You've probably noticed them: Parisian restaurants that pay homage to French cuisine and the specialties that make it one of the world's most beloved gastronomies. Oeufs en meurette, quenelles de brochet and stuffed cabbage are all part of what is commonly known as bourgeois cuisine.
While there's no precise definition of bourgeois cuisine, its origins can be traced back to the bourgeoisie of the 18th century's big cities, as opposed to the technical, aristocratic gastronomy of the great restaurants, but also to peasant cooking. Bourgeois cuisine is a cuisine of dishes in sauce, a homemade, homemade cuisine distinguished by the comfort it provides and the convivial spirit that surrounds it. The reference work is Joseph Menon's La Cuisinière bourgeoise, published in 1746 for housewives.
Here are a few examples of bourgeois cuisine's must-have dishes, so that you can get a better idea of what we're talking about? These include poule au pot, vol-au-vent, pot-au-feu, blanquette de veau, ris de veau, pommes dauphine, pâté croûte and its more refined version , l'oreiller de la Belle Aurore, but also Bresse chicken, coq au vin, beef cheek, hare à la royale and Pithiviers for the most talented cooks, and to finish on a sweet note, Grand Marnier soufflé and crêpes Suzette.
Far from being outmoded, bourgeois cuisine is making a comeback in Paris restaurants, spurred on by old hands or, on the contrary, by young chefs who have fallen in love with this traditional, unifying and generous cuisine. Tempted? Here are the best addresses for restaurants serving bourgeois cuisine in Paris!
Aux Lyonnais, Alain Ducasse's Parisian "bouchon lyonnais" brilliantly taken over by the Dumant brothers
Canaille, the Aux Lyonnais bistro has been one since its early days, and will remain so. After nearly 25 years under the direction of Alain Ducasse, this true Lyonnais bouchon in the heart of Paris is changing hands. While the multi-starred chef keeps a watchful eye on his beloved restaurant, it is now the unstoppable Dumant siblings who have taken over the reins with brio. [Read more]
The Dumant siblings take over Le Mouton Blanc, Normandy-style bourgeois cuisine
The historic Auberge du Mouton Blanc is enjoying a second lease of life in the 16th arrondissement, under the aegis of the Dumant siblings and restaurateur Tristan Lefebvre. They offer a bourgeois cuisine with hints of Normandy. [Read more]
L'Hôtel Particulier Montmartre, the restaurant with confidential bucolic terrace
Looking for serenity, calm and greenery in the heart of Paris? Discover the restaurant and hidden garden terraces of the Hôtel Particulier Montmartre, a bucolic and confidential setting in the heart of the 18th arrondissement. A former Hermès residence, this secret spot, accessible via the Rocher de la Sorcière passage, invites you to discover its lush garden, refined bistronomic cuisine and cocktail bar all summer long. Open every day, from breakfast to dinner, including brunch and cocktails. [Read more]
Astier, the real Parisian bistro as we like it
Located in the heart of Paris's 11th arrondissement, a stone's throw from Place de la République and Canal Saint-Martin, Restaurant Astier has embodied the spirit of true Parisian bistros since 1956. Awarded the "Trophée du Meilleur Établissement Tradition" by Gault&Millau, this typical establishment offers authentic, generous cuisine, served in a setting that remains true to its history. Astier invites us to savor local dishes with seasonal accents. [Read more]
GrandCœur, the Paris address of Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco and his bourgeois cuisine
GrandCœur, the Parisian address of Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco, is the perfect place to curl up in historic surroundings and savor the very best in bourgeois cuisine. [Read more]
Faubourg Daimant, bourgeois vegetarian cuisine for saucing, it's insane!
And that's two for Daimant Collective! After Plan D and its vegan sandwiches, it's time for bourgeois cuisine and sauces at Faubourg Daimant, but always in 100% plant-based versions, of course! [Read more]
Au Trou Gascon, chef Sarah Chougnet-Strudel at the helm of Alain Dutournier's former fiefdom
Like a phoenix, starred chef Alain Dutournier's Parisian institution Au Trou Gascon is enjoying a second lease of life, under the impetus of chef Sarah Chougnet-Strudel. [Read more]
Maison Michodière, the confidential Parisian address of chef Hélène Darroze
Chef Hélène Darroze opens Maison Michodière, a confidential address by reservation only. [Read more]
Magnum 150CL, the restaurant that honors forgotten brasserie dishes just a few steps from the Parc Monceau
Magnum 150CL is the place to be, just a stone's throw from the Parc Monceau in Paris's 17th arrondissement. Here, you'll enjoy gourmet, comforting cuisine that takes forgotten brasserie dishes and gives them a refined touch, with the added bonus of a wine list to make oenophiles green with envy. [Read more]
Nolinski Paris restaurant switches to French bourgeois cuisine
Le Nolinski, the restaurant a stone's throw from the Opéra, reinvents itself with a new menu by Michelin-starred chef Philip Chronopoulos, highlighting French bourgeois cuisine. We're off to rediscover the charm of this chic, cosy venue, which now celebrates culinary traditions while offering an experience worthy of the finest Parisian institutions. [Read more]
Brasserie des Prés, charming and affordable, the hidden gem of Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Carefully tucked away in a bucolic courtyard in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Brasserie des Prés proves to be the neighborhood's best address, as delightful and charming as it is affordable. [Read more]
L'Auberge Pyrénnées Cévennes, the authentic, gourmet Parisian bistro
L'Auberge Pyrénnées Cévennes is the old bistro in the 11th arrondissement of Paris that has been delighting diners with its traditional cuisine for over 100 years. Taken over by Pierre Négrevergne two years ago, this institution continues to delight lovers of generous French cuisine. Are you a fan of pâté en croûte, blanquette and cassoulet? Here's your address! [Read more]
Les Parisiens, generous bourgeois cuisine with no false notes by Thibault Sombardier
Chef Thibault Sombardier signs the menu for Les Parisiens restaurant, in the Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain hotel. On the menu, bourgeois cuisine honoring French traditions and a floating island... gargantuan! [Read more]
Au Petit Riche, bourgeois French cuisine without a wrinkle
Since it opened in 1854, Au Petit Riche has been delighting the Parisian elite with its bourgeois French cuisine. [Read more]
L'Auberge Bressane, bourgeois French cuisine in a traditional atmosphere
Head to the Auberge Bressane for a feast in the purest French tradition. On the menu, well-executed bourgeois cuisine, to be savored in the authentic atmosphere of a small regional inn. [Read more]
Aux Crus de Bourgogne, authentic French cuisine in Montorgueil
The Aux Crus de Bourgogne institution gets a makeover, but remains true to itself. Here, you can still enjoy the great classics of French gastronomy, expertly executed. [Read more]
Drouant, the mythical home of the Académie Goncourt
A new page is being written for Drouant, the legendary Parisian institution that has been home to the Académie Goncourt since 1914. Taken over in 2018 by the Gardinier brothers, the restaurant surprises and delights with great classics of French gastronomy, brought up to date. [Read more]
Find the location of all these addresses by clicking on the map at the bottom of the article.
Where to eat traditional French dishes in Paris? Our top picks
Want to try typical French and traditional dishes? Frogs' legs, foie gras, escargots, oysters, or onion soup? Here are our top picks in Paris! [Read more]
Where to eat traditional French dishes in Paris? Our top picks
