Sellae: rediscovering culinary Latin
In the heart of Paris’s 13th arrondissement, far from the capital’s usual hustle and bustle, Sellae stands out as a true culinary time capsule, inviting epicureans to a rediscovery of flavors inspired by the Latin banquets of yesteryear. Much more than a simple bistro, this unique establishment brilliantly combines the art of the Latin banquet with the modernity of contemporary cuisine. Under the guidance of chef Thibault Sombardier, Sellae boldly and masterfully reinterprets flavors inherited from the Roman Empire, offering discerning palates an experiencerich in classic flavors and Latin epicurean creativity.
The table of Augustus is reborn through meticulously crafted recipes, where each dish evokes the opulent feasts of Rome, subtly blending tradition and innovation. From Roman paella to classic Roman dishes, each culinary creation embodies a commitment to authenticity and gustatory delight. This discreet establishment, with its warm atmosphere and décor where the name “Sellae” (Latin for chair) is not merely a nod to Roman tradition, but a symbol of conviviality and history, invites you on a flavorful journey through time. The cuisine, crafted by Matteo Vianello, the chef’s right-hand man, evokes a rare dynamism and joy. A subtle blend of seasonal produce and Italian flair, it integrates perfectly into this concept of modern Latin cuisine. In this tranquil setting, away from the Parisian bustle, Sellae achieves the remarkable feat of educating the palate while honoring Roman culinary traditions, as evidenced by its growing success and the rave reviews published on TripAdvisor and the Michelin Guide. Sellae and the revival of Latin gastronomy in the 13th arrondissement of Paris The 13th arrondissement of Paris, often overlooked by traditional gastronomic circuits, reveals a true gem in Sellae, a restaurant that challenges conventions. Here, dining takes on a refined character, infusing cuisine with a Latin flair, where flavors of the Empire blend with modernity and audacity. This iconic establishment, created by Thibault Sombardier, the visionary chef behind Mensae, promises total immersion in Latin cuisine—this passionate rediscovery of culinary Latin that transcends simple recipes to strive for a strong and authentic culinary identity. Beyond offering a diverse menu, Sellae places its educational mission at the heart of its focus: to educate the palates of Parisians by showcasing quality ingredients combined with impeccable technique. The diverse menu reflects this ambition:🍽️
Veal tartare with smoked eel, served with chilled lettuce soup, evokes the complexity and elegance of traditional appetizers. 🍝 Linguine with sardines and anchovies,
garnished with puntarella, recalls the seafood delights of Roman cuisine.
🐌 Classics like snails and frog legs
are paired with unusual and exotic flavors, in a delicious dialogue with Latin tradition. 🍖 Meat dishes like
- roasted lamb chop with savory employ simple yet effective cooking methods, enhanced by forgotten aromatic herbs.
- This skillful blend, reminiscent of historical feasts where guests thronged around the table of Augustus, invites you to a tasting experience that combines authenticity, tradition, and innovation. For a smart lunch, the three-course menu at €22 is a real gem for local workers, recently discovered and acclaimed by its loyal and discerning clientele. Dish
- Description Price (€) Veal tartare with smoked eel Thinly sliced veal, eel cream, and chilled lettuce soup 15
- Linguine with sardines and anchovies Typical Venetian pasta served with puntarella 18
Warm chocolate mousse Served with vanilla ice cream and a fleur de sel shortbread7
| This blend of flavors, which pays homage to Latin culinary diversity, is reflected in the restaurant’s understated yet welcoming atmosphere. Every chair (Sellae in Latin), every element of the décor, contributes to the Latin culinary odyssey, making the experience unique | and profoundly epicurean | |
|---|---|---|
| To learn more about this charming establishment, a careful reading of reviews on platforms such as | The Parisienne | |
| or | Pointus | is recommended. Roman Influences and the Latin Banquet: Culinary Origins and Heritage at Sellae |
| To truly grasp the scope of the Sellae project, it is essential to understand the place of gastronomy in the Roman Empire and how these traditions inspire contemporary dining. Roman food culture is not limited to dishes, but evokes a true art of living: the Latin banquet, or the influence of classical gustatio, a veritable prelude to the main courses, revealing the importance of sharing and variety. Through Caesar’s recipes—sometimes overlooked or even scorned—Sellae revives forgotten ancient techniques and imperial flavors long buried beneath modernity. Each ingredient, from garum (an essential fermented sauce) to aromatic herbs such as savory, is brought back into the spotlight, allowing diners to immerse themselves in a true culinary journey where history and pleasure intertwine. | 🏛️ Roman paella: a nod to the cultural exchange between Rome and its Mediterranean provinces, fusing rice with local produce. |
🍃 The use of salad greens like puntarella.Italian chicory, revealing a refined bitterness that surprises and delights.
🐟 The daring combination of sardines, smoked sardines, anchovies, and eels in innovative dishes evokes the Romans’ love for striking seafood. 🍷 A reinterpretation of Roman banquets, where each dish is a celebration, fostering conviviality and cultural exchange.
This is therefore not simply about dining, but rather an immersive re-creation of an era when food was a social force as powerful as politics. As evidenced by the growing popularity of this establishment, Parisians are enthusiastically rediscovering forgotten flavors, while Latin gastronomy is part of a current trend where authenticity and innovation blend perfectly.
Beyond taste, Sellae offers a complete sensory experience: the understated arrangement of wooden chairs, the carefully chosen lighting, and the soft music all contribute to recreating a modern yet historically rich setting. This dialogue between past and present echoes the philosophy of other culinary initiatives, as seen in the rise of innovative Latin restaurants in Paris.
Latin Delights
- Comparative Chart of Ancient and Modern Ingredients at Sellae Ancient Ingredient 🏺
- Modern Equivalent 🥗 Culinary UseGarum (fermented fish sauce)
- Smoked eel cream
- Powerful seasoning for tartares Puntarella (bitter chicory) Fresh puntarella
Adds a refined bitterness to pasta dishes
Mediterranean rice and spices Roman paellaItalian-style rice and seafood stew
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlMEWZYeZD0 Modern cuisine rooted in Latin tradition: chefs and techniques at Sellae
| Sellae’s success rests not only on its appealing concept but also on the meticulous execution that accompanies each dish. Matteo Vianello, a Venetian chef and Thibault Sombardier’s right-hand man, brings his technical expertise and creativity, making each course a spectacle of tastes and sensations. Modernity is reflected in the bold choice of local and seasonal products, respecting the Latin spirit. | The secret to success lies in: | |
|---|---|---|
| 🔪 The meticulous preparation of ingredients, with fine knife work to enhance texture and flavor, as in the veal tartare. | ||
| 🍳 Perfectly cooked pasta, respecting the typical Italian al dente consistency. | 🌿 A judicious combination of herbs and traditional aromatics, such as savory, to enhance the aromatic profile. | |
| 🎨 A presentation designed to evoke the classic Italian gustatio, with a harmonious balance of colors and textures. Beyond daily specials and signature dishes, Sellae offers a wide selection of dishes that pay homage to the richness of Latin epicurean culinary heritage: | Signature Dish |
Price (€)
Veal Tartare with Smoked Eel
Reinterpretation of an ancient dish with garum sauce
- 15
- Roman Paella
- Fusion of Roman and Spanish Mediterranean cuisine
- 25 Warm Chocolate MousseA classic revisited with fleur de sel shortbread
7
| It is also interesting to note that Latin cuisine integrates perfectly with other popular culinary movements in 2025, notably the rise of Latin street food, which is also redefining the contours of shared gastronomic pleasure. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_H07eJwIfMU | |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere and conviviality: how Sellae reinvents the Latin banquet in Paris | More than just a restaurant, Sellae recreates a truly convivial space, where the furniture plays a major symbolic role. Sellae, meaning “chair” in Latin, perfectly illustrates this desire to invite relaxation and connection in a simple yet elegant setting. Here you’ll find elegant wooden chairs, uncluttered tables, and delicate lighting, conducive to sharing a moment and rediscovering the simple joys of the Roman banquet. | |
| The terrace, particularly popular when the weather is fine, adds an extra touch of authenticity, allowing you to savor the pleasures of the | table of Augustus | outdoors, in a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. This space encourages conversation and shared enjoyment, in an atmosphere where history blends seamlessly with modernity. |
| 🍷 The wine selection accompanying each dish respects classic Latin pairings, enhancing the tasting experience. |
🎶 A subtly curated playlist accompanies all services, enhancing the immersive experience. 🪑 The minimalist and refined furnishings invite calm comfort and aesthetics, in a spirit of Latin simplicity.
📜 Anecdotes and cultural references to Roman gastronomy punctuate the menu, enriching the culinary experience.
The Sellae experience goes far beyond simple dining; it’s an epicurean immersion in Latin cuisine that captivates customers and critics alike, as evidenced by the recognition it has received on
Time Out Paris and The Fork
- . This unique atmosphere revitalizes the Parisian gastronomic scene in the 13th arrondissement, attracting a loyal clientele in search of authenticity and conviviality.
- Savor Roman culinary heritage: iconic dishes and desserts at Sellae
- Epicurean curiosity wouldn’t be fully satisfied without a special focus on desserts and iconic dishes that celebrate the finesse of ancient recipes adapted for our times. At Sellae, the combination of sweet and savory is elevated to an art form. The warm chocolate mousse, served with vanilla ice cream and a fleur de sel shortbread, is a perfect example. This dessert, far more than a simple finale to a meal, evokes the flavors of ancient Rome while appealing to even the most contemporary palates.
- Their offerings extend to Caesar’s recipes, embracing a world where simplicity reigns supreme, yet is always enhanced by masterful creativity:
🍫 Warm chocolate mousse: the perfect balance between sweetness and sea salt, essential for concluding a Latin banquet. 🍓 Carefully selected fresh seasonal fruits to perfectly complement the desserts and add a touch of freshness.
🍰
Honey and almond cakes: a nod to the sweets of yesteryear, often mentioned in ancient culinary records.
- ☕ Finish with a coffee or a carefully chosen digestif to prolong the epicurean experience.
- These choices perfectly complement an approach that aims to offer a complete Latin banquet, where each course is savored to the fullest, with both refinement and indulgence. This quest for flavor is also rooted in an ethos of organic and local products, reinforcing respect for nature and traditional methods. To delve deeper into the Latin culinary experience and discover other inspirations, several online resources offer analyses and recipes, notably on
- Latin Delights . Frequently Asked Questions about the Rediscovery of Culinary Latin at Sellae
How does Sellae incorporate ancient recipes into its contemporary menu?
The restaurant draws on extensive research into Caesar’s recipes and Roman gastronomy to offer modernized dishes that respect classic flavors while adding a creative touch. What are the must-try dishes?
The veal tartare with smoked eel, the linguine with sardines and anchovies, and the warm chocolate mousse are all must-tries that visitors unanimously recommend.
- Is the cuisine accessible to all palates?
Yes, Sellae prioritizes a balanced cuisine that combines boldness with respect for tradition, allowing everyone to discover new flavors without the risk of being overwhelmed. - Is it easy to book a table?
Absolutely, online booking is possible through their official website https://sellae-restaurant.com/, making it easy to organize your own personal Latin feast. - What are the special features of the atmosphere at Sellae?
The ambiance combines sobriety and elegance with particular attention paid to the furniture and decoration, recreating an atmosphere conducive to conviviality and sharing the pleasures of the table.
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