tasked with updating its art deco codes, italian architect and interior designer fabrizio casiraghi has redesigned the drouant restaurant in paris. considered one of the city?s jewels, the historical establishment recently reopened in time to host the prix goncourt, a prestigious french literary ceremony held in one of its private salons since 1914.

images courtesy of fabrizio casiraghi / drouant
 
 
originally a simple tobacconist bar, the dourant is steeped in french heritage. it was turned into a gourmet destination in the late 1920s, thanks in part to french designer émile-jacques ruhlmann, who is often referred to as the ?the pope of art deco.?

 
 
bought in 2018 by brothers stéphane, thierry and laurent gardinier, who also own french gastronomy restaurant taillevent, the pair were keen to continue the traditions of the past while establishing drouant firmly in the present. ruhlmann?s original staircase remains as a standout feature, renovated by casiraghi?s team ? it?s the only original feature that has withstood the test of time.
 
 
?in drouant there was a strong historical reference: ruhlmann,? said casiraghi. ?he designed completely the restaurant in the 20s? but what is left today is just the marvelous staircase connecting the ground and the first floor.
 
?we could have decided to make a real historical reconstitution or, and this what we decided to do, we could have decided to start from this legacy to create something modern, even contemporary bu...