Golden croutons, Parmesan, crisp lettuce, grilled chicken and a creamy anchovy sauce... Caesar salad may seem like a classic today, but it hides an unusual story. Contrary to its name, Caesar salad doesn't come from Italy, but from Mexico, where it was created in 1924 in the restaurant of Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American restaurateur based in Tijuana.
On an American holiday, faced with unexpected crowds and low stocks, he improvised a salad with what he had left: romaine lettuce, old toast, Parmesan cheese and a sauce made with egg, oil, anchovies, lemon and mustard. An immediate success, the recipe quickly spread to the United States and the rest of the world.
The current version, found on the menus of brasseries, hotel restaurants and bistros all over the world, includes grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, sometimes lardons, Parmesan cheese and a glazed sauce. But perhaps you prefer salade niçoise?
Tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, olives, anchovies, green beans, peppers, tuna: the Niçoise salad is the embodiment of the Mediterranean on the plate. Colorful, fragrant and unpretentious, it's the epitome of southern cuisine, the cuisine of markets and good produce. Born in Nice, this farmer's salad is first and foremost a poor man's dish, made from raw ingredients harvested in the garden or bought at the market.
Originally, the main ingredients were tomatoes, peppers, spring onions, black olives, hard-boiled eggs and a few anchovy fillets - tuna in oil came later. Its strength lies in its simplicity: none of the ingredients are cooked, with the exception of the hard-boiled eggs!
Over time, and especially since its arrival on Parisian and then international tables, the recipe has evolved. Green beans, potatoes, even rice, cucumbers or vinegar are sometimes added... which regularly provokes debate among Nice purists.
So, whether you're in the mood for a Caesar salad or a Nicoise salad, here are the best places to eat them in Paris!
Red Sauce, THE true Italian-American restaurant that's delighting Paris
Italian-American specialties in the pure tradition of red-sauce joints, a décor like a leap across the Atlantic, and a menu with an unbeatable quality/quantity/price/originality ratio: welcome to Red Sauce! [Read more]
Maison Blossom, the garden restaurant of the Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg hotel, takes a French turn
A charming green setting in the heart of Paris and a French menu orchestrated by chef Christophe Chottin, here you are at Maison Blossom, the restaurant of the Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg hotel. [Read more]
Frida, the artistic and bucolic restaurant at the Maison Barrière Vendôme hotel
The 5* Maison Barrière Vendôme boutique hotel has a well-kept secret: its Frida restaurant, set in a charming, leafy patio far from the noise of the city. [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]
Temple & Chapon, Mélanie Serre's New York-style address in the Experimental Marais hotel
On the corner of rue du Temple and rue Chapon, chef Mélanie Serre has opened a New York-style restaurant in the Experimental Marais hotel. And it's a delight. [Read more]
Cocoricains, finally a quality American bistro in Paris!
At last! The real American bistro that Paris has been waiting for is Cocoricains, an ebullient address a stone's throw from the Grands Boulevards, run by two Franco-American friends. [Read more]
Buvette Paris, bistro-style cuisine and cocktails all day long
The little sister of the New York address, Buvette Paris is open all day long, offering classic bistro fare, brunch options and toast cocktails. [Read more]
Cali Sisters, the Californian table in continuous service in Paris
Warm California air blows through the capital's 2nd arrondissement. Cali Sisters is the gourmet address dreamed up by Capucine and Juliette Vigand, which celebrates California at any time of day. [Read more]
Bistrot Podium, Glenn Viel's party restaurant and Bistrots Pas Parisiens
Les Bistrots Pas Parisiens, led by Hakim Gaouaoui and Stéphane Rotenberg, are opening their first festive restaurant in the 15th arrondissement of Paris: Bistrot Podium, where Chef Glenn Viel has created a gourmet and comforting menu. The perfect way to enjoy a party! [Read more]
Brasserie Valma, the delicious and affordable Provencal restaurant on Canal Saint-Martin
As delicious as it is affordable, Brasserie Valma is already a must for any successful stroll along the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin. [Read more]
Ralph's, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés restaurant for American-style lunch and brunch
Ralph's, the famous American restaurant in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, offers a cozy interior, a leafy terrace and, in summer, authentic American cuisine and a gourmet brunch. [Read more]
Cali Uptown, the Cali Sisters' restaurant in the 10th arrondissement
Cali Uptown is the Cali Sisters' restaurant that transports us to Palm Springs through classic Californian cuisine, healthy but not only! [Read more]
Loui's Corner, restaurant and terrace in the 10th arrondissement
We go to Loui's Corner to enjoy the beautiful sunny double terrace, drink a cocktail, listen to music every other Thursday and then eat simple but generous New York-inspired dishes. [Read more]
Find the location of all these addresses by clicking on the map at the bottom of the article.
