The history of Paris's great restaurants: Au Pied de Cochon, brasserie canaille since 1947

Opened in 1947 in the heart of the Halles district, Au Pied de Cochon is much more than just a brasserie: it's a true Parisian institution. With non-stop service 7 days a week and a generous menu dedicated to the pleasures of charcuterie, it's the perfect embodiment of the gourmet, rebellious and popular spirit of old Paris.

A meeting place for night owls, artists and epicureans, for over 75 years the house has cultivated a typically Parisian art de vivre, a blend of tradition and celebration.

A Halles landmark open day and night

The history ofAu Pied de Cochon is closely linked to that of Paris's central Halles, still known at the time as the"belly of Paris". It was in 1947, in the immediate post-war period, that the brasserie opened its doors at 6 rue Coquillière, right next to the large food market. The idea was simple: to offer comfort food at all hours to workers at Les Halles, night owls and hungry early risers. It was the first Parisian brasserie to offer non-stop service, day and night, which contributed to its immediate renown. This unique operation was to become its trademark.

A menu dedicated to cochonnailles and French classics

The house's flagship specialty is in its name: stuffed pig's trotters, both crispy and melt-in-the-mouth, served with gribiche sauce. But the menu doesn't stop there. The restaurant offers a wide range of traditional French dishes, with a predilection for canaille cuisine: frog legs, calf's head, pig's ears, tripe, cassoulet, seafood and oysters. La Maison also celebrates the savoir-vivre of sharing, with generous plates and recipes handed down through the ages.

• To be read
• A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Bouillon Julien, a popular Art Nouveau gem
• A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Grand Colbert, a brasserie in a spectacular setting
• A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Le Grand Véfour, a jewel of neo-classical art

An inimitable, festive atmosphere

With its red banquettes, copper chandeliers and sculpted pigs, the Pied de Cochon's decor evokes the brasseries of yesteryear, while cultivating a warm, lively spirit. You'll meet families, night owls, artists, tourists in search of authenticity and regulars who've been there for decades. Brigitte Bardot, Serge Gainsbourg and Jean-Paul Belmondo all left their mark here. Some even celebrated New Year's Eve here... at 4am.

An institution as popular as ever

To this day, Au Pied de Cochon remains one of the only restaurants in Paris to serve until dawn, with hours ranging from 8am to 5am. It's also an address that never ceases to reinvent itself, with take-away products and evening events.

Au Pied de Cochon is the epitome of the Parisian spirit: welcoming, cheeky, generous and gourmet. A unique address where you come to eat, laugh, drink and experience Paris late into the night... or even early in the morning!

Our review of Au Pied de Cochon:

Au Pied de Cochon, gourmet cuisine at Les Halles day and night
Day or night, the brasserie Au Pied de Cochon delights Parisians and tourists alike with its traditional, generous French cuisine. A legendary address to try at least once in your life. [Read more]