At 6:30 p.m., the computer shuts down, and that question everyone in the Grands Boulevards neighborhood asks themselves at least once a week pops up: where to go for after-work drinks? Between bars that are too loud to have a conversation, terraces that are packed as soon as people leave the office, and spots where you end up not getting anything substantial to eat, finding the right place can sometimes be a real headache. At Ma!, a chic Italian restaurant on Boulevard des Italiens, they have everything you need to transform this somewhat routine moment into a true Italian escape, where coworkers become—for the duration of a drink—almost friends.
The Grands Boulevards neighborhood, straddling the 2nd and 9th arrondissements, is home to an impressive number of offices, agencies, and corporate headquarters, naturally making it one of Paris’s epicenters for after-work socializing. Here, you’ll find a community of people leaving work between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., all with the same goal: to unwind quickly, without necessarily heading straight to a full dinner. This is exactly the kind of experience that the Italian-style aperitivo offers better than anything else, as we detailed in our article on the Italian-style aperitivo and how to make it a success.
What sets a good after-work gathering apart from a quick drink on the way home is the pace. The Italian aperitivo is based precisely on this idea: a moment free of urgency, where you can stay for twenty minutes for a quick drink before heading home, or settle in for longer if the conversation takes precedence over the time. At Ma!, the Wine Cellar & Bar take center stage in the experience, designed as a true gathering place rather than just a mandatory stop before the dining room.
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The “Ma Spritz’s!” menu is especially well-suited for this time of day: light, refreshing, and varied enough that every coworker can find their favorite. The Classic Spritz with bitter orange is always a crowd-pleaser, while the Hugo Spritz with elderflower and lemon appeals to those who prefer something sweeter. For more adventurous teams, the Rosa Passion Spritz or the Moscow Mule Spritz add a more original touch to the round of drinks. As for cocktails, the Negroni and the Americano will delight fans of bolder recipes, while the Il Basilico—a house twist featuring limoncello and basil—often pleasantly surprises those discovering the menu for the first time.
And for those who prefer to cut back on alcohol without feeling left out, the non-alcoholic Spritz and the non-alcoholic Hugo Spritz let the whole team toast together—no one left out.
A nice get-together after work is never just about a simple drink: it naturally includes a few appetizers to share, in true Italian aperitivo style. The charcuterie board (pistachio mortadella, bresaola, 16-month-aged Parma ham) and cheeses (Grana Padano, Gorgonzola, Pecorino) is perfect for snacking in small groups, while dishes to share, such as the Focapizza Ma!rghérita or the Grande Planche Ma!gnifica, are ideal for larger groups when the whole team decides to stay. It’s also a chance to rediscover some of the appetizers featured in our article on the best Italian specialties to try at Ma!.
Sometimes, a simple after-work drink turns—without really planning it—into a full-fledged team dinner. At Ma!, the restaurant is designed to accommodate this transition naturally: the “Primi e secondi” menu takes over with hearty dishes like Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe or Paccheri Alla genovese, without the need to change locations or make a last-minute reservation elsewhere. This flexibility is a lifesaver on a Friday night, when no one really feels like driving around the neighborhood again to find a table.
What sets Ma! apart from the neighborhood’s more well-known spots is precisely this atmosphere that strikes a balance between a casual bar and an elegant restaurant: checkered tablecloths, vintage tableware, warm lighting—a decor that offers a change of pace from open-concept spaces without going overboard. It’s a setting that naturally puts the staff at ease, a far cry from the sometimes impersonal vibe of the neighborhood’s more formulaic cocktail bars.
Let the staff know if there are more than six or seven of you, to make sure there’s enough room in the Cellar & Bar. Order a first round of spritzes to get the party started, add a few antipasti to share as soon as the first drinks arrive at the table, and then let the group decide: some will head home after one drink, while others will stay for dinner. That’s precisely the kind of flexibility a true Italian-style aperitivo offers.
Do you need to make a reservation for an after-work gathering at Ma!?
For small groups, a reservation isn’t always necessary, but it’s recommended if you’re coming with several coworkers, especially on weekends.
Can we just stay for a drink without ordering food?
Yes, the Cave & Bar welcomes everyone—from those who stay for just a spritz to those who extend their evening with a full meal.
“Wow! Do they offer non-alcoholic options for after-work drinks?”
Yes, the non-alcoholic Spritz and the non-alcoholic Hugo Spritz let the whole team join in on the fun, whether they’re drinking alcohol or not.
