability of their spaces, despite the financial aid still being paid out. But for most, the desire to reconnect with the French and get back to their core business takes precedence. So how do you make the most of your Parisian terrace to attract customers? How can you maximize your services? Which open terraces are not to be missed?

I) How to make the most of your Parisian terrace

After a long period of closure, some restaurants have had to close down. Others are hanging on and taking advantage of the authorization to extend terraces to build their own. This makes it difficult for customers to know whether you're still open, whether you've decided to reopen on May 19, or whether you have a terrace to welcome them. Communicating is more important than ever. Because if consumers have doubts, they won't come to your establishment. But you also need to attract them, because in 2016 there were already 15 500 terraces in the capital.

1. Communicate on all platforms

You need to share your opening date and the existence of your terrace on all digital media. After all, 90% of customers go online to choose and book their restaurant. Internet users use various channels to do this: Google My Businessmultiple directories (TripAdvisor, La Fourchette, Yelp...) or even websites websites. Each of these channels needs to be optimized in order to get the word out about your establishment and its Parisian terrace as soon as it reopens. How can we do it?

• Write posts about your terrace renovation on Google My Business: this will help you appear in the results displayed under Google Map.
• Showcase your exterior on relevant SEO directories with dedicated posts and quality photos.
• Clarify and promote your new information on your website.

2. Use social media as a visibility leverSharewith your community the progress of your installations for D-Day and your excitement to soon find them. To do this, stories are a great way to communicate and create a bond with internet users. Also publish qualitative content about your new products, not just the terrace but also your dishes, drinks, cocktails... and don't hesitate to devote a small sponsorship budget to it.

3. Differentiate your Parisian terrace installationTerraceswill cover the capital, so to stand out from the crowd, be creative. Garlands of lanterns, plants of all kinds, flowers, cushions, carpets... anything to make your terrace more attractive!

Your terrace is a decisive asset from May 19, so let your customers know about it!

II) How to maximize service with reduced capacity and limited opening hours

Restaurateurs are worried about the profitability of reopening their Parisian terrace only, if at all, from May 19. Some are asking the question: how can they open without making a loss during these (minimum) 3 weeks of restrictions? Various measures can be taken to maximize service.

1. Ensure table turnover

As we have seen in the countries that have resumed activity, and detailed in our article, the local people stay at the table for a long time, so happy to get back to life. This leads to a drop in sales for restaurateurs, due to the low turnover of their few tables. To better anticipate the situation, add a time limit policy to your reservations, or send a text message reminding you of the time limit for your table. It's a tricky situation for waiters, but one that helpsavoid surprises for customers.

2. Ensure uninterrupted service

If your teams allow it, extend your kitchen opening hours to allow for continuous service. This will enable you to maximize the number of covers over the authorized period, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. And to make the most of downtime, attract customers with creative solutions: breakfast, afternoon tea, afterwork... Click here for our tips on how to optimize the time between meals.

3. Maintain a delivery and click & collect offer

Some people won't have time to sit down, especially at lunchtime, while others won't be able to find a place on the terrace, or will want to order after curfew. Demand for remote sales will thus continue to exist, even if room service will most certainly dominate demand. Numerous solutions have been developed to help you reconcile all your sales channels simultaneously. Let Deliverect or Pulp help you.

4. Avoid cancellations

To make the most of opening your terrace, you need to fill your 50% available capacity as fully as possible. Any no-show will be crucial, so opt for a prepayment policylike some English restaurateurs. And to sell out, customers need to book with you. So how do you make yourself known to these customers and convince them to come to your establishment? Increase your position in their Internet search results and improve your online reputation. Here' s how.

III) Our best terraces in 2021

1. The establishments of the Perchoir group The most sought-after

The group 's 6 establishments are the talk of the town. The queues at the entrance to each Perchoir bear witness to their success. And it's not hard to see why. Located at the top of the BHV, the Perchoir du Marais offers a panoramic view of the whole city. A few cocktails, a sunset, live music and friends - that's the promise of the place. Still on the rooftop, but to the east of Paris, admire the Sacré-Coeur from the Perchoir Ménilmontant. A warm rooftop terrace with cosy sofas and large wooden tables, refined dishes, there's something for everyone - culinary, festive and artistic. Or cross the Seine and find yourself on the XXL terrace of the Perchoir Porte de Versaillesin a magnificent setting that's 100% exotic, to sample local produce and dance the night away. Le Perchoir de l'Est welcomes you in a completely different atmosphere. A normally inaccessible place, above the train station, in an industrial setting, where you can watch travelers run around while enjoying cocktail creations. Last but not least, the Pavillon Puebla is like a little corner of paradise, nestled in the large Buttes Chaumont park. Carpets, cushions and bright colors make it feel like home. The Perchoir group is sure to please. Whatever your mood for the day, the choice is yours!

2. Anita's Pizza a trattoria with a guinguette feel

Right in the heart of the 16th arrondissement and a stone's throw from the Seine, the chef offers pizzas worthy of the best trattorias. It's hard to resist the signature dish, La Pizza d'Anita, made with truffles, mozzarella, mushrooms and Speck. But it's even harder to pass by this large Parisian terrace, lit by garlands of lanterns and decorated with palm trees, without stopping.

3. Laïa a secret garden to "get out of Paris in Paris".

Acknowledged by the world's leading gastronomic media, this hidden garden in the 11th arrondissement has made a name for itself as one of the city's "must-haves". The promise of the place is kept. A veritable garden in which to escape the city in the sunshine, and enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a warm atmosphere, true to the plates. Laïa is the perfect blend of conviviality and refinement.

4. Bien Ficelé a Parisian terrace with bistronomic cuisine

Terraces often rhyme with drinks, platters and food to share. How about savoring bistronomic cuisine al fresco, in the heart of the 11th arrondissement? Bien Ficelé, founder Arthur's second establishment, invites you onto its terrace, where you'll find mouth-watering meat specialties and high-quality, environmentally-friendly products.

5. Maison Maison Ideal location, right on the water

Maison Maison is an atypical location on the banks of the Seine. A unique place in Paris. And yet, you'll tell me that there are many ephemeral terraces on the banks of the Seine. Maison Maison stands out for its culinary offerings, with unthinkable combinations of flavors, to be enjoyed by the water's edge, with a delicious glass of wine. A far cry from the draught beers and tubs of French fries offered by its neighbors.

6. Klay Saint Sauveur A tropical oasis

Once through the door, the crowds of the Rue Montorgueil seem to disappear, and the vegetated terrace instantly transports you to a world somewhere between tropical and Californian. Associated with the Klay sports and wellness club, the restaurant features healthy yet gourmet cuisine.

7. BB Blanche the refined courtyard of a private mansion

In the same family as Klay, but with little resemblance, BB Blanche is one of Paris's most refined terraces. This courtyard of a private mansion, with its gilding, glass-roofed bar, white sofas and red parasols, is worthy of the capital's most luxurious venues. It's a popular spot, but above all, it's a warm place to be.

8. Quai Ouest the Riviera next door to Paris

An XXL terrace to soak up the sun with your feet in the water, a drink in hand and plates to share with friends or family. The Bocca restaurant has firmly established itself on the Quai Ouest, becomingone of the capital's most chic guinguettes. A Mediterranean atmosphere, set on the Seine, for a new opportunity to travel.

9. Flora Danica a Nordic-inspired Parisian terrace

From the front, you wouldn't expect it. But as soon as you cross the threshold, a pleasant surprise awaits you. A long terrace, on several levels, sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the Champs Elysées. A difficult challenge, but one that the Bertrand group has met. Inspired by Scandinavian countries, with light tones and refined furnishings, the place invites you to try Danish specialties.

10. Polpo a barge, feet in the sand

Lunch with your feet in the sand, just a few minutes from Paris? It's possible at Polpo, the trendy brasserie in Levallois! It's the ideal place to enjoy the sunny days, whether you're sitting in the restaurant, comfortably seated on a sofa with a view, or stretched out in a deckchair on the beach. The decor, by Laura Gonzalez, is sure to impress!

11. L'Ile a world apart

L'Ile is like a small village, a haven of peace. A change of scenery in Issy les Moulineaux. This huge pavilion with its "Maison de campagne" decor, once again excelled by Laura Gonzalez, invites you onto its terrace, facing the park, to enjoy its summer kitchen and outdoor bar.

12. Quai Liberté a Parisian associative terrace

The concept alone appeals to us: helping people released from prison to rediscover a taste for work. But we couldn't agree more with the concept and the terrace! Wooden bungalows set on a beautifully flowered terrace, a bistronomic menu and a view of the Eiffel Tower, a perfect combo for afterwork.

13. Le Choupinet a Parisian terrace between modernity and tradition

On the corner of Boulevard Saint-Michel, facing the Luxembourg Gardens, Le Choupinet is one of those Parisian terraces that are emblems of the city. Formerly a traditional brasserie, Le Choupinet has been modernized. With its open kitchen, neon lights and greenery, everything has been done to rejuvenate the aesthetics of this brasserie, which continues to honor French cuisine. And as ideal as ever for people-watching!

14. MERSEA gourmet street food in a passageway

In BeauPassage, a space dedicated to strollers, you can enjoy the famous seafood street food of double Michelin-starred chef Olivier Bellin under the open sky. In this quiet spot in the heart of the 6th arrondissement, discover one of the best fish and chips in Paris and enjoy a cocktail creation from the Mersea gin bar.

15. Louie Louie Italy in the heart of Paris

A small square, rickety tables with white tablecloths, the smell of freshly baked pizza, conversations in Italian - Louie Louie is Italian charm. Although its interior is a far cry from the classic trattorias, its Parisian terrace transports us to the Botte. And one bite of pizza is all it takes to succumb to this already popular little pizzeria.

16. Chouchou the most eagerly awaited terrace extension

The Hotel Chouchou created a buzz as soon as it opened, and drew in the crowds! A mini food market with a guinguette feel, inside the hotel. No terraces yet for this establishment in the heart of the 9th arrondissement. But there's good news! The rue de l'hôtel is becoming pedestrianized, and the Hôtel Chouchou is going to install a large terrace there to continue to treat us! Note that the terrace won't open until June 9!

17. MOB a rooftop just like home

An unpretentious terrace, just the way we like it! In the sunshine, cut off from the world, time slows down at the MOB Hotel. Grab your glass of rosé, enjoy the bbq and live the experience of a place centered around ecology! The restaurant's cuisine will delight you with its organic and committed dishes.

18. Da Vito the authentic trattoria version of the Parisian terrace

A red façade, a black-and-white striped awning, a few round tables: the authentic charm of the trattoria. Dangerously generous pizzas, with products straight from Italy, at the most reasonable prices. A true delight. And as soon as you can, cross the restaurant to reach the secret passage...

19. Monbleu The love of cheese on the terrace

The crème de la crème of cheeses to enjoy on the terrace? That's what Monbleu Comptoir, a wine and cheese bar, has to offer. Plates with unexpected combinations, such as burrata - kiwi - pesto roquette, will leave you breathless. And a summer terrace for all to enjoy from May 19.

20. Il Vaporetto Italy along the Seine

Located on the banks of the Seine, not far from Paris, this Italian restaurant invites you to discover the unmissable specialties of its homeland, in its secret garden. Smiling waiters welcome and accompany you on this long terrace, far from the hustle and bustle outside. All you have to do is order the antipasti and a spritz!