Top notch Mexican food has landed in Pigalle – and there’s not a cheesy sombrero in sight. The cuisine does its own talking at Luz Verde, a stylish taqueria and wine bar in the 9th arrondissement. Run by Frenchie alums, bartender Quentin Zuddas and cook Alexis Delassaux have gathered a passionate following since they opened in late 2014.
Inevitably, the buzz tends to mean queuing for a table, but sticking around is well worth the wait, while the welcoming staff are quick to put a fresh pisco sour in your hand (€11). When your turn rolls around, tuck into a serving of quesadillas and tacos (chicken, lamb, venison or octopus) followed by a delicious fresh sea bream ceviche with radish and citrus caviar, or the flawless octopus with Granny apples and kohlrabi. While the meals are authentically Mexican, Luz Verde stays true to the French vine: wash down your dinner with a glass of Touraine or Pic Saint-Loup (€6-8).