Discover the Paris of yesteryear at one of the capital’s oldest restaurants, where mythical figures from French history once sat.
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 oldest restaurants in Paris, historic and legendary :
1st arrondissement :
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 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]
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]
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 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]
2nd arrondissement :
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
4th arrondissement :
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]
Benoit Paris, a bistro founded in 1912 in the 4th arrondissement, perpetuates the spirit of traditional French cuisine in its elegant decor. [Read more]
5th arrondissement :
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]
6th arrondissement :
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 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]
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]
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 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]
Since 1880, Brasserie Lipp has welcomed writers, politicians and sauerkraut lovers to its Belle Époque decor. A German-Pratin mainstay. [Read more]
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]
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]
7th arrondissement :
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]
8th arrondissement :
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 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]
La Fermette Marbeuf, an Art Nouveau jewel in Paris’s 8th arrondissement, has a spectacular, listed interior. [Read more]
At the foot of the Madeleine, Lucas Carton is a gastronomic institution founded in 1839, renowned for its Art Nouveau decor. [Read more]
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]
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]
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]
9th district :
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]
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]
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]
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]
10th arrondissement :
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]
11th arrondissement :
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]
12th arrondissement :
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]
14th arrondissement :
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]
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]
16th arrondissement :
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]
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]
18th arrondissement :
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]
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).
Our latest tests :
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 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 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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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 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]
What if we went to rediscover the Grande Cascade? This gastronomic restaurant, Michelin starred for 55 years, never ceases to delight us in its exceptional setting, nestled on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th arrondissement. It renews itself with new delicacies for our greatest pleasure. [Read more]
Since it opened in 1854, Au Petit Riche has been delighting the Parisian elite with its bourgeois French cuisine. [Read more]
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]
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 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]
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]
Artistic and literary Paris: mythical restaurants and cafés, 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]
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