There’s no better place to indulge in one of the most luxurious dishes in the world than the city of luxury itself.
The first record of caviar consumption dates back to 4th century Greece, but it wasn’t until the 1920s that Russia popularized the delicacy and brought it to France. From its beginning, caviar has been considered the height of extravagance and eventually grew so popular that sturgeon fish became endangered. Today, there are many laws protecting sturgeons as well as special permits needed to ship caviar internationally in an effort to protect the species. Far from a frivolous dish, caviar is known for its many health benefits as well. It’s a great source of vitamins A, E, B12, B6, iron, magnesium, and omega 3, and even has some anti-aging benefits (hence the caviar facial phenomenon). If you’re looking for the best places to taste the delicacy during your trip, look no further than this comprehensive guide to caviar in Paris.
Caviar Kaspia
17 Pl. de la Madeleine, 75008, Paris, France
Caviar Kaspia was opened in 1927 by Russian born Arcady Fixon featuring 10 types of caviar from different parts of the world and a large supply of vodka. The restaurant’s historical charm has made it a caviar monument of France for over 90 years. This is the place that popularized baked potatoes topped with caviar, a mix of lavish delicacy and simple accessibility. Keep an eye out for one of the many famous regulars when you go, as Caviar Kaspia is Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s go-to restaurant in Paris and it’s quite the celebrity hotspot during Fashion Week.
Restaurant Petrossian
18 Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg, 75007 Paris, France
Restaurant Petrossian opened in 1920 and is now one of the most popular caviar companies in the world. The brand sells 5 types of caviar from Daurenki to Sevruga, and they offer “caviar initiation” sets that come with a vodka pairing. The restaurant specializes in dishes with caviar along with world class champagne and wine to compliment the meal. Try the 5-course menu and recommended drink pairing for a dining experience you’re unlikely to forget.
La Maison du Caviar
21 Rue Quentin-Bauchart, 75008, Paris, France
Opened in 1956, La Maison du Caviar is a ritzy establishment selling some of the highest quality caviar in the world. The restaurant’s interior combines popular designs from various eras, highlighting classy French décor throughout the years. Nothing beats a meal inside the restaurant, but La Maison du Caviar has an e-shop as well if you want to order some goods after you leave.
Prunier Madeleine | Restaurant & Boutique
15 Pl. de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, France
The epitome of true Parisian luxury, Maison Prunier was founded in 1872. It was one of the first companies to sell caviar from France and is still one of the only shops that both produces and sells its own caviar. For an introduction to the world of caviar, Prunier offers tastings where you can try 3 specialties with unique flavor profiles and learn about where they’re from and how they were prepared. The restaurant is considered a historical monument of Paris, with Art Deco mosaics in the dining room and its historic oyster bar on the first floor. Prunier is invested in sustainability with its own breeding farm, hoping to keep the caviar industry alive for years to come.
La Manufacture Kaviari
13 Rue de l'Arsenal, 75004, Paris, France
Le Manufacture Kaviari is a family-owned business selling the highest quality Iranian wild caviar. Maintaining its esteemed reputation, the Kaviari teams gets the eggs right from the source and ensures their proper maturation throughout the entire process. Its carefully chosen caviars have made Kaviari the go-to manufacturer for some of the most famous chefs in France and beyond. Antique furniture creates a cozy atmosphere for the caviar workshops where you can be introduced to caviar and how it’s produced, whittling away at the exclusionary culture that has surrounded the delicacy for years.
Boutary
25 Rue Mazarine, 75006, Paris, France
The Boutary brand was founded in 1888 and remains a family business to this day. The intimate and modern restaurant serves 5 or 7 course meals from “surprise menus” that change with the season. A tasting menu for sharing is also available, featuring gourmet cuisine made with the freshest ingredients. Don’t miss out on the caviar, prepared with high end Japanese salts to enhance its natural flavors. Dedicated to the environment, Boutary breeds sturgeons in their natural habitat of southern Bulgaria in compliance with all wildlife laws.
Caviar de Neuvic-Comptoir Paris
16 Rue de l'Odéon, 75006, Paris, France
Caviar de Neuvic-Comptoir was established in 2013 as an online store until it expanded to open its Paris shop in 2015. The brand prides itself on ethical caviar production, always researching the best and most eco-friendly ways to breed sturgeons and produce caviar. Reservations are available Tuesdays through Saturdays, when you can sample caviar with your choice of champagne, white wine, or vodka. If you’re craving more after you leave, the online store sells tins of the delicacy, from Beluga to Ossetra as well.
Epicure
112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008, Paris, France
Three Michelin-starred restaurant Epicure is located inside Le Bristol Hotel, one of the most illustrious hotels in the city. The chef Eric Frechon has been named one of the top 10 chefs in the world, making for an inevitably phenomenal meal (especially if you order the caviar). Sure to impress even the most affluent of guests, Epicure is oozing with elegance right down to its Baccarat crystal glasses and pristine white linen tablecloths.
Le Comptoir du Caviar
23 Bd Malesherbes, 75008, Paris, France
Le Comptoir du Caviar aspires to create a welcoming atmosphere for the next generation of caviar lovers, offering a caviar initiation workshop and free tastings before purchase. The spot is the perfect place for a sophisticated lunch or an after-work drink with an extensive wine list and 4 varieties of caviar. Le Comptoir’s strong commitment to quality paired with its dedication to accessibility propels it into the future of caviar consumption in a world committed to breaking barriers of all kinds.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Étoile
133 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008, Paris, France
Located in the basement of Publicis Drugstore is L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Étoile, a stylish restaurant with 2 Michelin stars and an extensive menu highlighting fresh seasonal ingredients. Inspired by Hibachi-style restaurants, you can watch the chefs prepare your meal if you sit at the bar, but there’s a separate room away from the open kitchen if you want some more privacy. The restaurant is on the casual side, certainly one of the more laidback caviar establishments in Paris. The red and black color scheme and contemporary French cuisine with east Asian influences makes L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Étoile stand out from the crowd.
