Little Red Door

Tucked on Rue Charlot in Paris’s hip Marais district, Little Red Door lives up to its playful name: don’t be fooled by the tiny red door—it’s a decorative prop. Instead, step through the door to its left, and you’re immediately enveloped by a dimly lit, warmly inviting haven that feels like a stylish friend's living room. Velvet-backed bar stools, tufted leather armchairs, and cozy conversation chaises invite lingering, while bare brick walls impart a raw, elegant charm. Founded in 2012 by Timothée Prangé and Dotan Shalev, the bar helped define Paris’s craft cocktail movement. Its menus are thematic art pieces—recent editions like “Twisted Mirrors” feature intricately illustrated recipes that emphasize fresh, farm-to-glass ingredients. Seasonally inspired creations like the “Sbagliato Sbagliato” (with strawberry crémant, French vermouth, and bitter apéritif blend) reflect the bar’s refined, inventive approach—and even non-alcoholic options are thoughtfully designed and compelling. Generations of barkeeps have rocked this place. Behind the bar, bartenders blend artistry with hospitality—prompting guests to say “bartender’s choice,” then waiting expectantly for their reaction. The crowd is a cosmopolitan crowd of twenty- and thirty-somethings, mixing locals and travelers—all drawn to its international reputation and soulful vibe. Little Red Door consistently ranks among the world’s best cocktail bars. In 2023 it ranked No. 6 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, and No. 5 in 2022—earning global recognition for its ambience, creativity, and craftsmanship. Seeking reservations? Traditionally, queues formed before opening, especially on weekends, though mid-week visits or pre-dinner windows are more relaxed—and reservations for tasting menus are available.