de_DENestled at 31 avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt in the vibrant eighth arrondissement of Paris, Le Clarence offers a refined culinary experience within the heart of the French capital. The establishment opened its doors on November 17, 2015, and has since established itself as a notable destination for fine dining. The restaurant is part of the family-owned company Domaine Clarence Dillon, a corporate history that began in 1935 when New York banker Clarence Dillon, who held a deep affection for France and its culture, acquired Château Haut-Brion. Prince Robert de Luxembourg, the president of Domaine Clarence Dillon and the great-grandson of Clarence Dillon, subsequently restored the property to prepare it for its current use.
The restaurant is housed in an impressive nineteenth-century private mansion originally constructed in 1884 by Henri Parent, an expert in traditional architecture who also served as the architect for the Parisian Jacquemart-André museum. The distinctive setting provides an atmospheric backdrop for guests and even made an appearance in cinema, being featured in the 2017 film Le Brio directed by Yvan Attal and starring Daniel Auteuil and Camélia Jordana. The marriage of historical architecture and elegant interiors creates an immersive environment that complements the dining experience.
At the helm of the kitchen is executive chef Christophe Pelé. Over the course of his distinguished career, Pelé gained experience working in the kitchens of renowned establishments such as Ledoyen, Le Bristol, Pierre Gagnaire, and Le Royal Monceau. In 2007, he opened his own establishment named La Bigarrade, which quickly earned recognition before closing in 2011. Since late 2015, Pelé has served as the executive chef at Le Clarence, where his culinary expertise and background shape the restaurant's acclaimed gastronomic offerings. His leadership in the kitchen continues to draw recognition from diners and industry experts alike, cementing the establishment's status as a prominent fixture in the international culinary landscape.