A totemic dish in French cuisine, pot-au-feu is known for its simplicity and comforting qualities. Formerly known as viande au pot, pot-au-feu was an everyday dish in modest households as far back as the Middle Ages. In fact, it embodies the tradition of a convivial family meal , at an affordable price!
For those unfamiliar with this little marvel of French gastronomy - our tourist friends, for example - it's a stew made from inexpensive cuts of beef (usually shank, rib, gite, cheek and tail) simmered slowly in a stock flavored with vegetables (carrots, leeks, turnips, onions, celery), herbs such as bouquet garni, coarse salt and pepper.
Traditionally, pot-au-feu is eaten in two stages: first the broth, served on its own like a soup, then the meat and vegetables, accompanied if necessary by mustard. The marrow can be eaten on a piece of toast, seasoned with coarse salt.
Appreciated for its simplicity and nutritional qualities, pot-au-feu is still considered a staple of French cuisine, synonymous with warmth during winter meals. Tempted? Then here are some great restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious pot-au-feu in Paris!
Kalank, a sunny Mediterranean restaurant and delicatessen on the Nation side of Paris
The sun shines on the plates at Kalank, a delicious Mediterranean restaurant on the Place de la Nation. [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]
Le Beaucé, bistro pleasures and a well-stocked wine cellar
With its French dishes and good bowling, Beaucé continues the tradition of the French bistro, under the guidance of chef Marius Benard. [Read more]
Le Bistrot des Fables, the gourmet landmark that replaces Café Lignac
After Christian Constant and Cyril Lignac, it's now the turn of David Bottreau (Christian Constant's former right-hand man), creator of Comptoir des Fables, to set up shop on rue Saint-Dominique. Rediscover the restaurant that's going back to basics, bringing traditional bistro cuisine back to the fore under the guidance of Guillaume Dehecq. [Read more]
L'Escargot Montorgueil, the Parisian institution still delighting, 200 years later
Located in the Halles district of Paris, L'Escargot Montorgueil showcases Burgundy snails in original recipes, and brilliantly executes the great classics of French gastronomy. [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
