France is undeniably the cradle of gastronomy, and in Paris, many restaurants are centuries old. The oldest restaurant in Paris is none other than the Tour d'Argent on the banks of the Seine, inaugurated in 1582 (!) when France was still under the reign of King Henri III. It is said that the monarch even discovered the use of the fork here. Indeed, it was at the table of this prestigious restaurant that the utensil, already used in a number of Italian houses, made its appearance in France.
Other Paris restaurants are intimately linked to French history, such as Procope, a not-to-be-missed restaurant in the Odeon district that opened in 1686 and was home to some of the greatest names in history, from Voltaire and Diderot to Rousseau and Robespierre.
To take a prodigious leap back in time and indulge yourself at the same time, take a look at Paris' oldest restaurants, mythical in many ways!
The history of Paris's great restaurants: Au Pied de Cochon, brasserie canaille since 1947
Open since 1947, Au Pied de Cochon never closes. With service until dawn, bistro decor and dirty dishes, this Halles brasserie is a festive, gourmet haunt. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's top restaurants: L'Escargot Montorgueil, an institution at Les Halles
A century-old address in the 1st arrondissement, L'Escargot Montorgueil is dedicated to bourgeois tradition and Burgundy snails. Second Empire decor and a generous menu are the hallmarks of this charming establishment. [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: Le Grand Véfour, a jewel of neo-classical art
Since 1784, Le Grand Véfour has shone under the arcades of the Palais-Royal. A legendary restaurant frequented by Napoleon, Hugo and Colette, it embodies French haute cuisine in a neo-classical setting. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Au Chien Qui Fume, the memory of Les Halles
A traditional brasserie opened in 1920, Au Chien Qui Fume offers a retro atmosphere and French bistro cuisine, just a stone's throw from Les Halles, in a wood and zinc decor. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Grand Colbert, a brasserie in a spectacular setting
A historic brasserie facing the Bourse, Le Grand Colbert has been welcoming the Parisian elite to its Empire decor since 1900. Seafood, velvet banquettes and gilded chandeliers: a cult address in the 2nd arrondissement. [Read more]
A short history of the great restaurants of Paris: Gallopin, 150 years in front of the Stock Exchange
Facing the Bourse, Gallopin is a chic, lively brasserie that has been open since 1876. Belle Époque decor, French cuisine and Parisian spirit in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement. [Read more]
A brief history of the great restaurants of Paris: Drouant, literary temple of the Prix Goncourt
Since 1880, Drouant has been home to the Prix Goncourt and French literature. An elegant brasserie in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement, it has combined classic gastronomy and literary heritage for over a century. [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]
A brief history of Paris's top restaurants: Aux Lyonnais, a true bouchon lyonnais in Paris
Aux Lyonnais, an emblematic bistro in the 2nd arrondissement, has been celebrating Lyonnais cuisine in Paris since 1890, in an authentic bouchon setting. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Le Vaudeville, Art Deco charm
Since 1918, brasserie Le Vaudeville has been spreading the Parisian tradition across from the Bourse, with seafood platters, French classics and Art Deco decor, in an elegant, lively atmosphere. [Read more]
The history of Paris's great restaurants: La Fontaine Gaillon, a former private mansion
Opened in a 17th-century mansion, La Fontaine Gaillon blends aristocratic heritage, refined plant decor and revisited bourgeois cuisine in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Bofinger, the Alsatian grande dame of Bastille
Opened in 1864 in Bastille, Bofinger is the oldest Alsatian brasserie in Paris. With its cupola, wood panelling and seafood, it embodies the elegance of Parisian brasseries. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Benoit, the soul of the Parisian bistro
Benoit Paris, a bistro founded in 1912 in the 4th arrondissement, perpetuates the spirit of traditional French cuisine in its elegant decor. [Read more]
The history of Paris's great restaurants: La Tour d'Argent and its numbered ducks
A legendary gastronomic restaurant in the 5th arrondissement, La Tour d'Argent overlooks the Seine with its classic decor and culinary legend. A Parisian landmark founded in 1582, steeped in history and elegance. [Read more]
A brief history of the great restaurants of Paris: Le Café de Flore, literature and elegance
A legendary café in the 6th arrondissement, the Café de Flore is the symbol of the German-Pratin intelligentsia. Since the late 19th century, it has attracted writers, philosophers and coffee-lovers to its unchanged setting. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Les Deux Magots, artistic life in Saint-Germain
A landmark of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Les Deux Magots embodies the Paris of letters and cafés. Opened in 1885, it was the Art Deco haunt of Sartre, Beauvoir and Hemingway. [Read more]
A brief history of the great restaurants of Paris: La Rotonde, the hustle and bustle of the Belle Epoque
Opened in the early 20th century, La Rotonde Montparnasse is a legendary brasserie on the Left Bank, frequented by Picasso, Modigliani and Hemingway, where you can enjoy traditional cuisine in a luxurious, timeless setting. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Le Procope, meeting place of the Enlightenment
Paris' first café-restaurant opened in 1686, Le Procope is a temple to literary and political history, frequented by Voltaire, Rousseau and Diderot, in the heart of the Odeon district. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: La Closerie des Lilas, a literary bastion
A former coaching inn turned literary café, La Closerie des Lilas has reigned over Boulevard du Montparnasse since 1847. A place beloved of Hemingway, Apollinaire and Picasso, with its hushed charm. [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]
La petite histoire des grands restaurants de Paris: Lapérouse, heart of Paris's social and political life
A confidential address on the Quai des Grands-Augustins, Lapérouse has been a legendary restaurant since 1766. Its private salons and literary aura make it a landmark of Parisian gastronomy. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Le Select, in the rhythm of the Roaring Twenties
Opened in 1923 on Boulevard Montparnasse, Le Select has embodied the artistic and literary spirit of Paris for a century, with its mythical figures, unchanged decor and ever-present effervescence. [Read more]
The history of Paris's great restaurants: La Petite Chaise, the oldest restaurant in Paris
Located on rue de Grenelle in the 7th arrondissement, La Petite Chaise is the oldest restaurant in Paris still in operation. Since 1680, it has embodied bourgeois tradition in a warm, old-fashioned setting. [Read more]
A brief history of the great restaurants of Paris: Fouquet's, glamour on the Champs-Elysées
A legendary address on the Champs-Élysées since 1899, Le Fouquet's Paris embodies the link between French gastronomy, cinema and timeless elegance. A living institution at the heart of Parisian glamour. [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]
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 great restaurants: Lucas Carton, imperial Paris at the Madeleine
At the foot of the Madeleine, Lucas Carton is a gastronomic institution founded in 1839, renowned for its Art Nouveau decor. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: La Lorraine, a brasserie with a taste for the sea
A major brasserie in the 8th arrondissement since 1919, La Lorraine boasts a terrace, Art Deco decor and exceptional seafood platters. A lively, elegant Parisian institution. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's top restaurants: L'Alsace, Alsatian tradition on the Champs-Elysées
Since 1968, brasserie L'Alsace has been bringing out the soul of the great Parisian houses on the Champs-Élysées, between generous sauerkraut, crispy flammekueches and seafood benches. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Le Pavillon Ledoyen, prestige of the Ancien Régime
Pavillon Ledoyen, an institution in the 8th arrondissement since 1792, combines Parisian history and haute gastronomy. Under the direction of Yannick Alléno, this legendary venue has become the world's most starred independent establishment, with six Michelin stars. [Read more]
A short history of Paris's great restaurants: Le Café de la Paix, breeding ground for emperors
Facing the Opéra Garnier, Le Café de la Paix is a prestigious address in the 9th arrondissement, open since 1862. Its majestic Second Empire setting has witnessed the passing of celebrities and the history of Paris. [Read more]
La petite histoire des grands restaurants de Paris: Bouillon Chartier, a century of modest cuisine
Opened in 1896 in the 9th arrondissement, Bouillon Chartier is the perfect example of the Parisian bouillon: popular cuisine, classy decor, non-stop service and unbeatable prices in a Belle Époque setting. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Au Petit Riche, Belle Epoque table de terroir
Au Petit Riche, a Parisian brasserie founded in 1854 in the 9th arrondissement, perpetuates the Belle Époque spirit with its Loire Valley cuisine, original decor and friendly atmosphere. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Grand Café Capucines, in the heart of the boulevards
Founded in 1875 opposite the Opéra Garnier, Grand Café Capucines has embodied the soul of the great Parisian brasseries for a century and a half, with its Belle Époque splendor, seafood, French classics and continuous boulevard service. [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 Paris's top restaurants: Auberge Pyrénées Cévennes, canaille cuisine
The Auberge Pyrénées Cévennes, a century-old bistro in the 11th arrondissement, celebrates local cuisine in an unchanging setting. Cassoulet, blanquette and pâté en croûte perpetuate the canaille spirit of an authentic and warm house. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Le Train Bleu, a journey to the Belle Époque
In the Gare de Lyon, Le Train Bleu is a listed restaurant with a sumptuous Belle Époque decor. An institution opened in 1901, it is prized for its bourgeois cuisine and unique railway atmosphere. [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]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Le Dôme Montparnasse, a Left Bank legend
Born in the late 19th century, Le Dôme Montparnasse is a historic Left Bank brasserie, famous for its artistic past, exceptional seafood and Art Deco decor. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: La Grande Cascade, former imperial pavilion
Formerly the hunting lodge of Napoleon III, La Grande Cascade became an exceptional restaurant in 1900. A refined setting in the heart of the woods, dedicated to haute cuisine and the art of French entertaining. [Read more]
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]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Le Bon Bock, Montmartre's oldest restaurant
Le Bon Bock, founded in 1879 at the foot of Montmartre, embodies the soul of artistic and popular old Paris. In its period decor, this bistro frequented by 19th-century painters and poets perpetuates the memory of a legendary bohemian quarter. [Read more]
A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: La Mère Catherine, a Montmartre institution
La Mère Catherine, a Montmartre institution founded in 1793, combines history, traditional French cuisine and live music every evening. [Read more]
And let's not forget the now-defunct restaurants Le Griffon (6 rue d'Antin, Paris 2) and La Bouteille d'Or (9 quai de Montebello, Paris 5).
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]
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]
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]
Benoit Paris, Alain Ducasse's Michelin-starred bistro at Les Halles
A landmark for bon vivants since 1912 in the 1st arrondissement, Alain Ducasse's Michelin-starred Benoit Paris restaurant plunges us into the Paris of yesteryear with delight. [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]
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]
Les Deux Magots: legendary café in Paris's Saint-Germain des Près district
At Les Deux Magots, you'll discover a place steeped in history and an ideal setting for a gourmet break on the terrace. Since 1885, this legendary café has welcomed gourmets and art lovers alike. [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]
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]
Parisian institution La Tour d'Argent gets a makeover
A true Parisian institution, the Tour d'Argent unveils a new, more contemporary face, with the creation of a new bar and the opening of its rooftop. [Read more]
Au Pied de Cochon, gourmet cuisine at Les Halles day and night
Day or night, the brasserie Au Pied de Cochon delights Parisians and tourists alike with its traditional, generous French cuisine. A legendary address to try at least once in your life. [Read more]
Florence Kahn, the stunning Jewish institution in the Marais that hasn't aged a day
A true pillar of Ashkenazi culture and an authentic Jewish institution in the Marais, Florence Kahn has not aged a day since 1988 and still offers unrivalled pleasure. [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]
La Grande Cascade, the sublime starred gastronomic restaurant in the Bois de Boulogne
How about rediscovering La Grande Cascade? This gastronomic restaurant, Michelin-starred for 55 years, never ceases to delight us in its exceptional setting, nestling on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. It renews its gourmet offerings to our great delight. [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]
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]
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]
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]
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.
The legendary restaurants and cafés of artistic and literary Paris, historic addresses
Immerse yourself in the Paris of yesteryear, discovering the mythical and historic restaurants, bistros and cafés where artists, authors and intellectuals met. [Read more]
The legendary restaurants and cafés of artistic and literary Paris, historic addresses
