A Gift Idea for the Francophile: A Table in Paris

It is probably obvious to all readers that my heart lies in Provence, but what you might not know is that my first love was Paris. Like all first loves, there’s a je ne sais quoi about a city that thrives around its café scene, lively brasseries, and celebrated dining rooms. So, when I discovered A Table in Paris 100+ favorites from the City of Light by John Donohue, my heart was a flutter again.

“A visual exploration of the Paris dining scene, with stories, guides, and recommendations from everyday patrons and famous aficionados alike”

The Author

New Yorker John Donohue is an artist and writer. The former The New Yorker magazine editor is a self-taught artist whose cartoons appeared in that magazine and other high-profile publications including, the New York Times and Barron’s.

Since there is nothing like a project to kick off the new year, Donahue began sketching restaurant facades in New York City on January 1, 2017. There were an estimated 24,000 restaurants in the city at the time. So, by his calculations with an average of 20 minutes per drawing, Donahue was sure the project would be a wrap by the end of that year. Needless to say, that was a slight underestimation. Published in 2019, All the Restaurants in New York includes 101 iconic dining establishments in NYC in a beautiful hardcover book.

Next, Donahue has turned his attention and his sketch pad to include Paris and London. Given the number of restaurants in these three cities and even managing to draw at least twice a day, he expects to continue the “All the Restaurants” project for years. If not forever.

Thankful for his talent and good fortune, John Donahue donates his time and a portion of the proceeds from book and print sales to support local New York charities. Since the start of the pandemic, he has donated 10% of his profits to the Restaurant Workers Community Foundation, which provides direct support and performs advocacy in the U.S. Find out more here.

Tell Us About the Book

Published in 2021, A Table in Paris includes 100+ Parisian restaurants, including culinary institutions Maxim’s, Bofinger and Les Deux Magots, along with surprising epicurean discoveries. In addition, the book provides insider tips and recommendations from locals and culinary experts.

“Paris is a city like no other, beloved by travelers the world over for its incomparable architecture, atmosphere, arts, and, of course, food.”

Organized by arrondissement, A Table in Paris is as much a tour of the city as an epicurean temptation. Inside the covers, you discover a long list of must-try establishments, along with signature dishes. There is even room for your notes.

Besides the book, there is a series of signed limited-edition prints. Available in two sizes: 9×12 for $95 and 5×7 for $55. Explore the collection on the All Restaurants website. Please note that the prints take a few weeks to make, sign and ship. However, there is good news for last minute shoppers. Each order comes with a unique link for a custom gift sheet that can be instantly downloaded and printed.

Who should buy the book? Anyone who loves Paris or dreams of visiting one day. This book is a perfect gift for food lovers.

“Restaurants hold a powerful place in our hearts, and A Table in Paris is a must-have for anyone with epicurean visions of Paris in theirs.”

Please note: This article includes affiliate links. To order a copy of the book or prints, please click on the book cover images or titles. Note: if you purchase via these links, we receive a small commission that does not impact your price. Thank you in advance for supporting the work we do to maintain Perfectly Provence.