Practical Information / FAQ

Dans le Noir ? is much more than a restaurant; it's a unique sensory, convivial, and human experience. You will enjoy a 100% surprise menu in total darkness, allowing you to rediscover gastronomy from a new angle, using your other senses.

This concept aims to awaken your perceptions, offer a new perspective on taste, and raise awareness of inclusion and diversity. Our visually impaired guide-waiters accompany you throughout this culinary adventure, allowing you to experience total immersion and a profoundly human and moving experience.

Yes, absolutely! There isn't a hint of light, not even a candle. Total darkness is essential for the experience, which is why we ask you to leave all light sources, such as lighters, phones, cameras, and even watches (even those that are not connected), in the free cloakrooms or lockers provided.

To ensure the safety and fluidity of the experience, you must also leave your coat, bag, or any other object there. This prevents any clutter or risk of loss in the dark, which could create a dangerous safety hazard for our teams and other guests.

This way, you can fully enjoy the experience in a safe environment without light distractions.

Yes, the first few minutes may be unsettling for some, but most of our guests adapt very quickly to this new perception. Our guides, experts in darkness, are here to accompany you, put you at ease, and reassure you throughout the experience.

More than just an immersion, it's a sensory adventure that challenges our usual frame of reference and invites us to rethink our relationship with the senses, flavours, others, and difference. An experience that is both enriching and fascinating!

Dining in the dark is a unique, fun, and discovery-filled experience! While it may seem strange at first, you quickly get used to it. In the absence of sight, our other senses—such as hearing, touch, and smell—take over and help us adapt. Our guide-waiters are here to guide you, offer tips, and support you throughout the experience.

In just a few minutes, you will adjust your bearings and discover how your ability to adapt gradually increases by temporarily removing a dominant sense. To fully enjoy this sensory adventure, we recommend wearing non-precious clothing, just to avoid any stress in case of a small accident. Like in any restaurant, we provide napkins to protect your clothes. Don't worry, accidents are rare. Our teams make sure everything goes smoothly. So, relax and fully enjoy this unforgettable experience!

At Dans le Noir ?, the experience is both sensory and friendly. Darkness allows us to erase social conventions and question our prejudices. This is why, since 2004, we have chosen shared tables to encourage exchanges and stimulate encounters.

If you come as a group or couple, you will be seated together, but next to other guests sharing the same adventure. Who knows who you will be sitting next to? Some of our guests have been surprised to find themselves seated next to celebrities, actors, singers, politicians, directors, and even members of the British royal family! Dans le Noir ? restaurant is a place where even celebrities find a little anonymity to breathe.

At first, it may seem surprising, but darkness makes it possible to overcome shyness and break down social barriers. Sharing this experience with strangers often becomes a very enriching and unexpected moment.

Of course, we understand requests for individual tables, but shared tables are an integral part of the experience. Let yourself be surprised by this spontaneous conviviality that is no longer so common. After the meal, many extend the experience around a cocktail or coffee to exchange more.

Simply by calling them by their first name. The guide will be introduced to you before entering the dark room. Don't raise your hand, as you may have to wait... for a very long time!

For obvious safety reasons, it is prohibited to move alone in the dark room! This could endanger other guests or the waiters. Our guide-waiters need clear spaces to work around the tables. If you need to move, whether it is to go to the restrooms or exit, let your guide know by calling them by their name. They will accompany you outside the room safely.

In general, you spend about 1h30 to 2h in the dark room. This can vary depending on the group, how fast you eat, the service, or even the restaurant you are in.

Yes, of course! At the end of your experience in the dark, when you leave the room, our team reveals everything you tasted during the meal. This moment is always full of surprises and often accompanied by bursts of laughter as you discover the ingredients and flavours you perceived in a completely different way. A real sensory revelation!

For groups, we can accommodate up to 10 people per table maximum. This number may vary in case of privatisation.

We can accommodate up to 56 people in the dark room. If you are more than 56, we can offer you alternative solutions. Contact us to discuss it:

• By phone at +33142779804
• By email: resa@danslenoir.com
• Via the contact form.

To fully enjoy our experience, we use shared tables. We do not offer tables exclusively for 2 people. This is the perfect opportunity to meet other people and experience a truly unique adventure!

When booking online, don't forget to mention your dietary restrictions or allergies with the first name of the person concerned. Upon arrival, our team will ask you again, and our chef will accommodate your needs. Make sure to remind your guide of your restrictions when they bring your dish to you in the dark room. Feel free to mention your allergies as many times as necessary!

Of course, just like allergies, you just need to mention your specific diet when booking and the chef will adapt the menu accordingly.

Yes, the Dans le Noir ? Restaurant in Paris has been made accessible to everyone despite the nature of this old building (the disabled toilets had to be moved to the neighbouring sensory space), whether you are in a wheelchair, with crutches, or have other specific needs. Don't forget to let us know when you book so that we can adapt the experience to your needs. We are here to ensure that everyone can fully enjoy the adventure!

Of course! We welcome children from 6 years old with pleasure. They are often more enthusiastic than adults! However, we leave it to the parents to judge whether their children are ready for this experience (for example, if they are afraid of the dark). We simply ask that they be accompanied and under the responsibility of an adult. In case of any problems during the experience, our team will take care of them so that they keep a good memory.

Not particularly. Most blind people live this experience daily, which reduces the interest of the experience for them. However, those who come often find it's a great way to share an aspect of their daily lives with their friends and family. It is also an effective way to make sighted people aware of their reality.

For safety reasons, pets are not allowed in the dark room. However, you can come with a guide dog! For the comfort of the guide dog, its safety and that of the guests and waiters, it will not be able to accompany you in the dark room, but it will be well taken care of in a dedicated space in the light of our restaurant.

Dans le Noir ? is an inclusive company that hires without discrimination. We select our waiters primarily for their skills and motivation. While the majority of our staff in the dining room is made up of blind or visually impaired people, it is because they are the best suited to guide our guests in total darkness, an environment they are familiar with.

This experience offers a reversal of roles: in daily life, we are accustomed to helping blind people, but here, they accompany us and reassure us. It challenges our assumptions, invites us to recognise competence beyond appearances and encourages us to value differences.

In our establishments, we prioritise expertise, kindness and the human aspect above all.

For obvious reasons of hygiene and safety, the kitchen is lit so that our team can prepare delicious dishes with fresh ingredients. We make every effort to offer you a culinary experience that is both tasty and unique.

Chefs and kitchen staff are recruited based on their professional skills and experience. Their culinary expertise is at the heart of the quality of the dishes we serve.

Au restaurant Dans le Noir ? Paris, nous employons une dizaine de guides-serveurs non ou malvoyants. À l’échelle internationale, près d’une centaine de personnes en situation de handicap visuel travaillent au sein de nos restaurants, spas et espaces sensoriels, représentant environ la moitié de notre personnel.

Nous évoluons dans un milieu ordinaire, sans aide ni subvention spécifique. Dans le Noir ? est une entreprise comme les autres, où tous les employés ont les mêmes droits et devoirs.

Au-delà du service en salle, les personnes déficientes visuelles occupent divers rôles clés :

• Événements et animations : Des experts non-voyants interviennent lors d’événements d’entreprise, réceptions, lancements de produits, ateliers sensoriels, brainstormings, mais aussi pour des occasions privées comme les anniversaires, enterrements de vie de célibataire ou dîners de fin d’année.
• Formation et encadrement : Certains évoluent en tant que guides-formateurs, assurant l’intégration des nouveaux employés et la formation dans le cadre de l’ouverture de nouveaux établissements.
• Postes à responsabilité : Didier Roche l’un des cofondateurs du groupe est non-voyant, et plusieurs de nos consultants, experts et formateurs en France, en Angleterre et en Europe sont également déficients visuels.
• Bien-être et découverte sensorielle : Dans nos Spas de Paris et Bordeaux, toutes les praticiennes et praticiens, y compris la Directrice, sont déficientes visuelles. Nos ateliers de découverte du parfum et notre Escape Game sensoriel sont également animés par des personnes non ou malvoyantes.

Ainsi, Dans le Noir ? ne se limite pas à offrir une expérience immersive, mais contribue aussi activement à l’inclusion professionnelle des personnes en situation de handicap visuel, en valorisant leur expertise et leurs talents.

At Dans le Noir ?, we offer gastronomic cuisine that is both innovative and eclectic. Our chefs take great pride in playing with flavours, fragrances, textures and temperatures to offer you an unforgettable sensory experience.

The surprise menus are specially designed for this unique experience in the dark, taking you on an unparalleled sensory journey. Before being served, all our dishes are meticulously tested in total darkness by our chefs, guides and sensory experts to ensure a harmonious and immersive experience.

The menus are regularly renewed, approximately every 3 months, to surprise you with each visit.

The restaurant has earned the title of Maître Restaurateur and a toque in the Gault et Millau guide as well as the Ecotable label.

Furthermore, Dans le Noir ? follows a responsible policy and about ten years ago, committed to a circular economy project. Most of our fruits and vegetables come from the Ferme de l’Envol in Brétigny, of which we are co-founders. It is one of the largest agroecological farms that practices organic and local market gardening to reduce the impact of our activity. Our food waste is recycled back to the farm.

 Yes, absolutely! Offer your loved ones a unique, memorable and meaningful culinary experience.

To order a gift card, visit our online store. You can then choose a gift card, for example one of the menus offered in our restaurant or other experiences of the brand, as well as gift boxes offering products or experiences that will please your loved ones twice: when they receive the gift and when they come to live this unique experience.

Thus, you can instantly receive your electronic gift card by email or opt for a physical version sent by mail, presented in an elegant box. In addition, these will be available in your customer area in the "my gift cards" tab to download them in PDF.

Your order will be taken in the light upon arrival at the beginning of the experience. At that time, you will have the option to add drinks if you wish. You can also order drinks during the experience by asking your guide-waiter.

All our menus are "surprises", designed to awaken your senses in a unique way. But don't worry, they are adapted to your dietary requirements and allergies, which you will have specified when booking. Thes details will be verified upon your arrival at the restaurant. We also encourage you to remind your guide-waiter of your restrictions when they bring your dish, even though they should already be informed, to avoid any misunderstandings.

This way, you can fully enjoy the experience with complete peace of mind!

To give you an idea of our cuisine, you can check out the previous menus we have served, which are published on our Facebook page!

To find out the detailed prices of our options and menus, we invite you to consult the section Restaurant > Menu. 

The price of the Dans le Noir ? experience reflects several unique elements:

• Specific safety requirements, requiring tailored organisation.
• A larger area than in a traditional restaurant, ensuring comfort and fluidity.
• A larger team, including specially trained guide-waiters.
• A menu crafted from fresh and high-quality products.

Beyond just a meal, Dans le Noir ? offers a unique immersive and sensory experience. The additional cost related to this experience is estimated at around 15€ per person compared to a traditional restaurant of the same range.

That would be an… original experience, but rest assured, they are well lit!

We recommend that our guests go before starting the experience to avoid any interruption. However, if necessary, you can go at any time:

Call your guide by their first name and ask them to escort you to the lit area.

After your visit to the sanitary facilities, wait by the curtain, our team will call your guide to take you back to your seat in the dark room.

The safety of our guests is our priority. Since 2004, we have welcomed more than three million people worldwide in our establishments, without any major accidents.

To guarantee a serene experience:

• Our equipment is specially adapted and complies with safety standards in collaboration with local authorities in each city.
• In case of emergency, soft lights can turn on automatically or be activated manually by a team member, trained in these situations.
• Emergency exits and safety equipment are regularly checked to ensure their perfect functioning.
• Our guide-waiters and all staff members receive thorough and regular training in safety and customer management in total darkness. They are prepared to accompany each guest with kindness and to react effectively to any unforeseen situation.

You can therefore fully enjoy your experience, with peace of mind!

All information about our news and special events is available on our website:

• News
• Private events

You can also follow us on our social networks to stay informed:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn 
• Tripadvisor

Absolutely! Dans le Noir ? is one of the most powerful team building tools, combining team cohesion and awareness of inclusion. It is also an ideal experience for brands to discover a product from a unique sensory angle.

Dans le Noir ? restaurant is ideal for corporate events, whether for:

• A friendly moment with colleagues,
• A welcome or farewell dinner,
• A year-end celebration,
• A success to celebrate,
• A meal with clients to strengthen relationships,

We offer solutions adapted to your needs:

• Privatisations for lunch or dinner in the dark,
• In addition to the meal, we also offer sensory activities (e.g. pictionary in the dark, blind test, scent lotto, mystery boxes…)
• Tailor-made sensory workshops (wine, perfume, tasting),
• Sensory Escape Game,

You can also offer the Dans le Noir ? experience as a gift to your employees or clients with our gift cards and boxes, available on our website and in our establishments.

Our team is at your disposal to assist you in organising your tailor-made event!

For all corporate group requests, you can contact the Dans le Noir ? Paris restaurant team via our contact form so that our team can offer you a project and a quote.

All information concerning our B2B offer is also available on our website:

• B2B offer
• Vidéo

We highly recommend that you reserve online in advance. You can check real-time availability online.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via the form.

The Dans le Noir ? restaurant in Paris is open every day for dinner and on Saturdays and Sundays for lunch.

The restaurant can also be open during the week for lunch and be fully or partially privatised upon request, subject to availability and the number of guests. For more information, contact our team via the form.

The restaurant is located in the heart of Paris, at 51 rue Quincampoix, between Les Halles and Beaubourg.

Please note that the Sensory Space where the sensory workshops and Escape Game take place, is located at number 40 on the same street!

Yes, the restaurant is located near the largest transportation hub in the capital. See practical information.

Yes, there are many underground parking lots nearby, including Parking Beaubourg, the Hôtel de Ville parking, and the Sébastopol Boulevard parking.

Our digital gift cards offer two reception options:

• Receive them directly by email
• Send them to the recipient's email address on a date of your choice (programmable up to 10 days after purchase).
  Once you receive your gift card by email, youwill find a 3-page PDF, also accessible from your customer account on danslenoir.com.

You can then present it in two formats:

• Classic format (page 1): A one-page gift card, ready to be printed and gifted.
• Creative format (page 2): A gift card to cut and fold for a guaranteed surprise effect!

A video tutorial is also available as a QR code (page 3) on your gift card to guide you in assembling the creative format.

We also offer a gift box option to be delivered to your home, which contains the gift voucher along with a collection of Dans le Noir ? stories or a 30ml bottle of Dans le Noir ? Eau de Parfum.

If your gift card has expired, you can extend it for an additional 2 months from its original expiration date for a fee of 15€.

Example: If today is the 15th February and your gift card expired on the 3rd February, you can extend it and use it until the 3rd April.

This extension can be done directly from your customer account on danslenoir.com.

⚠️ After the 2-month extension period, it will no longer be possible to use or extend your gift card.