When Geo Atallah wanted to launch a new restaurant in Paris, he collaborated with Top Chef finalist Thibault Sombardier, who had already established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the Parisian culinary scene by leading the Michelin star restaurant Antoine.
The initial idea behind this venture was to casualize a Michelin star meal and turn it into an accessible alternative for weekly dining as part of a more informal atmosphere.
And this is how Mensae came to be. The name combines the Latin for “table” and “Meza”, the term for nibbles and entrees in Arabic, thus merging both heritages in a strive to innovate the French bistro experience. In short, a refined French cuisine combined with the warmth of a Mediterranean gathering.
The brand identity we created for Mensae is subtle and refined yet welcoming and easy to remember. The no non-sense and dynamic approach adopted in the kitchen reflects on the overall brand. As such, dining at Mensae means customers enjoy a down to earth and neat experience in a comforting and warm setting. The restaurant’s menu is dynamic and changes throughout the year according to the seasons fresh produce and the mood and feel of the chef, who is at the center of the concept.
Since its opening, Mensae has been booked all days of the week and is the go-to destination for anyone looking for a casual Michelin star meal. This success has led to launching yet another destination in Paris that shares the same DNA as Mensae: Sellae. Because who would mess with success?