Five Questions For Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris GM Nicolas De Gols

A self-described epicurean by nature, Nicolas De Gols, General Manager of Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris knows a good restaurant when he sees one—and is always on the lookout. Gols, who began his career with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage in Beverly Hills, moved up the ranks quickly, becoming Director of Food and Beverage in Seattle and Food & Beverage Director at the iconic Four Seasons George V in Paris. He holds a degree from the renowned Lycée Hôtelier Paul Augier in Nice and a certificate in Hotel Asset Management and Real Estate Investments from Cornell University, where he has taught courses on food and beverage. He recently supervised more than a dozen new hotel openings for Accor's 50-hotel luxury portfolio in Europe. As GM at Le Royal Monceau, he has helped reimagine a number of the hotel’s offerings, including at the Michelin-starred Il Carpaccio restaurant, Japanese-Peruvian dishes at Matsuhisa Paris by legendary Chef Nobu and the hotel’s Le Bar Long, now a brasserie by day. Here, he shares a few of his Paris restaurant picks, plus his favorite places and the secret to pleasing even the most particular guest.

Indagare can help arrange a stay at Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris, along with special experiences, top restaurants and cultural experiences curated to your tastes and interests.

“Table, a renowned restaurant helmed by Bruno Verjus, a self-taught chef and recipient of two Michelin stars, recently won the prestigious New Entry Award by 50 Best Restaurants 2023. Personally, I am inspired by the chef’s remarkable journey—he has lived multiple lives before immersing himself in the culinary world.”

Your top two or three rooftop restaurants in Paris?

“I like to discover the latest trends and shop at Le Printemps, followed by a sunny lunch on the Perruche rooftop, with panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. For dinner, I recommend the restaurant La Suite Girafe, known for one of the best sunset views of the Eiffel Tower and decadent seafood.

Related: Indagare Recommends: The Best Rooftop Restaurants in Paris

“As soon as I arrive at a hotel, I always look for impeccable and personalized service, particularly for small yet special touches that surprise me. I pay attention to details in service that elevate the overall experience and make us feel privileged to stay there.

This is what our Butler service at Le Royal Monceau strives for every day—to ensure that guests have a memorable experience and leave blown away.”

Favorite place you love returning to (and why)?

“I can’t choose just one. The first would be Villefranche-sur-Mer: This enchanting bay in the South of France has the most beautiful sunsets. This is where I feel most at home, where I spent my childhood and where my family still lives. Also Beverly Hills—I love this city for its dynamic energy, contrasting moods and diverse settings—from the mountains to the sea and the urban life. My favorite country is Italy, though, for the dolce vita, which is expressed through its cuisine, language of love and the way of life.”