ARMONIA: The Dream Restaurant of Andrea and Mustapha

Together, they don’t yet add up to fifty years of age. One hails from Naples, the other from Casablanca, but both share a profound passion for cuisine and French wines. Today, they inaugurate their dream venture: Armonia, a restaurant nestled in the heart of the 7th arrondissement of Paris, offering French-inspired cuisine enriched by flavors from around the world.

A Shared Passion

Andrea and Mustapha are driven by a spirit of adventure, entrepreneurial ambition, a love of challenges, and an unwavering commitment to detail and quality. These two young men embody the ethos of their generation.

Andrea arrived in Paris from Naples at the age of 19. Back home, he worked alongside his father; in Paris, he joined Robuchon, where his brother was already employed. Starting as a kitchen assistant, he explored every facet of the culinary world, progressing from cooking to garde-manger, then rising to chef de partie before becoming Axel Manès’ sous-chef. A few years later, he was hired as the personal chef of a Middle Eastern prince, traveling between Courchevel and Ibiza. These experiences expanded his culinary horizons, exposing him to new ingredients and techniques while meeting the prince’s demanding gastronomic standards. Eventually, Andrea returned to Paris with a dream of opening his own restaurant. Working occasional jobs in Michelin-starred establishments, he crossed paths with Mustapha while working on a riverboat docked near Place des Invalides. Together, they envisioned Armonia.

Mustapha’s journey began in telecommunications before he decided to break free from the corporate world. He relocated to Nice to work as a kitchen assistant, later moving to Belgium to join renowned caterer Jean-Michel Loriers, who serves the Belgian royal family. There, Mustapha mastered the art of precision, consistency, and presentation. Simultaneously, he trained as a mixologist under Hannah Van Ongevalle, a world champion in the discipline, developed a passion for wine, and began consulting for Parisian bars. Eventually, he met Andrea, and their shared vision took shape.

A High-Quality Restaurant with a Wanderlust Spirit

Their dream was to create an elegant yet approachable space where culinary pleasure and quality go hand in hand. They brought this vision to life at 15 Rue du Champ-de-Mars in the 7th arrondissement, crafting a welcoming cube-like interior designed by Menomenipiu. The space features walls of dark wood slats against raw surfaces, a retractable glass façade for sunny days, a marble counter for casual dining, and cozy banquettes and chairs. The intimate table spacing, muted tones, and serene ambiance invite diners to relax and savor their experience.

The menu, deeply rooted in French culinary traditions, transcends borders by drawing inspiration from global flavors, reflecting the duo’s travels, heritage, and imagination.

Andrea’s Italian roots are evident in dishes that prioritize quality ingredients and meticulous preparation. Suppliers are carefully selected, and the products undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure both ethical standards and exceptional taste.

A Culinary Journey

The menu begins with an homage to Italy: gazpacho made with flavorful tomatoes, Xeres vinegar, mascarpone, and kaffir lime, offering a velvety texture and nuanced layers of flavor. The sea bream ceviche, marinated in citrus and tomato water with onions and cucumber, is a gentle yet refreshing springtime delight. Smoked eel pairs harmoniously with potato velouté and horseradish cream, showcasing balance—a cornerstone of Armonia’s cuisine. The black cod, marinated in white miso and served with pureed long turnip, plays on subtle tonalities, while the sous-vide beef with baby potatoes and mustard-infused bone marrow offers restrained elegance followed by a burst of flavor. The ribeye, served under a smoked cloche with Provençal herbs, and the white asparagus with Mornay sauce, Cecina de León beef, and confit tomatoes bring a sunny, fresh flair to the table.

Desserts are equally captivating. Ricotta cream with chocolate crumble and red fruits is presented as a celestial white cloud accented by vibrant stars, where the tartness of berries contrasts with rich chocolate notes. The milk espuma, with a passion fruit ice sphere at its center, feels like a poetic dream, while peach ice cream with jasmine espuma, almond tuile, and forest fruits transports diners on a Mediterranean intergalactic journey.

A Place to Return

Located near Rue Cler, the Eiffel Tower, and Pont de l’Alma, Armonia offers a serene escape amidst the bustling city. Andrea and Mustapha aim to provide more than just a meal—they create moments of joy. Whether it’s a quick lunch or an elegant dinner, the attentive yet discreet service, playful yet precise cuisine, and thoughtfully curated wine list make every visit memorable.

At Armonia, harmony reigns supreme, and the heartfelt hospitality of these two visionaries ensures a genuine sense of connection. Every return visit feels like a reunion with old friends and an opportunity to rediscover their beautifully crafted dishes.

ARMONIA
15 Rue du Champ-de-Mars, 75007 Paris
Email: [email protected] | Website: www.restaurant-armonia.fr

The Editorial Team / Le7tv (Press Release)