11 historic restaurants in Paris to dine at
Our guide to the 10 best historic restaurants in Paris is bound to thrill any history, food and culture lover.
History is everywhere you turn in Paris. In the architecture, in the culture, in the art and in the food. So it comes as no surprise that there is a plethora of historic restaurants in Paris, all waiting to thrill you with their stories, their fare and their overall customer experience.
From quaint establishments dating back to the 17th century to opulent fine dining experiences – and everything in between – our guide to the 11 best historic restaurants in Paris is a must-read for both amateur and seasoned gastronomes.
1. La Petite Chaise
Address: 36 Rue de Grenelle, 75007.
The holder of the title of “the oldest restaurant in Paris”, La Petite Chaise dates all the way back to 1680! Almost 500 years on, the quaint establishment right in the heart of the city is still serving up some of Paris’ best fare for lunch and dinner service daily. And the prices are surprisingly budget-friendly too!
Our pick off the menu: Cuisse de canard rôti, sauce à l’orange.
https://www.alapetitechaise.fr
2. Fouquet’s
Address: 99 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008.
This elegant brasserie right on the Champs-Élysées is a gem of Paris, and dates back to 1899. Fouquet’s is a gastronomic dream, open for every meal from early breakfast through to late-night dessert. Each email is expertly chef-curated and will leave you with fantastic culinary memories of The City of Lights. It isn’t cheap, but it’s worth every cent.
What we would order: Fouquet’s beef tartare, cut by hand
https://www.hotelsbarriere.com/fr/collection-fouquets/paris/restaurants-et-bars/fouquets.html
3. La Tour d’Argent
Address: 19 Quai de la Tournelle, 75005.
The Michelin star historic restaurant in Paris, La Tour d’Argent, claims to date back to 1582, however official documentation seems to put its opening during the mid 19th century. Whatever the truth, there’s no denying that the restaurant is a food lover’s dream with one of the largest wine collections in the city. They even raise the house special ducks on their own farm!
What to order: Their flagship meal, pressed duck.
4. Le Vieux Belleville
Address: 12 Rue des Envierges, 75020.
Well worth the trek out to Paris’ 20th arrondissement, Le Vieux Belleville is a unique and fun restaurant that has mixed music and food in a joyful setting since 1992. Every night service features live music, all French classics including a house favourite, Edith Piaf. Open every day except Sundays, and the food is good French fare that is affordable.
Pick of the menu: Planche de charcuterie.
http://www.le-vieux-belleville.com/fr/bar-restaurant-musette-le-vieux-belleville.html
5. Café de la Paix
Address: 5 Pl. de l’Opéra, 75009.
Holding court on the Place de l’Opéra right in front of the Opera Garnier, Café de la Paix has been an institution of Paris since its opening in 1862. Whether you’re dining inside its incredibly chic interiors, or outside under the terrace umbrellas, Café de la Paix promises the perfect balance of beautiful food in a historically rich atmosphere.
Highly-rated meal recommendation: Veal blanquette-style with black truffle.
6. Bofinger
Address: 5-7 Rue de la Bastille, 75004.
Located on the outskirts of the lively Le Marais neighbourhood, right between the Place de la Bastille and the Place de Vosges, Bofinger has been thrilling Parisians since its opening way back in 1864. As it was established by a refugee from the northern region of Alsace, much of its menu is influenced by the area, and it boasts to serve the “best sauerkraut in Paris”. Five star service and food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Meal recommendation: Choucroute de la mer.
7. Le Grand Véfour
Address: 17 Rue de Beaujolais, 75001.
Le Grand Véfour is a staple of the French culinary scene, serving up delicious meals since the mid 18th century. The interiors have been maintained and still boast the same regal aesthetic they did hundreds of years ago. Expect seasonal, gourmet food, outstanding service and a gastronomic experience you won’t soon forget from this holder of two Michelin stars.
Our favourite seasonal offering: Cod fish filet pan fried on the skin side, pan-sautéed parsley roots vegetables and flat leaf parsley juice.
8. Le Train Bleu
Address: Gare de Lyon, Pl. Louis-Armand Hall 1, 75012.
Despite the fact that Le Train Bleu opened in 1900, it has shown no sign of slowing down, today boasting over 7000 top Google reviews and counting. The interior of the restaurant, located on the first floor of Gare de Lyon station, is an opulent, art nouveau step back in time, with frescos, gilding and so much more. You’ll be astounded. Holding two Michelin stars, Le Train Bleu is renowned for its fine dining offerings. An experience you must have!
Customers are raving about this dish: Duck foie gras terrine.
https://www.le-train-bleu.com/fr/
9. Le Grand Colbert
Address: 2 Rue Vivienne, 75002.
Located within a building that was built in 1637 but began serving food in 1900, Le Grand Colbert is yet another historic Paris restaurant that continues to impress all of these years on. With a fresh art nouveau design, Le Grand Colbert is still holding firm to its promise to serve up traditional French food. Its location also makes it ideal for visitors to the city, just blocks back from the Seine, The Louvre and the Tuileries Garden.
Off the menu: French onion soup.
10. Brasserie Lipp
Address: 151 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006.
Brasserie Lipp is a decorative space that has been serving both traditional French meals and signature dishes since its inception in 1880. Located on the leafy thoroughfare of Boulevard Saint-Germain, this historic Paris restaurant was a hotspot for the famous creative faces of Paris during the Belle Époque and continues to charm Parisians and visitors to the city today.
From the menu: Confit de cuisse de canard.
11. Bouillon Chartier
Addresses: 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 and 59 Bd du Montparnasse, 75006.
We know a number of the above restaurants are only the pricey side and are out of most people’s price ranges, so we can’t recommend the Bouillon Chartier restaurants enough for those eating on more of a budget. There are two locations, Montmartre and Montparnasse, that offer up fabulous French fare at an affordable price. The Montparnasse site is a particular favourite of our founder, Kathryn. Beautiful food in a historic Art Deco space that dates back to 1896!
From the menu: Grilled andouillette with mustard sauce.
https://www.bouillon-chartier.com
How many of these historic restaurants in Paris have you visited?
Communicate with the Paris Teachers Club on social media! We are on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Explore our other blogs for many more informative Paris guides!
Subscribe to us to stay up-to-date!
Related Posts
The 8 Best Spas In Paris For Rest And Rejuvenation
Life in the big city can get a little hectic at the best of times…
09/09/2024
20 Fabulous Moulin Rouge Facts: History, Cabaret & High Kicks!
These fascinating Moulin Rouge facts are bound to inspire your own visit to the historic…
08/08/2024