Arola: designer decor and trendy tapas

The American group Starwood has added its first Paris address for W, its trendy brand, with the W Opéra, an elegant Haussmann-style refuge with parquet floors and mouldings, boosted by a new ultra-design décor, full of colour and energy.

The cuisine, just as inventive, is designed by Sergi Arola. This two-starred chef from Barcelona, who has worked with Gagnaire and Ferran Adria, invites us to sample his "picas picas", a new-look tapas offering a remarkably creative range of dishes. On the menu? White asparagus cooked at low temperature on a bed of almonds and black olives, Andalusian-style fried artichokes, ham and cheese croquettes, and pork carpaccio with Basque chilli. It's exotic, modern and full of fantasy... Even if these nibbles obviously come at a price.

Around 60-80 euros for a meal of 5-6 picas.
Restaurant Arola at the Hôtel W Opéra, 4, rue Meyerbeer 75009 Paris.
Tel.: 01 77 48 94 94