Le Parisien opens downtown Asheville with Parisian menu, Michelin-trained chef

One report states Le Parisien opened in downtown Asheville in February 2026 at 62 N. Lexington Ave, placing the new restaurant in the 60s–70s block of Lexington Avenue downtown and taking the space formerly occupied by Bouchon. The report’s timeline contrasts with promotional materials that had described the project as “soon opening,” leaving the precise opening date a detail to confirm with restaurant management.

Le Parisien is led by owner and Executive Chef Gabriel Attala, who promotional posts and local coverage describe as a “Michelin-trained chef with roots in France.” Citizen-Times identifies Attala as owner and executive chef, while a LinkedIn post promoting the restaurant lists sample dishes such as “steak frites” and “duck confit” as examples of the Parisian classics the team plans to serve.

The Citizen-Times excerpt frames Le Parisien as “filling the void left by the departure of the popular French comfort food restaurant, Bouchon,” and says the new restaurant will “carve out its own identity in the local dining scene.” The address block on Le Parisien’s website lists the full address as 62 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, matching the local coverage and confirming the downtown location.

Le Parisien’s website sets out the restaurant’s philosophy in exact language: “Le Parisien draws inspiration from the enduring traditions of French gastronomy,” and “Our philosophy is rooted in restraint, precision, and respect for classical technique.” The site also presents the dining room as “conceived as an intimate retreat” where guests are invited “to slow down, disconnect, and fully engage with the present moment.” The site footer carries a 2026 copyright line: “© 2026 Le Parisien, Asheville, North Carolina.”

The restaurant’s wine and bar program is described on the site as an “Exceptional Wine Cellar” with “a curated selection of French and international estates,” and the menu of beverages includes “classic cocktails and restrained contemporary compositions designed to complement the menu,” with specific callouts for “a crisp Champagne, a velvety Burgundy, or a perfectly crafted cocktail.” Operational details on the site list hours as Wed - Sun: 5:00 PM - 9.30 PM; Mon - Tue: Closed, and state that “Reservations are strongly recommended to ensure a seamless dining experience.”

Local promotion for Le Parisien appeared on social platforms. A LinkedIn post with the visible author header Gary Charles / 1,594 followers touted “A Taste of Paris Is Coming to Asheville!” and included the line “Le Parisien, led by Chef Gabriel Attala, a Michelin-trained chef with roots in France, is soon opening its doors in the former Bouchon location.” The captured LinkedIn images in the post did not include alternative text, and the Citizen-Times excerpt included a photo label reading “Portrait of Tiana Kennell.”

If the February 2026 opening is accurate, Le Parisien brings a chef with a Michelin background and a wine-focused bar program into a central stretch of Lexington Avenue that recently lost a popular French comfort-food tenant. The restaurant’s website and promotional materials emphasize classical French technique, seasonal dishes, and a reservations-first service model; restaurant management can confirm the official opening date, reservation phone number, and full menus for diners seeking more precise visiting information.