Dining at Septime, Paris — With Children in Tow

Paris, France

Dining at Septime, Paris With Children in Tow

Septime is one of Paris’s most celebrated restaurants, a Michelin-starred spot known for its elegant, seasonal cooking and pared-back modern style. It is the kind of place many assume is strictly adults-only, but on my recent visit I decided to test that idea by bringing my two children, aged 5 and 7.

Knowing it might raise eyebrows, I called ahead to let the team know I would be bringing children. They explained that there is no children’s menu, but they were incredibly accommodating, offering a reduced menu so the kids could enjoy an amuse bouche, one main and dessert. It was the perfect compromise: they got a taste of the experience without committing to the full menu, and I was able to enjoy my meal with matching wines without worrying about overwhelming portions or restless little ones.

I made sure we arrived early and asked for a table tucked into a corner, away from the main walkway. It felt considerate for other diners, and it gave the children their own little “base.” I also brought a notebook and pencils to keep them occupied between courses, which worked beautifully. My 7-year-old even started sketching the dishes she was served, almost like making her own illustrated tasting notes.

The kitchen at Septime did not water anything down for the children, which I really appreciated. My 7-year-old tried almost everything that came her way, curious and enthusiastic. My 5-year-old, who at our last Michelin-starred meal barely touched anything beyond the bread, completely surprised me. He ate his entire main course and then mine as well. The dish was milk- and corn-fed chicken, cooked to absolute perfection, with a sweet corn salsa on the side. He devoured the chicken, while I happily enjoyed the salsa. It was a wonderful reminder that children’s tastes can grow and change quickly, especially when they are invited into these kinds of experiences.

Septime is not the kind of restaurant that caters to children with crayons and chicken nuggets, and that is exactly what I appreciated. They treated my kids like diners in their own right, adjusting just enough to make it workable while preserving the integrity of the meal. With a bit of preparation and consideration, dining here with children turned out to be not only possible but genuinely enjoyable.

For me, it was a chance to enjoy an exquisite meal in Paris while gently introducing my children to the joy of great food. For them, it was an adventure: new tastes, new surroundings and even a bit of creativity along the way.