Lavinia Awards

Lavinia Restaurant Review:

Lavinia, with a selection of more than 6,000 bottles of wine and a staff of 15 sommeliers, boasts that it's the largest wine shop in Europe --- even larger than its two siblings in Barcelona and Madrid. Just a few steps from the Madeleine, Lavinia is a serious competitor for the caves of Hédiard and Fauchon. After wandering around the maze of wine for a while, don't miss the namesake restaurant and bar on the first floor, warmly illuminated by bright colors. The restaurant only serves lunch, but the menu, which features dishes like Limousin veal rib with pan-fried mushrooms, beef rump mincemeat, Basque sausage with onion confit and more, is offered in a sleek space that can handle about 60 covers. Wines by the glass range in price, but note that the restaurant's wine list actually consists of all 6,000-plus bottles in the store, any of which can be purchased and uncorked for no additional fee. The casual bar stays open until 8 p.m., so it's a nice spot for a dégustation after work.