ALKARAM sur Paris

11/12/2024: Thank you very much for your cooking. A great time. A very beautiful minimalist card but it's really to focus on the best. Perfectly refined wines suited to the dishes. Impeccable service 👌. An address to keep carefully. Well done, keep it up, you understand everything.

01/12/2024: Come a Casa, or “like at home” in Italian, bears its name like a true standard: here, simplicity, authenticity and refinement intertwine to offer an unforgettable experience. Located a stone's throw from the famous Père-Lachaise cemetery, this discreet osteria could almost go unnoticed. But behind its modest facade hides a culinary gem, an essential institution for lovers of Italian cuisine in Paris (and, dare I say, for lovers of gastronomy in general). Flavia Federici and Andrea Bastianelli, originally from Rome, have created a place that goes beyond a simple culinary experience. An architect by training, Flavia imagined a raw but warm decoration, mixing industrial influences with a cozy atmosphere. The thick curtains of a deep hue, evoking catharsis, symbolically mark the separation between the tumult outside and the serenity of the restaurant. “A true purification, a separation of the good from the bad”, as Plato would say. This subtle metaphor perfectly illustrates the soothing and welcoming character of the osteria but this is only my analysis. At Come a Casa, the menu is short, of impeccable quality: three starters, three or four main courses, and two or three desserts, renewed every week or almost. This apparent simplicity hides meticulous work and unfailing attention to the quality of the products and during my visits, I had the chance to taste dishes that literally transported me to Italy. As a starter, the veal tartare simply amazed me. Delicately seasoned, it offers a subtlety rarely achieved, redefining the standards of this yet common dish. Another favorite is Pappa al Pomodoro, a rustic tomato soup served with truffle stracciatella. This mixture of hot and cold, where the slightly sweet acidity of the tomato meets the richness of the cream and the deep aromas of the truffle, is a pure culinary masterpiece. As a main course, the ravioli stuffed with ricotta, lemon zest and candied tomatoes introduced me to new and unexpected flavors. The pumpkin lasagna, gratinated with Italian cheeses, was just as delicious, although the abundant cheese added a touch of salt that was perhaps a little noticeable for some palates. The desserts are not left out: the tiramisu, a classic that I always judge rigorously, is a success here. Creamy, generous and perfectly balanced. As for the panna cotta, it is enhanced by a homemade jam, a little touch that makes all the difference. Andrea, the owner, will guide you in your wine choices with a passion and expertise worthy of the best Italian osterie. The selection, exclusively Italian, is varied and of high quality. Do not hesitate to ask him for advice to accompany your dishes because each bottle seems to have been chosen with care and love for the terroir. During my two visits, I was able to discover different facets of the place. A first time between friends and colleagues, where the conviviality and the quality of the welcome marked the evening. Then, for my partner’s birthday, I reserved a more intimate table. Andrea, always attentive, took care to respond to my request with particular attention, making this moment even more special. The bill may seem slightly higher than the average Parisian restaurant, but it reflects a quality and experience that is worth every penny. Come a Casa is more than a restaurant: it is a true ode to Italy, supported by a passionate team and cuisine that touches the sublime. If you are passing through or living in Paris, don't miss this experience. As they say in Italy, ciao a tutti e buon appetito!