Bruno Verjus has a genuine reverence for his ingredients. At his tiny Paris restaurant, Table, in the 12th Arrondissement, the 64-year-old chef makes memorable and beautiful dishes. Until 10 years ago, Verjus had never cooked in a professional kitchen. Now, his $430 tasting menu starts with “Couleur du Jour,” freshly cut vegetables, followed by dishes such as deep-sea prawns with dollops of a bright-yellow turmeric sauce and pigeon cooked over an open fire. The meal always ends with his legendary chocolate-caper tart, which is topped with caviar, and his olive-jam madeleines dipped in olive oil. With just 24 seats, it’s one of the most challenging reservations to get in Paris. (Fans include Hedi Slimane, René Redzepi, and Carole Bouquet.) In 2022, Table earned two Michelin stars. In June, it was named to the annual World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Verjus plans to retire in two years, so hurry to try his signature dish, lobster mi-cru mi-cuit (half cooked, half raw), made with crustaceans freshly caught off of Île d’Yeu. —Emilien Crespo