In every corner of Paris and the Île-de-France region, heritage treasures bear witness to the country's cultural richness over the centuries. For gourmets with a passion for history, it's possible to combine this love of heritage with that of gastronomy, in restaurants set in veritable jewel cases, listed as Monuments Historiques.
Not only can you savor the food - often traditional French cuisine - but you can also savor the history that permeates the walls, glass roofs, frescoes and woodwork. In Paris, certain brasseries, façades and salons protected for their architectural value give the meal a truly solemn dimension.
The setting tells a story, whether it's Belle Époque, Haussmannian, Art Nouveau or even older heritage, and these restaurants often have to comply with strict conservation constraints - any alteration or change that alters the monument must be submitted for authorization to the Architectes des Bâtiments de France or heritage services.
Embark on a discovery of these dazzling, gourmet addresses in Paris and the Paris region. It's a chance to indulge in an anachronistic moment while savoring good food.
A brief history of the great restaurants of Paris: Prunier, a century of marine prestige
Since 1924, the Prunier restaurant has been celebrating haute marine gastronomy in a listed Art Deco setting, blending exceptional caviar with Parisian elegance. [Read more]
The story of Paris's great restaurants: La Fermette Marbeuf, now Beefbar
La Fermette Marbeuf, an Art Nouveau jewel in Paris's 8th arrondissement, has a spectacular, listed interior. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's top restaurants: Le Pharamond, Normandy-style ambience
Founded in 1832, (Petit Bouillon) Pharamond has been serving Les Halles for two centuries in a Belle Époque listed setting. Affordable cuisine and a Norman atmosphere anchor this address in working-class Paris. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Bouillon Julien, a popular Art Nouveau gem
An Art Nouveau marvel listed as a historic monument, Bouillon Julien enchants lovers of popular cuisine in a dream setting. A jewel in the 10th arrondissement where you can dine like it's 1900, for a small price. [Read more]
A brief history of the great restaurants of Paris: Maxim's, the crème de la crème of the Belle Epoque
A temple to Art Nouveau and Parisian chic, Maxim's has been an icon of the 8th arrondissement since 1893. Frequented by Colette, Marlène Dietrich and Brigitte Bardot, the address blends pomp and French gastronomy. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Brasserie Lipp, living memory of Saint-Germain
Since 1880, Brasserie Lipp has welcomed writers, politicians and sauerkraut lovers to its Belle Époque decor. A German-Pratin mainstay. [Read more]
The history of Paris's great restaurants: La Coupole, symbol of the Roaring Twenties
An art deco institution in Montparnasse since 1927, La Coupole is a monumental brasserie that has seen the Parisian avant-garde come and go. A festive temple to popular Parisian gastronomy. [Read more]
Lovely terrace restaurant set up permanently in the gardens of the Musée Carnavalet
Fabula is dead, replaced by Joli, the now-permanent terrace restaurant at the Musée Carnavalet in Paris. An interlude in a magnificent historic and bucolic setting, but lacking in personality on the plate, all at a truly excessive price. [Read more]
Le Pompon, the festive restaurant in the heart of the Palais Brongniart
Laurent de Gourcuff takes over the Palais Brongniart with a festive restaurant, Le Pompon, due to open in October. [Read more]
L'écu de France, a gourmet restaurant in a historic setting on the banks of the Marne (94)
L'Écu de France is a gourmet French restaurant located in the heart of a former coaching inn dating from 1717, on the banks of the Marne River. A good address in the Val-de-Marne that's well worth the detour! [Read more]
La Véranda, the brasserie-restaurant of the Trianon Palace in its green setting at Versailles
At the Waldorf Astoria Versailles -Trianon Palace, on the edge of the Château de Versailles park in the Yvelines department, we're off to discover La Véranda, the chic, light-filled brasserie that is one of the hotel's two restaurants. Accessible to all, this restaurant on the right wing offers a bistronomic menu orchestrated by Chef Frédéric Larquemin, we tell you all about it. [Read more]
Le Cochon à l'Oreille, a stylish French bistro at Les Halles
Less well known than some of the institutions at Les Halles, Le Cochon à l'Oreille is nonetheless a French bistro with a lot going for it, embodied by an equally impressive owner. [Read more]
Les Chasses, the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay's restaurant and its beautiful hidden terrace - Yvelines
The Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, located in Cernay-la-Ville in the Yvelines department, hides several restaurants within its walls, accessible to all. We'd like to take you on a tour of Les Chasses, an unusual French restaurant in historic manor house style, with the added bonus of a beautiful terrace to enjoy the fine weather. [Read more]
All-you-can-eat restaurant and brunch at the Château de Fontainebleau
In the very heart of the historic Château de Fontainebleau, nestles the restaurant "Les Petites Bouches de l'Empereur", operated by Monument Café. Available as a buffet during the week and as an all-you-can-eat brunch on Sundays and public holidays, the restaurant overlooks L'étang aux Carpes and its pavilion. [Read more]
At L'Epicerie, the bistronomic restaurant of the Aigle Noir in Fontainebleau
L'Aigle Noir, the historic hotel just opposite the Chateau de Fontainebleau in Seine-et-Marne (77), unveils its new restaurant. "A L'Épicerie" is the name of this new gourmet landmark in the imperial city. In an elegant setting blending history and modernity, this ,ois venue offers bistronomic cuisine inspired by the French terroir, supported by carefully selected seasonal produce. [Read more]
L'Émil, the authentic Parisian brasserie Paris 1er
We're off to Paris's 1st arrondissement to discover Brasserie Émil, a typical Parisian restaurant with an art deco decor, which treats us all day long to delicious French dishes. [Read more]
L'Auberge Nicolas Flamel in Paris: Gastronomy and history at the heart of a legendary place
Housed in one of the oldest houses in Paris, if not the oldest, built in 1407 by Nicolas Flamel, famous alchemist and benefactor, L'Auberge Nicolas Flamel combines heritage and haute cuisine. Under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Alan Geaam and now in the kitchen with chef Émile de France, this historic address offers a gastronomic experience where tradition and modernity intertwine. [Read more]
Café Lapérouse, the explorers' brasserie at the Hôtel de la Marine
If the Hôtel de la Marine is a must-see cultural jewel in Paris, the Café Lapérouse it houses is also a not-to-be-missed stopover. The restaurant's menu proudly pays homage to navigators, including explorer Jean-François de La Pérouse. A magnificent setting and fresh, gourmet cuisine worthy of the monument! [Read more]
Foyer de la Madeleine: the historic community restaurant beneath the Madeleine church
The Madeleine church has been home to a community restaurant for almost 50 years, where friendly volunteers serve up simple but tasty dishes, providing hot meals to those in need. [Read more]
Le Moulin de la Galette, the legendary Montmartre restaurant in Paris
Le Moulin de la Galette is a legendary Montmartre institution. Immortalized by painters such as Van Gogh and Renoir, the restaurant now invites us to savor comforting recipes typical of French brasserie. [Read more]
Le Marguerite 1606, Issy-les-Moulineaux's nugget restaurant in a historic setting
Accessible via the Mairie d'Issy metro station, Marguerite 1606, the Domaine Reine Margot's new restaurant, nestles in a verdant, historic setting overlooking the Eiffel Tower, offering refined, seasonal cuisine. In fine weather, a superb terrace awaits you. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's top restaurants: Au Rocher de Cancale, a table dedicated to oysters
The blue façade of the restaurant "Au Rocher de Cancale" leaves no one indifferent. Have you ever wondered what this typical seaside restaurant was doing in the middle of rue Montorgueil? We take you on a journey to discover the history of this atypical place, which still delights gourmets today. [Read more]
Le Procope: rediscover Paris' oldest café
Do you know Procope, the oldest Café in Paris? It's undoubtedly one of the capital's finest restaurants, listed as a Monument Historique. We'll take you through its history, its menu and what's new to discover. [Read more]
Le Grand Colbert, the legendary Parisian brasserie listed as a historic monument
Just a stone's throw from the sublime gardens of the Palais-Royal, the Grand Colbert is a well-known Parisian restaurant for tourists and locals alike. Listed as a historic monument, this brasserie plunges us back into the Paris of yesteryear and delights us with a menu that puts French gastronomy in the spotlight. A gourmet embodiment of what makes Paris so charming! [Read more]
Bouillon Julien, one of Paris' finest restaurants in affordable mode
Le Bouillon Julien, an Art Nouveau gem in Paris, offers an affordable culinary experience all year round. Discover its history and accessible menu. [Read more]
Beefbar Paris, the historic restaurant with incredible art nouveau decor
Discover Beefbar Paris, a historic restaurant in the heart of the 8th arrondissement, offering a unique culinary experience in a stunning Art Nouveau setting. [Read more]
La table des Bernardins, the unusual café-restaurant nestled in the nave of the Collège des Bernardins
La Table des Bernardins, located in the emblematic Collège des Bernardins in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, is the ideal spot for a meal or a break in an atypical, historic setting. Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, this restaurant-café offers a varied cuisine, ideal for a relaxing lunch or a passing snack. [Read more]
Le Café de l'Homme: the Trocadéro's terrace restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower
Café de l'Homme boasts one of the finest views of the Eiffel Tower. We're off to discover this restaurant, whose terrace offers a breathtaking view of the Trocadero and the Iron Lady. [Read more]
Le Grand Contrôle starred restaurant - Airelles Château de Versailles: Test & Review
How about a royal lunch overlooking the Orangerie at the Château de Versailles? Head for the Grand Contrôle restaurant and its Michelin-starred dining room, where you can step back in time for a magical meal in one of the sublime dining rooms or on the beautiful terrace in fine weather. [Read more]
Le Café de la Paix: the sublime historic restaurant in Paris with a renovated setting
The Café de la Paix, this world-famous restaurant classified as a historical monument, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful restaurants in Paris. The emblematic Parisian restaurant, ideally located on the magnificent Place de l'Opéra, welcomes you since its renovation in its two bright and airy spaces, entirely redesigned by the architect Pierre-Yves Rochon in 2021. [Read more]
The Hilton Opéra Bar-Café Restaurant and its historic setting
Do you know the Grand Salon of the Hilton Opéra next to the Gare Saint-Lazare? Under this sublime historic glass roof, where gilding, frescoes and crystal chandeliers await you, you'll be able to enjoy breakfast, exotic dishes and made-to-measure cocktails all day long. [Read more]
La Halle aux Grains, elegant gastronomy by Michel and Sébastien Bras at the Bourse de Commerce
Michelin-starred chefs Michel and Sébastien Bras have set up shop in the historic Bourse de Commerce at La Halle aux Grains, a timeless restaurant where the grain regains all its nobility. [Read more]
Brasserie Gallopin, the historic restaurant with traditional French dishes
Brasserie Gallopin is a must in Paris for lovers of traditional French cuisine. Situated on the Place de la Bourse, this historic address boasts a sumptuous decor and offers bourgeois cuisine prepared according to the rules of the art. [Read more]
Find the location of all these addresses by clicking on the map at the bottom of the article.
Brunch in castles and historic monuments in Paris and the Île-de-France region: our top picks
Want to enjoy brunch in a place steeped in history in Paris or the Île-de-France region? Listed monuments, castles, and museums offer unique experiences where gastronomy and heritage intertwine harmoniously in an exceptional setting. [Read more]
Brunch in castles and historic monuments in Paris and the Île-de-France region: our top picks
