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 some 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 Odéon district opened in 1686, where some of the greatest names in history, from Voltaire and Diderot to Rousseau and Robespierre, sat down.
To take a prodigious leap back in time and indulge yourself at the same time, take a look at the oldest restaurants in Paris, mythical in many ways!
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]
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 set 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]
At Le Rocher de Cancale, this historic restaurant, a major oyster-eating spot in the 19th century
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]
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]
La Maison de la Truffe, the French restaurant for truffle lovers in Paris
La Maison de la Truffe is the Paris boutique and restaurant where truffles reign supreme. A historic temple to the famous mushroom, it offers the very best in truffle-based products. We'll take you on a tour of its elegantly decorated restaurant. [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
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]
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]
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]
La Maison Fournaise, the restaurant on the Ile des Impressionnistes in Chatou
La Maison Fournaise, the guinguette that inspired Renoir's "Déjeuner des canotiers", is reborn with a new decor, a new chef and a new menu. We're off to enjoy a bucolic break by the water. [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]
And also: Brasserie Lipp, Lapérouse, Bouillon Chartier, Bofinger, Le Train Bleu, A la petite chaise, Au chien qui fume, la Closerie des Lilas...
