Candelaria

Opened in 2011 by Josh Fontaine and Carina Soto Velasquez, Candelaria is a taqueria in the Marais, on rue de Saintonge, serving traditional, home-made Mexican cooking. Tortillas, tacos, a bowl of guacamole: take a seat at the counter, frozen margarita in hand, and watch the open kitchen at full tilt.

At the back, behind a discreet door, lies a low-lit bar, intimate and full of energy. Its ever-changing cocktail list, overseen by Chris McNulty, showcases original creations built on agave. At Candelaria, people come as readily for a quick taco at the counter as for a cocktail that lasts the evening.