A brief history of the great restaurants of Paris: Prunier, a century of marine prestige

Since 1924, Prunier has stood proudly at 16 avenue Victor-Hugo, in the 16ᵉ arrondissement of Paris. Specializing in seafood and particularly caviar, this historic Maison is still today an undisputed benchmark of French marine gastronomy, where Art Deco rubs shoulders with timeless elegance.

An emblematic address born of a passion for seafood

Although the Prunier restaurant was officially inaugurated in 1924, the history of the company dates back to 1872, whenAlfred and Catherine Prunier opened their first restaurant on rue Duphot, then rue d'Antin. Their ambition: to democratize the consumption of seafood, until then reserved for the aristocracy. Success was immediate, and Alfred Prunier became a leading figure in haute gastronomy. The establishment on avenue Victor-Hugo marked a turning point: it was here that the house took up residence in a sumptuous Art Deco building, adorned with mosaics and marine frescoes. The façade, still visible today, is listed as a Historic Monument.

Art Deco decor and a legendary clientele

The place is as attractive for the quality of its products as for its hushed, luxurious atmosphere. Visitors come for the caviar served by the spoonful, the wood-grilled fish, the shucking benches and the unique atmosphere that combines rigorous service and discreet refinement. Loyal guests include Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, who have fallen in love with the upstairs Izba salon, transformed into a little cocoon. Numerous celebrities have enjoyed oysters, sea urchins, crab and salmon prepared in the purest French tradition.

• To be read
• A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Le Dôme Montparnasse, a Left Bank legend
• A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Le Select, in the rhythm of the Roaring Twenties
• A brief history of the great restaurants of Paris: La Rotonde, the hustle and bustle of the Belle Epoque

A contemporary renaissance faithful to the house's DNA

Decorator Lázaro Rosa-Violán has restored Prunier to its former glory, subtly modernizing the space while respecting its identity. The restaurant remains true to its seafaring heritage , with a menu focused on seafood, homemade caviars and revisited French classics. The sumptuous restaurant continues to embody a form of excellence rooted in history but looking to the future.

Prunier, the world's oldest caviar restaurant, with its legendary listed Art Deco façade
Inaugurated in 1924, the Parisian caviar restaurant Prunier, with its sublime Art Deco listed decor, has been restored to its former glory by Benjamin Patou. [Read more]