Ralph's restaurant is a bustling eatery situated in the heart of St. Germain, Paris. It's located in the centre of the Ralph Lauren retail spaces, and combines a typical American character with some Paris chic.
The outside courtyard is particularly lively, and this is the area we dined in. The restaurant has a casual, social atmosphere, with casual style cuisines like burgers, steaks etc. Nothing innovative or unique about the cuisine, but they do what they do well and it's a very pleasant place to spend the evening.
For starters we ordered a Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Montauk Red Sauce, and a Maryland Style Crab Cake with Sweet Yellow Pepper Sauce and Citrus Cress Salad. Two very nice dishes, with an American theme. We enjoyed them with a glass of Pacherrene du vic Bilh 2011, France. A refreshing and tasty wine with unique flavours of Melon, Nectarine, Lemon Zest and a hint of Grapefruit.
“The restaurant has a casual, social atmosphere.”
For our main courses we ordered the 220g Double RL Filet Mignon with cracked Black Pepper Sauce, and, a Grilled Boneless Rib Eye Steak with Red Wine Sauce. These dishes arrived with side servings of Salted Spinach and Homestyle Mashed Potato.
Ralph's doesn't pretend to be fine dining, but they food was excellent. The steaks were cooked spot on, and were full of flavoursome juices. We had a glass of Tokaj oremus Aszu 3 Puttonyos yon Furmint 2006, Hungry. A wine with pure apricot, honey and garden spices flavour. Good intensity, thick and juicy, perfect for the steak mains.
For dessert we opted for the self-titled Ralph's Brownies with Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce, and a New York Style Cheesecake. Two more American themed dishes, and very enjoyable.
If you are in the vicinity of the shopping centre, Ralph's is certainly worth experiencing. It does a good job of encompassing the busy, social aspect of a fashionable capital city. Providing a pleasant, enjoyable dining experience with great food.
The Bill: £89 per head
