Le Vaudeville: traditional cuisine and seafood at century-old Parisian brasserie

Few Parisian brasseries can boast of celebrating their 100 years. This is the case of the Brasserie Le Vaudeville, a true institution nestled in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, just opposite the Bourse. With its classic Parisian brasserie dishes and its seafood, Le Vaudeville has not finished seducing the taste buds of Parisians.

1918 - 2018 ! It's already been 100 years since Brasserie Le Vaudeville opened its doors at no. 29 rue Vivienne, in the capital's 2nd arrondissement.

100 years of history, encounters, sharing and cooking, served with as much love as ever.

In 100 years, there have obviously been changes, like this recent takeover. In 2017, Groupe Flo's Parisian brasseries (La Coupole, Bofinger and Petit Bofinger, Le Boeuf sur le Toit, and thus Le Vaudeville) were taken over by the inevitable Groupe Bertrand (L'Alsace, Brasserie Lipp, Au Pied de Cochon, La Lorraine, Le Procope, Flora Danica, Copenhagen, Grand Café Capucines, Angelina...).

The hallmark of this establishment, located opposite the Palais Brongniart, are the seafood platters, prepared by the "écailler" outside the brasserie on the corner of rue de la Bourse, from a well-stocked stall. The range of shellfish and seafood on offer is extensive: langoustines, whelks, crab, lobster, spider crab, and a wide selection ofoysters (Marennes Oléron, Bassin d'Arcachon, Bretagne, Maison Gillardeau, Maison Cadoret...).

The dishes have also evolved, but the classics are still the order of the day. Today, you'll find us at Le Vaudeville serving up imposing and delicious seafood platters, or savoring one of the many generous dishes inspired by traditional French cuisine. And that's just what we experienced!

Comfortably seated in this impressive Art Deco-style room steeped in history, just a few meters from the very pleasant new terrace, I discover Le Vaudeville's menu. Like many historic brasseries, the menu features classic French dishes such as croustillants de tête de veau with mustard sauce, large Burgundy snails, Suprême de volaille, pan-fried veal liver with parsley, Choucroute du Vaudeville, fresh grilled cod, whole lobster roasted in semi-salted butter, Sole Meunière or à la plancha. Yes, there's something for everyone at Brasserie Vaudeville!

For my starter, I'm tempted by salmon rillettes and toast, enhanced by a delicious lemon cream. The whole thing is presented in a modern, playful way, in a tin can on a wooden board. Fresh and perfectly seasoned, these rillettes are an excellent starter.

Salmon rillettes

My sidekick opts for the tasty pan-fried squid with chorizo shavings and antiboise sauce.

Pan-fried squid and chorizo

What's next? We continue with fish, and in particular with a succulent filet of sea bream, tender and perfectly cooked. Accompanied by a creamy cockle cream and creamy asparagus risotto. A great success for this generous second course.

Fillet of sea bream, cockle cream and asparagus risotto

Opposite, we opt for a magret de canard rosé and its jus, accompanied by pommes dauphine. It, too, is perfectly cooked and delicious!

Duck breast

Last but not least, the desserts are all classics, including vanilla crème brûlée, floating island, profiteroles with Valrhona hot chocolate, crêpes Suzette... Note that the Vaudeville brasserie has also teamed up with the prestigious Maison Angelina to offer two flagship desserts: Vanilla Millefeuille and the essential Mont-blanc.

But my final choice was the surprisingly gourmet Valrhona chocolate soufflé mousse. Served warm with vanilla ice cream in the center, this dessert, lighter than I had imagined, ends this tasting on a very high note.

Valrhona chocolate soufflé mousse

My sidekick turns to the famous Baba au Rhum, with its vanilla whipped cream and, of course, its rum, with the option of adding as much as she likes!

Rum Baba with whipped cream

To accompany all this, the brasserie also boasts some fine wines: Sancerre "Les Pierris", Gevrey-Chambertin, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Pessac-Léognan...

Cocktail lovers will be tempted by the Chef Barman's clever new beverages. And, from 6 to 8 p.m., opt for the " HappyOysters " formula: three Belondine n°3 oysters and a glass of white wine for just €9!

Our verdict: a pleasant surprise for this gourmet institution in Paris, which will delight the taste buds of seafood lovers and classic, traditional dishes from French gastronomy, all served by a smiling, warm and helpful team.

Plus: a lovely open terrace overlooking the Paris Bourse.

Practical info:
Brasserie Le Vaudeville
29 rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris
Open every day from 7.30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Formulas: Starter + Main course or Main course + Dessert €22 / Starter + Main course + Dessert €29

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Drink in moderation.

Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.