A local favourite with something new to offer
Paris Wine Bar has been a favourite among the Hove crowd since opening back in 2011, and it’s easy to see why. From their vast selection of well-priced wines to the tasty food options, cosy interiors and bright terrace, they really do cater for everyone. Having eaten there a few times previously, I was excited to learn they host regular wine and food pairing dinners, so I jumped at the chance to snap up a table for this month’s event.
What You’ll Love
- Expertly curated wine and food pairings
- A relaxed, sociable dining experience
- Generous portions and great value
- Knowledgeable and welcoming hosts
- A cosy Hove setting with a lively atmosphere
A warm welcome and a promising start
We were warmly greeted on arrival by our hosts for the evening, manager Ruby and wine expert Luca, and, settling into a table by the window, we perused the menu, excited for what was to come.
We began with a four-cheese risotto. Rich, creamy and unapologetically indulgent, it was everything you want from a risotto. Comforting, but still refined – the rice still retained just the right amount of bite. Paired with the Silver Reign Organic Brut from Kent, we were dutifully informed by Luca that this English sparkling is made using the same method as Prosecco, meaning while it still had that biscuity note you get from Champagne, it feels slightly lighter and had just the right level of acidity to cut through the richness of that delicious risotto.
First course and glass down, we really were off to a good start.
Fresh, vibrant flavours and thoughtful pairings
The second course shifted things entirely. A king prawn ceviche, the first bite was bright with zingy lime and creamy avocado, mixed with fresh prawns and tomato. It felt light, vibrant and refreshing, exactly the contrast after that rich risotto. Served with a Riesling, it worked perfectly, echoing those citrus notes and enhancing the freshness without overpowering the prawns.
For course three, we moved to a taste of the Mediterranean with stuffed aubergine. A rustic dish, creamy aubergine complemented by salty feta, accompanied by lightly spiced cumin yoghurt. An interesting pairing this time around, a rosé Rioja. Not one I’ve tried before, and a wine that I’m still a little unsure on; nevertheless, it paired well with the hearty aubergine dish.
A standout main and seamless pairing
Our last savoury course of the evening was medium-rare rib-eye steak, served with dauphinoise potatoes and a classic Diane sauce. Rich, satisfying and exactly what you want from a centrepiece course and the kind of dish you take your time over. The Pinot Noir pairing worked seamlessly, medium-bodied and lightly fruity, but bold enough to stand up to the steak without stealing the show.
By this point, we were comfortably full but not quite ready for our dinner to end, always a good sign.
A sweet and indulgent finish
To finish, a chocolate mousse paired with Mozart Milk Chocolate Liqueur. Smooth, rich and deeply indulgent, it was a classic done well. No unnecessary twists, just a sweet and satisfying end to the evening. The liqueur only amplified that sense of indulgence, rounding everything off on a warm, slightly decadent note.
An experience built on balance
What Paris Wine Bar does so well is balance. Nothing feels overcomplicated, nothing feels out of place. Each course flows naturally into the next, and the pairings feel considered without ever becoming the main event themselves.
Luca really does create an experience, this is not just your average pairing dinner. He moved around the room topping up glasses, providing information on each wine in a friendly way that made the evening flow. It’s a dinner that works just as well for a special occasion as it does for a spontaneous evening out when you want something a little different.
Great value and well worth returning for
The other thing to mention, and an important point at that, is just what great value this dinner was. I’m not talking tiny plates of food that will leave you looking for the bright lights of your local kebab shop on the way home or a thimbleful of wine – these are hearty plates and generous pours.
We left full and content, having eaten some wonderful food and discovered a few new favourites for the wine rack.
