Kong Bar / Fusion Restaurant / Restaurant

Les Halles / Rivoli - 1er / 2eme, Paris –

Catapulted into fame when it was featured on Sex and the City in 2004, Kong is an over-the-top, très chic restaurant and bar designed by Philippe Starck.

Inspired by Japanese pop art, the East Asian theme is given a modern translation and features such bold touches as a fluorescent green stairway, a glossy orange bar with inlaid red orchids, and acrylic chairs and panels painted with the faces of modern-day geishas.

The pink couches and tiny tables in the dining area are usually occupied by an older, well-dressed, and somewhat pretentious crowd, while the hip bar on the lower level attracts a clientele of attractive young professionals and jet-setters.

The bar, which features DJs and dancing after 10:30pm, is particularly popular on Thursday nights for the Oriental Funk party when a varied mix of high-end travelers, business moguls, models, and glitterati pass through.

Located on the top two glass-enclosed floors of the LVMH building, Kong also offers an excellent view of the Seine – but guests should be prepared to pay a pretty penny for the privilege of enjoying it, as well as the food and cocktails.