Les Ambassadeurs (restaurant)
| Company type | Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality, Food service |
| Founded | mid-1800s |
| Defunct | March 31, 2013 |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
| Products | Fine dining |
Les Ambassadeurs was a distinguished dining establishment situated inside the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris. The restaurant ceased operations on March 31, 2013, coinciding with the hotel's refurbishment. In 2017, the area was transformed into a bar and complemented by the introduction of a smaller dining venue.
History
Since the mid-1800s, Les Ambassadeurs operated within the historic Hôtel de Crillon, which dates back to 1758. During the late 19th century, it flourished as both a restaurant and nightclub, known as the café-concert called the Café des Ambassadeurs. This venue became a favored destination for aristocratic leisure and drew notable artists and members of the demi-monde, with famous depictions by Edgar Degas and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Among its performers were Eugénie Fougère and Aristide Bruant.
Following the hotel's renovation from 1981 to 1985, Les Ambassadeurs was relocated to a former private ballroom that offered views of the Place de la Concorde, close to the Palais Garnier. The interior featured an 18th-century rococo design, reimagined by Sybille de Margérie and furnished with pieces designed by Sonia Rykiel.
The restaurant was awarded two Michelin stars. Throughout its last ten years, its culinary leadership included , succeeded by Jean-François Piège, and ultimately until the hotel's closure for renovations in 2013.
In 2017, Hache established L'Écrin, a more intimate restaurant within the revamped hotel, while the original Les Ambassadeurs space was repurposed as a bar.