Upon first glance, you’d pass the no-frills, fluorescently-lit Mexican cantina without a second thought – if it weren’t for the fact that authentic Mexican is extremely scarce in Paris.

But not only does the kitchen serve the best tacos and chilli-salt-rimmed margaritas we’ve had in Europe (which is hard to come by, as show by the fact that a lot of European bars have served me margaritas with vodka...), but it's home to a magic corridor á la Chronicles of Narnia that leads to a stylish, semi-underground cocktail lounge complete with intimate stone walls covered in tapestries and mirrors (and sans the blizzards and Ice Queen).

Between the geometric paintings on the walls of the cave-like bathrooms, the shimmery pompom wall hangings, and mirrored backsplash of the wood-crafted bar, the candle-lit interior is seriously dripping in ambiance. And among the experimental, thoughtfully-prepared cocktail menu you'll find what is allegedly one of the top 10 cocktails in the world, as well as punch bowls served in a crystal basin for 56 euro. Candelaria is certainly a repeat visit kinda place.  

52 Rue De Saintonge, 75003 Paris (Le Marais).

Speaking of Paris...