Dar Mima: Mima's house on the roof of the Institut du monde arabe
A family tribute at the top of the IMA
On the ninth and top floor of the Institut du monde arabe, Dar Mima grew out of Jamel Debbouze's wish to pay tribute to his mother, Fatima, known to those close to her as Mima. He created the restaurant with Laurent de Gourcuff and his group Paris Society. Designer Laura Gonzalez has brought together marble, zellige tilework, marquetry, hand-painted frescoes and soft lighting.
Terraces like a hanging garden
When the weather turns fine, life moves out onto the terraces, which cover some 350 m² in all. Almond trees, jasmine, lemon trees, palms and fountains create a garden in the sky, with an open view of the Seine, the east end of Notre-Dame and the rooftops of the Right Bank. The panorama is just as enjoyable at lunch as at sunset.
Dishes to share, from the Maghreb to the Levant
The menu draws on family recipes: hummus, falafel, poultry pastilla, tagines, couscous and wood-fired grills, served in the middle of the table for sharing. In the afternoon, tea time takes over. At the bar, signature cocktails scented with orange blossom, rose or cardamom cost €22 and also come in alcohol-free versions at €15.
The restaurant and its terraces can be booked for private dinners of up to 90 guests or cocktail receptions of up to 130 people.
Practical information
Dar Mima is open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch, tea time and dinner, which is served from 7pm; booking is recommended at lunchtime and essential in the evening. Valet parking is available at dinner, and the IMA has a car park open 24 hours a day. Metro: Jussieu, Cardinal-Lemoine or Sully-Morland.
For a dinner of North African and Levantine flavours with Notre-Dame as a backdrop, Dar Mima offers one of the most transporting rooftops on the Left Bank.
