Le Grand Colbert, the legendary Parisian brasserie listed as a historic monument

There are those addresses without which Paris wouldn't be quite Paris, and the Grand Colbert is one of those iconic places. Born with the Galerie Colbert in 1828, it was originally a novelty store called"Au Grand Colbert". It wasn't until 1900 that the address became a restaurant known for being one of the least expensive bouillons in the capital. Taken over in 1985 by the Bibliothèque nationale de France after years of closure, it's now an iconic Parisian brasserie with a relaxed chic, featuring the typical dishes of French gastronomy.

The décor takes us back in time, plunging us into the Paris of the Belle Époque. Surrounded by mirrors, mosaics, sculpted columns and pilasters and lush plants reminiscent of the gardens of the Palais-Royal, we admire this setting where the sumptuousness ofArt Nouveau meets the splendor of the ancient world. Settle into one of the comfortable black leather banquettes and soak up the beauty of the surroundings.

No wonder filmmakers have fallen in love with the place! Indeed, fans of the 7th art will know that the Grand Colbert has hosted film shoots, including the famous scene from the movie Anything Can Happen, featuring Nancy Meyer, Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, during which the best roast chicken in the world is praised. While the roast chicken is now an essential star on the menu and particularly popular with American customers, the rest of the menu has nothing to be ashamed of!

For seafood lovers, for example, it'll be hard to miss the platters, to share or not, featuring lobster and crab with their melt-in-your-mouth flesh, oysters, mussels, almonds, shrimps and clams of prime beach-freshness. This introduction gave us our sea legs for the rest of the tasting.

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On the advice of the friendly team, we decided to go for the scallops, accompanied by their spinach. Just pan-fried, this successful cooking enhances the natural flavors of this exceptional shellfish, leaving no doubt as to the quality of the product.

Another star dish of Parisian brasseries: sole meunière from France's Atlantic coast, first presented in its copper pan. Beneath a lightly crisp frying, the fish reveals its flavorful flesh. Accompanied by a homemade purée, flavored with nutmeg, this generous dish completes the authentic Grand Colbert experience.

For dessert, don't miss theNorwegian omelette, an endangered pastry that's well worth a spoonful. This sweet treat, flambéed before your very eyes, ensures a beautiful finish, both in presentation and tasting. Beneath the flaming meringue, vanilla ice cream rests on a sponge cake, bringing this experience in the heart of Paris of yesteryear to a fresh close.

On weekdays, the Grand Colbert offers lunchtime starter + main course or main course + dessert for €24.5, and €34.5 for a starter + main course + dessert menu from midday to 6pm. At weekends, you'll pay €10 more. The restaurant is in continuous service, so you can stop in at any time!