Vivaio

This elegant little pizzeria feels a touch out of place in the Saint-Augustin area, where overpriced brasseries and neo-bistros have long been the norm. The modern exterior design means the restaurant also doesn’t exactly blend into its surroundings: with its dark blue façade and bright orange chairs, Vivaio brilliantly contrasts with the historical Haussmanian architecture around it. 
Inside, the house pizzas are all made with fresh ingredients and served in generous rectangular slices, with two menus on offer (at a reasonable €9.90 for two slices and a drink, or €11 for a slice and a salad). The base ingredients are spot on, with a soft, doughy base and fresh tomato sauce, and there’s also a self-service counter allowing you to customise pizzas with various toppings like olives, spicy sauce, capers, various spices, nuts and rocket. The atmosphere inside is relaxed and cosy and there’s also free Wi-Fi, so it’s a good place to bring your laptop along for an informal working lunch.

TRANSLATION: HUW OLIVER