Danico

In the heart of Paris, just a few steps from the grand arcades of Palais Royal, lies Danico — a cocktail bar that blends Italian creativity with Parisian style, offering one of the most refined drinking experiences in the city.

Danico opened its doors in 2016, but the story starts earlier with its founder, Nico de Soto. Born in Paris, de Soto trained as a chef before becoming one of the world’s most respected bartenders. His career took him from Paris to New York and around the world, working in some of the best bars, including the legendary Experimental Cocktail Club. With Danico, he returned to Paris to open his own space — one that reflects both his international experience and his personal style.

The bar is tucked inside Daroco, a popular Italian trattoria located in a former Jean Paul Gaultier boutique. Passing through the restaurant, guests find a hidden door leading into Danico: a narrow, elegant space filled with soft golden light, green marble, vintage patterns, and plush leather banquettes. The design mixes Parisian Art Deco with a subtle Italian touch — intimate, chic, and full of quiet charm.

From the start, Danico set itself apart with its highly creative, globally inspired cocktail menus. Every year, Nico de Soto travels across Asia, South America, the Middle East, and beyond, bringing home new flavors, ingredients, and techniques. The result is a menu that combines classic French precision with exotic, surprising elements — always balanced, always elegant.

Danico quickly gained international attention. In 2018, it entered The World’s 50 Best Bars list, and it has remained one of Paris’ top cocktail destinations ever since, attracting both locals and travelers from around the world. The bar is regularly praised not only for its cocktails, but for its warm, welcoming service — a place where high-end mixology never feels intimidating.

Two signature cocktails show Danico’s unique style:

1. Tokyo to Paris

Spirits:

Haku Japanese Vodka

Sake infusion with shiso leaves

Yuzu cordial

French elderflower liqueur (St-Germain)

A light, floral, and slightly citrusy drink that perfectly reflects Nico de Soto’s love for blending Asian flavors with French elegance.

2. Italian Job

Spirits:

Campari

Rinomato Aperitivo

Homemade rosemary syrup

Prosecco

A sparkling aperitif-style cocktail inspired by Italy’s aperitivo tradition, with a fresh herbal twist.

Danico’s charm lies in its balance: hidden, yet accessible; elegant, but relaxed; rooted in Paris, but always looking outward to the world. It captures what makes Paris’ modern cocktail scene so exciting today: a deep respect for craft and tradition, combined with a bold openness to global flavors and constant reinvention.

In a city known for its timeless beauty, Danico offers a small, glowing corner where old-world Paris meets the future of mixology — a perfect stop for the luxury traveler seeking both sophistication and discovery.