TRAVEL GUIDE | CABANA TRAVEL | WORLD OF CABANA

From hidden Japanese bistros to exceptional wine temples, Paris-based Max Aniort, founder and CEO of Le Collectionist, takes Cabana on a personal tour of his favorite spots in the French capital. Blending food, art, and culture with secret escapes that only a true Paris local will know, Max's guide is one to bookmark.

BY MAX ANIORT | CABANA TRAVEL | 26 SEPTEMBER 2025

© Capucine Suzet Batlle for L'Auberge des Crus

My Favorite Restaurants: Localino & L’Auberge des Crus

I’m happy to share two favorite restaurants. The first is Localino, my favorite Italian restaurant in Paris, where even something as simple as pomodoro pasta is a piece of art. I would die for their tomato sauce!

On a more French note: L’Auberge des Crus. The traditional French menu is fantastic, but the real highlight is the wine list—one of the finest in Paris, with some truly rare bottles.

My Favorite Café: Café Shin 

The duo Julien Sebbag and Eujung Shin Akrich have created an amazing Korean-inspired coffee shop, Café Shin, on Rue des Petites Écuries in the 10th arrondissement. The design is truly unique, refreshingly different from most coffee spots in Paris. We go for the matcha, and keep coming back for the amazing cakes. The team, and the crowd in general, are always friendly and eclectic.

My Favorite Cozy Pub or Bar: Cave Sauvage

I love going to Cave Sauvage for a fresh cider or to pick up a bottle of wine for dinner.

Top Left to Right: © Sabiha Çimen, 2020, Bérangère Fromont, 2024, Rosalind Fox Solomon, 1978 and Le Grand Palais ceiling, photographed by David Henry.

My Favorite Museum or Gallery: Paris Photo at Le Grand Palais 

My favorite event is Paris Photo at Le Grand Palais, held every year. I’m very fond of photographs from different historical periods—capturing people in critical moments of their lives or during significant historical events. 

I find myself trying to figure out how they felt that day, looking at their faces, wondering what happened next in their lives: where they lived, if they had families, or if they traveled far away. I always look forward to this show, and each year I discover new artists.

My Favorite Garden or Green Space: Jardin du Luxembourg

Jardin du Luxembourg is a wonderful garden, especially for kids, with its vintage carousel and the best playground in Paris. I also have an emotional attachment to the place as I was a student in this area when I was 17 or 18, and I used to spend hours reading and studying on those iconic green chairs.

Top Left to Right: © Veronika Jorjobert, Zak H, Kateryna Melnyk and Eran Menashri

My Favorite Shop: Rue des Martyrs

It’s not just a shop but a whole street—Rue des Martyrs in Paris is a true food mecca for all foodies: Meringaie for the best Pavlovas, Quatre Hommes for extraordinary cheese, Sébastien Gaudard for the finest fruit tarts, Cave Lambert for a great selection of traditional and natural wines, and RAP for authentic Italian groceries.

My Favorite Antiques Store or Flea Market: Galerie Paradis 

Galerie Paradis in the 10th arrondissement — I allow myself to visit only once or twice a year because I want to buy everything. Last time, I left with a 100-kilo mirror by Greek artist Kiki Goti, which is an absolute masterpiece. They have a fantastic selection.

My Favorite Hidden Treasure: Shinjuku

A traditional Japanese bistro. The menu is quite different from other restaurants, featuring countryside dishes from southern Japan. The décor is a bit wild, with movie posters the owner loves—and in the restrooms, some vintage erotic Japanese movie posters. The team is lovely, and they have a terrace perfect for late summer dinners.

Top Left to Right: © Vadél Koleszár, Lucrezia Lucas, Capucine Suzet Batlle and Lucrezia Lucas