8 Oldest Restaurants In The World

Throughout history, some restaurants have stood the test of time, serving meals for hundreds of years and preserving culinary traditions along the way. These establishments offer not just food, but a journey into the past, with each bite steeped in centuries of history. From cozy inns in Europe to ancient taverns in Asia, these dining spots have witnessed the rise and fall of empires while continuing to serve their patrons. In this article, we explore some of the oldest restaurants in the world that continue to operate, offering a taste of history alongside their signature dishes.

Casa Botín, Spain

Established in 1725, Casa Botín in Madrid, Spain, holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest continuously operating restaurant. Located in a building that dates back to 1590, it has retained its traditional Castilian ambiance with original wood-beamed ceilings and tiled floors. Its signature dish, roasted suckling pig, is still cooked in an 18th-century wood-fired oven. Its history is intertwined with notable figures such as Francisco Goya, who reportedly worked as a dishwasher there, and Ernest Hemingway, who wrote about the restaurant in The Sun Also Rises. It remains a favorite destination for both locals and tourists, continuing to serve traditional Spanish fare in its four-story historic setting. Recent updates to the menu reflect contemporary tastes, while still honoring its 300-year-old culinary traditions.

White Horse Tavern, USA

The White Horse Tavern, founded in 1673, is the oldest continuously operating tavern in the United States. Located in Newport, Rhode Island, it served as a meeting place for colonial leaders and played a significant role during the American Revolution. Over time, it has functioned as a court, city council hall, and even housed soldiers from both the British and American forces. In 1957, the building underwent restoration and reopened as a fine dining establishment. Today, the menu features New England classics such as clam chowder and lobster, and the tavern retains its historic charm through its period architecture. Despite its long history, it continues to innovate with seasonal farm-to-table dishes. The tavern also boasts a haunted reputation, with stories of resident ghosts drawing in visitors.

La Tour d’Argent, France

Founded in 1582, La Tour d’Argent is one of the most famous and historically significant restaurants in Paris, France. Originally a hostel known as L’Hôstellerie de La Tour d’Argent, it is credited with introducing the fork to French dining. Its iconic duck press dish, caneton à la presse, has been served for over a century, with each duck numbered—up to the millions. The restaurant boasts stunning views of the Seine and Notre-Dame Cathedral from its dining room, adding to its luxurious appeal. Over the centuries, it has hosted numerous historical figures, including King Henry IV, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Charlie Chaplin. Although it lost its third Michelin star in the 1990s, it continues to maintain one Michelin star today. Recent updates to the restaurant include a more modern approach to French cuisine, while preserving its historic charm.

Honke Owariya, Japan

Founded in 1465, Honke Owariya in Kyoto, Japan, began as a confectionery shop but soon became famous for its soba noodles. The restaurant has served Japanese royalty and Zen Buddhist monks for centuries. Still run by the same family, now in its 16th generation, it remains a local institution. The restaurant’s signature dish is soba noodles, prepared with fresh, locally sourced buckwheat. Its longevity can be attributed to its dedication to tradition, combined with the constant innovation of new dishes. It also offers a variety of sweets, including the famous soba mochi and soba-ita (buckwheat crackers), making it both a historical and culinary treasure. Recently, the restaurant added modern touches to its menu, including vegetarian-friendly options.

Bianyifang, China

Bianyifang, founded in 1416, is one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in China, famous for its Peking roast duck. Located in Beijing, it pioneered the use of closed-oven roasting, a method that keeps the duck tender on the inside while achieving a crispy outer layer. This technique, along with the restaurant’s signature duck dish, has been passed down for centuries, making it a staple in Beijing’s culinary scene. Originally established during the Ming Dynasty, its historical significance extends beyond its food, having survived multiple political regimes and cultural shifts. The restaurant still serves traditional Chinese dishes alongside its iconic roast duck, offering diners a taste of old Beijing. Today, it has expanded to several locations in China while maintaining its commitment to authentic preparation methods. Recent additions to the menu have included modern twists on traditional dishes, catering to contemporary tastes without losing the essence of its historic cuisine.

The Sheep Heid Inn, Scotland

Established in 1360, The Sheep Heid Inn is one of Scotland’s oldest pubs, located in the picturesque city of Edinburgh. Originally a meeting place for local villagers, the pub has played host to historical figures such as Robert Louis Stevenson and Robert Burns. Even royalty, including Bonnie Prince Charlie and Queen Elizabeth II, have dined here. Despite its illustrious past, it maintains a cozy and unpretentious atmosphere, staying true to its pub roots. The menu offers a mix of classic Scottish dishes, as well as contemporary options that cater to modern tastes. Over the centuries, it has undergone several restorations, but its charm remains intact, making it a beloved institution in Edinburgh. In recent years, the pub has expanded its menu to include more vegan and vegetarian options to appeal to a broader audience.

Wurstkuchl, Germany

Founded in 1146, Wurstkuchl is a small yet iconic restaurant located in Regensburg, Germany. Situated near the Danube River, it has been serving sausages and sauerkraut to locals and visitors for nearly 900 years. Its origins trace back to when it catered to the construction workers of the nearby Stone Bridge. The charcoal grill used to cook its signature sausages is said to have remained unchanged over the centuries. It is renowned for its simple, hearty meals, with recipes passed down through generations. The restaurant also offers traditional Bavarian fare, providing a quintessential German dining experience. In recent years, it has expanded its seating to accommodate a growing number of tourists, while staying true to its rustic roots.

St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, Austria

Located in the heart of Salzburg, Austria, St. Peter Stiftskulinarium is one of the world’s oldest restaurants, with its history dating back to 803 AD. Part of the St. Peter’s Abbey complex, it was mentioned in a poem by Alcuin of York, a scholar in Charlemagne’s court. Over the years, it has hosted notable figures like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Christopher Columbus. Despite several renovations, it retains its historic ambiance and serves traditional Austrian dishes such as tafelspitz. It has 11 distinct dining rooms, each offering a unique experience. Today, the restaurant remains a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, featuring seasonal menus that blend tradition with modern Austrian cuisine.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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