Offering seasonal French cuisine on the Left Bank, La Ferme Saint-Simon is a classic restaurant that’s received a modern upgrade. The space – previously all Norman farmhouse chic – was respectfully and masterfully redesigned by architect Marcelo Joulia and entrepreneur Laurent Lelimouzin back in 2013. Today, La Ferme Saint-Simon is strewn with blood red leather upholstery, dark wooden panelling, brass accents and sleek light fixtures. It’s moody, it’s elegant, and it’s got a pretty great wine list.

Put together by sommelier Paz Levinson, the list is 250-bottles strong and it’s a pleasure to meander through its pages. As is the food menu, which mixes traditional French influences with creativity and class. It’s seasonal, to boot. So there might be terrines or tarts. Dishes like sea bream on a bed of asparagus risotto, or a delicate plate of scallop carpaccio. Prawn ravioli served in a seafood emulsion, or sole meunière with potato puree. Souffléd crêpes with a heady kick of Grand Marnier or the classic lemon tart, perfect in its balance of warming sweetness and electric citrus. The list goes on.

Years on from the renovation and La Ferme Saint-Simon is still going strong. Where Joulia and Lelimouzin once saw potential, diners now see possibilities – and delicious ones at that.