While hipster cafes and vegan bistros are sprouting up in Paris like mushrooms after the rain, sometimes what we really crave is a traditional French meal with no tofu nor quinoa. Picture yourself savoring a hard-boiled egg with the perfect dab of mayo, a hearty andouillette with golden fries or profiteroles swimming in hot chocolate sauce.
Have I got your imagination running?
Good.
Here’s a list of some of the most legendary Parisian restaurants that every Parisian worth their salt knows.
Le Procope
Imagine this: It’s 1686, and the Sicilian Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli has just opened what will become the oldest café in Paris: Le Procope. Nestled in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this café introduced Parisians to the novel delight of coffee, served in dainty porcelain cups. Voltaire supposedly guzzled 50 cups per day here, Rousseau debated life’s mysteries and Diderot scribbled away at his “Encyclopédie.” The décor whispers secrets of the past with its 1830s wallpaper declaring “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.”
Address: 13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris
Opening hours: Everyday, from noon until midnight
Phone number: +33 1 40 46 79 00
Click here to book
Check out the menu here
La Fontaine de Mars
Since 1908, La Fontaine de Mars has been serving up rustic, heartwarming dishes just a hop, skip and jump from the Eiffel Tower. Picture this: confit de canard, Basque black pudding and perhaps a sighting of Barack Obama enjoying his meal.
The menu keeps it fresh with daily specials: Monday is all about the butcher’s cut, Tuesday features petit salé, and Wednesday celebrates coq au vin. It’s like a culinary advent calendar, only tastier. The quality of the ingredients is out of this world.
Address: 129 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris, France
Opening hours: Open everyday from noon until 3 p.m., and from 7:30 p.m. until 11 p.m,
Phone number: +33 1 47 05 46 44
Click here to book
Check out the menu here
Le Train Bleu
Surprisingly, le Train bleu is located in the bustling Gare de Lyon, but I swear it’s not your typical train station restaurant. Opened in 1901, this restaurant is a testament to the opulence of the Belle Époque. It serves up classic French cuisine with dishes like lamb shoulder confit, beef fillet, and the famed “baba au rhum.”
The dishes are as luxurious as the surroundings, promising a feast for both the palate and the eyes.
Address: Gare de Lyon, Pl. Louis Armand hall 1, 75012 Paris
Opening hours: Everyday from 7:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Phone number: +33 1 43 43 09 06
Click here to book
Check out the menu here
La Rotisserie de la Tour d’Argent
Think of La Rotisserie de la Tour d’Argent as the cool, laid-back cousin who still has impeccable taste of the restaurant La Tour d’Argent, which is way more expensive than its cool cousin, trust me. This bistro is a haven for rotisserie lovers, where meats are spun to golden, juicy perfection.
The vibe is a delightful blend of rustic charm and Parisian flair, making it the perfect spot for a charming yet gourmet escapade through French culinary traditions.
Address: 19 Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris
Opening hours: Everyday from noon until 2:15 p.m., and from 7 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Phone number: +33 1 43 54 17 47
Click here to book
Check out the menu here
L’Escargot
Located in the bustling Montorgueil district, this gem is renowned for – drum roll! – its escargots. Served in various styles, from classic garlic butter to adventurous blue cheese and walnut, these escargots are a must-try. But don’t fret if you’re not a snail enthusiast; the menu also features delectable dishes like duck confit and beef tartare.
PS: Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí were known to frequent this charming restaurant … just saying.
Address: 38 Rue Montorgueil, 75001 Paris
Opening hours: Everyday from noon until midnight
Phone number: +33 1 42 36 83 51
Click here to book
Check out the menu here
Whether you’re a history buff, a culinary enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, these restaurants promise to transport you back to a time when dining was an art form. So, the next time you’re in Paris and yearning for a meal that is rich in history and flavor, skip the trendy spots and head to one of these legendary establishments like a true Parisian would.
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Read more about Paris here in Dispatches’s archives.
Charlotte Laborie grew up in England, Belgium and Switzerland. Charlotte then moved to Paris and graduated from Sciences Po Paris. She is still based in Paris, where she works in marketing.
