Commercial Design, Interior Design, Restaurant InteriorsFlorence LFebruary 21, 2025Entre NousInterior Design, Wine Bar, Commercial Interior Design

ENTRE NOUS || A Parisian-Style Wine Bar Brings Old-World Elegance to Brooklyn

Commercial Design, Interior Design, Restaurant InteriorsFlorence LFebruary 21, 2025Entre NousInterior Design, Wine Bar, Commercial Interior Design

Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill is known for its tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and quiet charm.

Now, it has a new addition that feels refreshingly new and effortlessly timeless. Entre Nous, a 55-seat wine bar and restaurant, introduces the French "apéro" tradition to the neighbourhood. It celebrates the art of gathering over natural wines, classic French cuisine, and a warm, inviting ambiance.

*A warm glow welcomes guests into Entre Nous, a Brooklyn wine bar channelling the charm of Parisian bistros.*

Designed by Brooklyn- and Paris-based The House Special Studio, Entre Nous reimagines the unpretentious elegance of Old-World European bistros. Located at the corner of Clifton Place and Grand Avenue, the space embraces the historic character of its landmark building while layering in rich materials, textural warmth, and a sense of intimacy that feels both sophisticated and relaxed.

A Study in European Refinement

At the heart of the restaurant stands a custom copper bar, a striking homage to Aux Deux Amis in Paris, where co-owner Clément Besset began his hospitality career. Encased in custom cherry wood panelling, the bar anchors the space with a subtle glow, complemented by a floor-to-ceiling wine fridge that showcases an extensive collection of 400+ cuvées.

The flooring—Italian terrazzo speckled with hints of blue, brown, and red—evokes the timeless charm of traditional European interiors. Above, original stained glass transoms filter natural light through geometric patterns in amber and green, adding a nostalgic warmth to the space. The walls, finished in creamy whites and Bordeaux-red accents, highlight the building’s original crown molding, fostering a refined yet effortless backdrop.

Design Details that Elevate the Experience

The House Special Studio curated a lighting program that imbues the space with old-world charm and contemporary eclecticism. Over the bar, milky white pendants from &Tradition provide soft, diffused light, while handcrafted sconces from Violaine d'Harcourt—integrated into the expansive mirrored back wall—offer delicate contrast. A sculptural chandelier from Soho Home crowns the banquette seating area, its frosted glass orbs lending a cinematic allure.

*A sculptural Soho Home chandelier sets the tone for relaxed, refined dining in the banquette nook.*

Seating arrangements seamlessly transition between intimate moments and convivial gatherings. Classic bentwood Thonet chairs frame polished wood tables, while a built-in banquette upholstered in warm terracotta tones invites guests to linger over a bottle of wine. The effect is transportive, channelling the easy sophistication of Parisian brasseries while remaining firmly rooted in Brooklyn’s vibrant dining scene.

A Moment of Delight Around Every Corner

Even Entre Nous's restrooms are an exercise in playful elegance. The lower walls feature Zia tiles in a bold, rust-hued pattern, contrasting with an organic-shaped wooden mirror and Belle Époque sconces that add a touch of vintage charm.

*The restroom’s Zia tilework and vintage-inspired sconces offer a bold yet refined contrast.*

Beyond its evening allure, Entre Nous also embraces the rhythm of daytime café culture. In partnership with local bakery La Bicyclette, the space transforms into a French café each morning, serving fresh bread, pastries, and espresso—a nod to the all-day cafés of Paris.

For co-owners Clément Besset and Allie Prater-Besset, Entre Nous is more than just a restaurant—it’s a love letter to the convivial spirit of French dining. Whether stopping by for an espresso in the morning or an indulgent glass of Burgundy at night, the space invites guests to savour the simple pleasures of good food, good wine, and good company.