Experience the flavors of France in these traditional Parisian brasseries.
Brasseries have been an integral part of French culture since the 1870s, during the Belle Epoque era when civilians had more time and money to spend on leisure. They became meeting places, somewhere to indulge in comfort food and glamorous interior at an affordable rate. The word brasserie translates to brewery, as the establishments were originally most popular for the beer they brewed on site. Today, of course, wine tends to be the favored choice among diners. Aside from the drink options, steak frites, onion soup, and confit de canard are just some of the classic dishes available at any authentic brasserie.
Traditional brasseries tend to toe the line of cliché with their old-school charm décor, often including: vintage wallpaper, checkered tile floors, and white linen tablecloths. This fusion of elegance and informality, however, is exactly what make brasseries such exceptionally unique dining experiences. Check out these traditional brasseries to get a taste of French culture in a cozy and intimate setting during your travels.
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Au Pied de Cochon
6 Rue Coquillière, 75001, Paris, France
One of the only brasseries open 24 hours a day, Au Pied de Cochon is particularly popular among those looking for a bite after a show at the theatre. With the restaurant’s name meaning “pig’s foot” in English, it only makes sense that its specialties include “pig’s trotters” and pork pâté. Au Pied de Cochon has always been a celebrity hotspot, with famous diners ranging from Alfred Hitchcock to Bridgette Bardot. Red vinyl booths, marble floors, and intricately painted columns make this establishment an essential stop in the city. Order a charcuterie board while you relax out on the restaurant’s terrace for the best vibes and views.
La Poule au Pot
9 Rue Vauvilliers, 75001, Paris, France
Under the ownership of prestigious chef Jean-François Piège, La Poule au Pot has earned two Michelin stars for its delightful homestyle cuisine inspired by Piège’s childhood favorites. The brasserie’s namesake is chicken poached in bouillon with vegetables, a comfort food in many French homes. Vintage floral wallpaper, checkered tiles, silver platters, and pop music from the 70s and 80s all contribute to the nostalgic atmosphere of the space. Making reservations online is a must if you plan to dine, as La Poule au Pot only accepts reservations two months in advance.
Le Grand Colbert
2 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris
If you loved the movie Something’s Gotta Give, featuring Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson and Keanu Reeves; then you’ll certainly recognize this famous brasserie in the middle of Paris. Le Grand Colbert is tucked inside beautiful alleys of the second arrondissement (aka: heart of the city,) and it has been in existence since 1637. To this day, the quality of traditional French dishes is at the most premium level, they highlight an impressive bistronomique menu. We highly recommend starting your meal with the classic escargots, then order the iconic confit de canard (duck confit,) only to finish the meal with a Paris-Brest which is a donut pastry sandwiching praline flavored cream.
Bofinger
5-7 Rue de la Bastille, 75004, Paris, France
Bofinger started out in 1864 as a popular spot to have a beer and has since become known as the preferred dining place of nearly every French president and prime minister. The restaurant has maintained many original features like its dark wood, gold trimmings, and beautiful stained-glass skylight in the main dining area. Try one of the six types of oysters available, or order a plate of choucroute, a time-honored dish of sauerkraut with various boiled meats, reminiscent of a modern-day charcuterie board. Bofinger is widely regarded as one of the most magnificent brasseries in Paris, giving it an uncontested spot on every must-eat list.
Brasserie Balzar
49 Rue des Écoles, 75005, Paris, France
Founded in 1886, Brasserie Balzar’s mix of velvet and leather booth seating, cheerful plants, and friendly staff have kept locals coming back for over a century. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on a terrace perfect for people watching while savoring some of the best onion soup in the city.
Brasserie Lipp
151 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006, Paris, France
Brasserie Lipp was founded in 1880 and has become a hotspot for tourists due to the rich history of the restaurant and its famous clientele from Hemingway to Cocteau. The restaurant’s ceiling was painted by Charly Garrey, and hand-painted tiles decorate the interior, depicting various plants and wildlife. Brasserie Lipp’s specialty dishes include foie gras and mille-feuille, both mouthwateringly soft and airy in their own ways. Due to its overwhelming popularity, recommendations for indoor dining are highly recommended.
Bouillon Chartier
7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009, Paris, France
Chartier brothers, Frédéric and Camille, established Bouillon Chartier in 1896 to provide enjoyable, traditional food at a reasonable price. The authenticity of the brasserie is what’s made it so beloved by locals, (along with its homemade Chantilly cream). Bouillon Chartier has been identified as a historical monument of Paris, with its high ceilings and elegant glass roof. The restaurant is usually extremely busy, and you can often find yourself sharing a table with strangers because no seat is left unattended.
Bouillon Julien
16 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010, Paris, France
Established in 1906, Bouillon Julien has been made an official historical monument of Paris for its Art Nouveau-style interior. The entire restaurant is a work of art in its own right with shiny mahogany bars, intricate stained-glass ceilings, and seafoam green walls giving it an ethereal underwater look. Although the emphasis usually gets put on the décor, Bouillon Julien also boasts a fantastic menu of authentic Parisian cuisine at a great price.
Brasserie Floderer
7 Cr des Petites Écuries, 75010, Paris, France
Former beer warehouse Brasserie Floderer opened in 1909 and has become one of the most famous brasseries in Paris today. It’s certainly a quintessential brasserie, complete with a large wine list and beautiful stained-glass art: the perfect setting for date night. There are seasonal dishes depending on what’s fresh, but the rum baba comes highly recommended all year long.
La Coupole
102 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014, Paris, France
American-style bar La Coupole has been host to an impressive lineup of creatives since it opened in 1927. The art deco style brasserie was a meeting place for regulars like Picasso and Sartre during the jazz age, featuring columns painted by students of Matisse. Seafood is the specialty here, but lamb curry has been a menu staple for years. If you venture down to the bar on the basement level where the old dancing rooms used to be, don’t forget to check out the innovative cocktails like Simone B, featuring violet syrup and egg whites.
