16 Oldest Restaurants in Paris

| |

Paris boasts a rich history reflected in its oldest restaurants, many of which have served patrons for centuries. They each offer a unique story, and some have been frequented by royalty, artists, and intellectuals over the years. If you’re curious about Paris’s enduring food scene, exploring these iconic restaurants offers a taste of authentic French heritage. Let’s dive into the details of these storied establishments that have stood the test of time.

La Tour d’Argent

La Tour d'Argent
Image Editorial Credit: Jean-Marie Hullot / Wikimedia Commons

La Tour d’Argent is one of Paris’s oldest and most prestigious restaurants, dating back to 1582. Located along the Seine with views of Notre Dame, it has become synonymous with luxury. Known for its signature duck dishes, La Tour d’Argent claims to have introduced the fork to France. The restaurant’s wine cellar is one of the finest, boasting thousands of bottles. Generations of royalty and celebrities have dined here, adding to its mystique. Its interior exudes opulence with a blend of history and elegance. Yes, it’s still open, continuing its tradition of fine French dining.

La Petite Chaise

La Petite Chaise
Image Editorial Credit: Thesupermat / Wikimedia Commons

Founded in 1680, La Petite Chaise holds the title of Paris’s oldest operating bistro. Nestled on Rue de Grenelle in the 7th arrondissement, it presents a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant has retained much of its original charm, with rustic décor and a warm ambiance. Classic French dishes like escargot and duck confit are menu highlights. Over the centuries, it has drawn a loyal clientele, including writers and politicians. It’s famed for its authenticity and commitment to traditional cuisine. La Petite Chaise is still open, welcoming guests to experience a piece of Parisian history.

Le Procope

Le Procope
Image Editorial Credit: EricBery / Shutterstock

Le Procope, established in 1686, is one of Paris’s oldest cafés and a gathering place for intellectuals. Situated in the Latin Quarter, it’s near notable landmarks and universities. It was frequented by the likes of Voltaire, Rousseau, and Benjamin Franklin. Le Procope exudes old-world elegance with chandeliers and vintage decor. French classics like coq au vin and beef bourguignon are favorites. It has also preserved historical artifacts, such as Napoleon’s hat. Le Procope remains open today, retaining its role as a cultural and culinary icon.

Au Chien Qui Fume

Au Chien Qui Fume
Image Editorial Credit: zoetnet / Wikimedia Commons

Au Chien Qui Fume, established in 1740, is known for its playful name, translating to “The Smoking Dog.” Located in the bustling Les Halles district, it initially served the nearby market workers. This brasserie-style restaurant features classic French cuisine and seafood dishes. Its interior combines traditional wooden fixtures with vintage charm. Au Chien Qui Fume has been a reliable go-to for locals and tourists alike. Its history is celebrated through the murals and art that adorn the walls. The restaurant is still open and proudly serves Parisian dishes with a smile.

Lapérouse

Lapérouse
Image Editorial Credit: Petr Kovalenkov / Shutterstock

Lapérouse has been a landmark of luxury dining since its establishment in 1766. Located on Quai des Grands Augustins, it was a favored spot for writers and politicians. The restaurant is famous for its private dining rooms with mirrored walls and intricate décor. Lapérouse’s intimate ambiance and exclusive atmosphere have made it a favorite for special occasions. Known for gourmet dishes like foie gras, it epitomizes French elegance. The walls display historical etchings, adding to its character. Yes, Lapérouse is still open, offering a timeless dining experience.

Le Grand Véfour

Le Grand Véfour
Image Editorial Credit: Oderik / Wikimedia Commons

Le Grand Véfour opened in 1784 in the Palais-Royal and remains a symbol of refined dining in Paris. Its stunning interior is adorned with gold leaf, chandeliers, and neoclassical art. It has welcomed numerous famous figures, including Napoleon and Victor Hugo. The restaurant’s menu highlights French haute cuisine with seasonal ingredients. Le Grand Véfour’s setting and service are reminiscent of the 18th-century luxury. Each dish is a work of art, designed to reflect traditional Parisian flavors. This historic restaurant is still open, inviting guests to savor a sophisticated dining experience.

La Mère Catherine

La Mère Catherine
Image Editorial Credit: Petr Kovalenkov / Shutterstock

La Mère Catherine, established in 1793, is a Montmartre institution with a rich history. Situated on the iconic Place du Tertre, it offers charming views of the bustling square. Known for its hearty French dishes, it was a popular haunt of artists and writers. The restaurant has an inviting interior with red-and-white checkered tablecloths and rustic décor. Guests often visit to enjoy traditional French fare like boeuf bourguignon. La Mère Catherine has preserved its unique character over the years. It’s still open today, serving both locals and tourists in Montmartre’s artistic heart.

Au Rocher de Cancale

Au Rocher de Cancale
Image Editorial Credit: Petr Kovalenkov / Shutterstock

Founded in 1804, Au Rocher de Cancale is located in the historic Les Halles district. Known for its fresh seafood, it began as a favorite spot for Parisians seeking oysters and other delicacies. The restaurant’s charm lies in its elegant interiors adorned with artwork and traditional fixtures. Its name pays homage to Cancale, a town famous for oysters. Over the years, it became a gathering place for writers and artists. The menu offers a variety of French seafood dishes, maintaining its original reputation. Au Rocher de Cancale is still open, delighting patrons with its historic appeal and quality cuisine.

L’Escargot Montorgueil

L'Escargot Montorgueil
Image Editorial Credit: Petr Kovalenkov / Shutterstock

L’Escargot Montorgueil, founded in 1832, is located in the lively Montorgueil area. It’s famous for its specialty dish, escargot, which has drawn food lovers for nearly two centuries. The restaurant’s art-deco interior adds to its charm, creating an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere. It’s also renowned for its extensive selection of other French classics. Celebrities and artists have frequented this spot for generations. The décor combines vintage mirrors and art, keeping its classic French vibe intact. Yes, L’Escargot Montorgueil remains open, continuing to serve Paris’s most iconic snail dishes.

Polidor

Polidor
Image Editorial Credit: Philippe Alès / Wikimedia Commons

Polidor, established in 1845, sits in the heart of the Latin Quarter and has a rich, storied past. Known for its rustic charm, Polidor has retained its original wooden furniture and classic French decor. This restaurant has served as a gathering spot for intellectuals, including famous writers like James Joyce. Polidor’s menu features simple yet delicious French dishes, such as boeuf bourguignon. Its friendly, communal atmosphere adds to its enduring appeal. The restaurant’s history is palpable in its vintage furnishings and timeless menu. Polidor remains open, offering a nostalgic dining experience in Paris’s literary district.

Bouillon Chartier

Bouillon Chartier
Image Editorial Credit: Petr Kovalenkov / Shutterstock

Bouillon Chartier opened in 1896 and became popular for its affordable, high-quality French cuisine. Located in the bustling Grands Boulevards area, it maintains a lively ambiance. The restaurant’s interior features high ceilings, mirrors, and ornate moldings, all part of its historic charm. Bouillon Chartier’s goal was to provide traditional French meals at accessible prices. The waitstaff still wears classic black and white uniforms, preserving its timeless aesthetic. Its menu offers beloved French classics, from escargot to steak frites. Bouillon Chartier is still open, offering an authentic Parisian dining experience at reasonable prices.

Brasserie Lipp

Brasserie Lipp
Image Editorial Credit: Arnaud 25 / Wikimedia Commons

Established in 1880, Brasserie Lipp sits on Boulevard Saint-Germain, a famous Parisian street. Known for its Alsatian cuisine, this brasserie quickly became a gathering spot for writers, politicians, and artists. The Art Nouveau interior is adorned with vintage murals and brass fixtures. Its dishes like choucroute and sausages are beloved classics on the menu. Brasserie Lipp has a storied history with patrons like Hemingway and Picasso. It remains a cultural hotspot, blending tradition with a vibrant social scene. Yes, Brasserie Lipp is still open, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

Café de la Paix

Café de la Paix
Image Editorial Credit: Arthur Weidmann / Wikimedia Commons

Café de la Paix, founded in 1862, stands near the Opéra Garnier in Paris’s 9th arrondissement. It’s a historic café known for its luxurious interiors with gilded moldings and chandeliers. This café has hosted an array of famous patrons, including writers and political figures. Café de la Paix serves classic French dishes, such as escargot and foie gras. Its terrace offers beautiful views, adding to the ambiance of Parisian elegance. The café embodies the grandeur of 19th-century Paris. Café de la Paix is still open, preserving its legacy as an iconic Parisian establishment.

Bofinger

Bofinger
Image Editorial Credit: LPLT / Wikimedia Commons

Bofinger, established in 1864, is located near the Place de la Bastille. Known as Paris’s oldest Alsatian brasserie, it serves specialties like choucroute and seafood platters. The interior is stunning, with stained glass ceilings, mirrors, and Art Nouveau details. Bofinger has long been a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike. Its opulent décor complements its refined menu, creating an elegant dining experience. The restaurant maintains its tradition of serving hearty Alsatian fare in a beautiful setting. Yes, Bofinger is still open and remains a celebrated Parisian brasserie.

Le Train Bleu

Le Train Bleu
Image Editorial Credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock

Le Train Bleu, established in 1901, is located inside Gare de Lyon, Paris’s iconic train station. Originally designed to celebrate the Universal Exposition, it’s known for its opulent decor. The grand interior features murals, chandeliers, and intricate woodwork, making it a true architectural gem. The restaurant serves a range of French classics, including filet mignon and roasted lamb. Le Train Bleu has hosted many notable guests, adding to its historic charm. Each dining experience feels like stepping into a piece of Paris’s Belle Époque era. Le Train Bleu is still open, offering an elegant escape within the bustling train station.

Les Deux Magots

Les Deux Magots
Image Editorial Credit: UlyssePixel / Shutterstock

Founded in 1885, Les Deux Magots is a renowned café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. It became a meeting place for writers, artists, and philosophers, including Sartre and Hemingway. The café’s decor is traditional and elegant, with a terrace perfect for people-watching. Les Deux Magots serves a range of light dishes and desserts, making it a favorite for casual dining. It has a historic ambiance that draws visitors interested in Parisian literary culture. Each visit feels like connecting with the city’s intellectual past. Les Deux Magots remains open, continuing its legacy as an iconic literary café.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

More from Rarest.org

11 Endangered Amphibians Battling Climate Change and Pollution

Image Editorial Credit: Danny Ye / Shutterstock

Amphibians are facing an unprecedented battle against the dual threats of climate change and pollution. Read More.

13 Epic Reptile Migrations

Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
Image Editorial Credit: Agami Photo Agency / Shutterstock

Reptiles, much like many other animals, undertake incredible migrations in search of food and water to survive in changing environments. Read More.

13 Forgotten Theme Park Rides That No Longer Exist

Image Editorial Credit: Mike Bean / Wikimedia Commons

Theme parks are constantly changing, with new attractions replacing older ones to keep things fresh and exciting for visitors. Read More.

Previous

18 Largest Music Festivals in the World

20 Largest Fast Food Chains in the World

Next

Leave a Comment