Beyond the Pitch: Kylian Mbappé's Favorite Italian Restaurant in Paris
- Stephane Benoist
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Paris is full of legendary cafés, Michelin-starred restaurants, and hidden neighborhood gems. Yet some places earn their reputation for a different reason: they become destinations where Parisians, travelers, artists, athletes, and celebrities all feel equally at home.
One of those addresses is César Paris, located just a few minutes' walk from the Arc de Triomphe. Since opening its doors in 2007, the Italian restaurant has quietly established itself as one of the French capital's most recognizable dining destinations, welcoming everyone from local regulars to international visitors; and, among them, France captain Kylian Mbappé.
The restaurant's popularity among football stars is well documented. Mbappé has been joined over the years by Neymar, Dani Alves, Leandro Paredes, and boxing champion Floyd Mayweather. Actors Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston have also dined here, as have singers Rihanna and Selena Gomez, making César one of those rare Parisian restaurants where sport, cinema, fashion, and music naturally intersect.
But celebrity sightings are only part of the story.
What has allowed César to remain successful for nearly two decades is its philosophy. The restaurant describes itself as the product of a family heritage built on hospitality, offering authentic Italian cuisine prepared with carefully selected ingredients in a setting where every guest is treated with the same attention, regardless of whether they arrive in a limousine or on foot.
Step inside, and the atmosphere immediately sets the tone. Crystal chandeliers, warm lighting, elegant seating, and subtle Venetian-inspired décor create a refined yet comfortable environment. It feels sophisticated without being intimidating; a place equally suited for a romantic dinner, a family celebration, a business lunch, or an evening with friends.
The kitchen celebrates classic Italian cuisine while adding contemporary touches. The menu features house specialties that have helped build the restaurant's reputation, including truffle ravioli, Cognac-flambéed penne, fresh lobster linguine, beef carpaccio, smoked salmon tagliatelle, and charcoal-grilled Black Angus ribeye. Fresh ingredients and generous portions remain at the heart of the dining experience.
Desserts deserve their own mention. Traditional tiramisu remains a favorite, while the Speculoos cheesecake and pistachio pavlova provide a modern finish for those looking to end their meal on a sweeter note.
Behind the restaurant is entrepreneur Mehdi Abdelhedi, who has built a reputation for creating welcoming Italian dining concepts in Paris. His philosophy is simple: quality, consistency, and hospitality matter more than trends. That approach has helped César become much more than a fashionable address; it has become a restaurant people return to, whether they are world-famous or simply looking for an excellent meal after a day exploring Paris.
Perhaps that explains why Kylian Mbappé continues to choose César.
In a city celebrated as one of the world's gastronomic capitals, restaurants come and go. The ones that endure understand that memorable dining is about more than exceptional food. It is about creating a place where conversations flow naturally, friendships are strengthened, milestones are celebrated, and every guest feels welcome.
For visitors planning a stay in Paris, César offers something increasingly rare: an authentic restaurant with international appeal that remains true to its original mission. Whether you come because it is one of Mbappé's favorite restaurants or simply because you appreciate fine Italian cuisine, you are likely to leave remembering not who sat at the next table; but what was on your own.
Visitor Information
César Restaurant
12 Avenue de Wagram
75008 Paris
01 42 27 69 82
Cuisine: Italian
Hours: Daily, 11:30 a.m. to midnight
Location: A short walk from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées.
