I have eaten a lot of burgers, in cities all over the world, but in my opinion Paris serves the best. The meat is juicier, the toppings are tastier and the frites are, of course, the finest.  This chic city continues to offer irresistible patties in every area, and the trend shows no sign of slowing. On my last trip I experienced the ultimate American in Paris moment dining at the exclusive Ralph Lauren restaurant, predictably named Ralph’s. Every aspect of this eatery echoes the style and sophistication of this world famous brand. After wandering round Rodin’s masterpieces at the nearby museum dedicated to the sculptor, we satiated our hunger with a sumptuous meal at Ralph’s.

Situated on the prestigious Boulevard Saint-Germain, in the 6th arrondissement, Ralph’s is in the middle of the renowned literary Latin Quarter. This is the designer’s second restaurant after his initial eatery in Chicago, RL Restaurant. From the exterior no-one would suspect a restaurant is inside, the store window was still and poised. We came upon a charming courtyard, filled with plants and tables and chairs with trendy tartan cushions, but still no one was to be seen or heard. We continued to a door on the left and here we were welcomed in by a well-dressed (delightful pink RL shirt), well-mannered and well-spoken member of staff.

A refined and relaxed dining room was filled with animated guests, it all felt very international. Aged brown leather booths, wood panelling and antique paintings give the feel of a country manor house… it is easy to forget you are in a city restaurant. Warm breadcrumbed olives and sparkling Bellinis arrived promptly, the best way to start any Sunday meal. On the menu there are five burger options (three beef, one tuna, one vegetarian), obviously I only had eyes for the meat and ordered the classic Ralph’s Burger. This consisted of a masterfully crafted patty of thick ground meat, soft sesame bun, onions, pickles, heirloom tomatoes, lettuce, dripping cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. All that and a side of American farmstead garden slaw and ranch style fries. The burger was aesthetically very pleasing, and thoughtfully constructed on the plate, a rainbow of ingredients. It was absolutely delicious. Often I find the tastiest burgers are also the sloppiest but this posh patty delivered without the mess!

Double RL Filet Mignon steak was served with sautéed spinach, homestyle mashed potatoes; an aromatic grilled garlic also decorated the plate. We were greedy and requested two sauces, crushed black pepper sauce and red wine sauce, it difficult to pick a favourite, needless to say we polished off both. The steak was cooked to perfection with an intense crispy edge and a tender melt-in-the-mouth fleshy centre. The accompanying mash was creamy and divine. The side of sautéed buttery green beans with specks of red chilli didn’t look very exciting but surprisingly were one of my favourite aspects of the meal, soft and irresistible – I will never look at this vegetable in the same way again!

Dessert could not live up to the glory of our main courses. Ralph’s Brownies with vanilla ice-cream and warm chocolate sauce satisfied a sweet craving but didn’t thrill. Petits Fours are far too Parisian for this American venue so instead a bowl of salted caramel popcorn arrived with tea and coffee. Ralph Lauren is known for beautiful clothes, but now every time I walk past one of the luxurious stores I will remember my perfect burger at Ralph’s in Paris.

More information and book a table here: ralphlaurenstgermain.com/en/#/lerestaurant