Makassar Lounge & Restaurant Hotel Bar / Lounge / Restaurant

17eme, Paris –

Located on the ground floor of the upscale Renaissance Hotel – itself just north of the famed Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysées Avenue – Makassar Lounge & Restaurant is a swanky Indonesian oasis for exotic cocktails, fusion cuisine, and nightly chill sessions.

The modern space is awash in sultry red hues, from the subtly illuminated drapes to the bright buffalo-leather chairs, while the shiny zinc bar on one side pops with a crystalline blue base.

Busy with hotel guests during the day, evenings find groups of girls in slinky black dresses and their designer-suited beaux flocking to the larger sofas like moths to a flame, all ready to indulge in intricate libations mixed with imported fruits and snacks from the limited lounge menu.

The main dining room touts a more monochrome aesthetic, with silver tables and dark blue chairs, as well as an outdoor space that fills up quickly on summer evenings.

A shadow puppet scene projected against the wall reenacts an ancient Indonesian love story, the perfect backdrop for the swanky guests dining on fusion cuisine like seared scallops, foie gras with caramelized pecans, and gourmet charcuterie.

tSuch theatrical elements may explain why the place is popular with French actors and other celebs, especially later at night when DJs regularly spin funky international beats Wednesdays through Saturdays.

The tranquil music makes it easy to daydream about visiting some exotic locale, but the next best thing to a vacation just might be a night at Makassar.