Paris’ Most Famous Restaurants: A Food Lover’s Guide

Paris is full of restaurants, but some are truly special. These famous spots have been around for over 100 years, with generations of families enjoying them. Let’s explore five of these iconic restaurants to see if they live up to their reputations.

Le Train Bleu: Dining in a Train Station

Imagine eating lunch inside a train station! Le Train Bleu offers this unique experience in the Gare de Lyon.

• The Ambiance: The restaurant’s style is amazing.
• The Food: The food is delightful with attention to detail.
• The Experience: Although expensive, the overall experience is worth it.

One highlight is the crêpe Suzette, a delicious crêpe with caramelized sugar, butter, and orange flavors. It’s a must-try! Another highlight is Baba au Rhum, a spongy cake soaked in rum.

Brasserie Lipp: A Saint-Germain Staple

Located in the heart of Saint-Germain, across from Café de Flore, Brasserie Lipp is a classic Parisian brasserie.

• The Pickles: Start with petite cornichons, small French pickles with a mustard brine. They’re crisp, yummy, and different from American pickles.
• The Duck Confit: Try the confit de canard, a slow-cooked duck leg and thigh with potatoes. The slow cooking removes the grease but keeps the duck flavorful and tender.
• The Blanquette de Veau: Another great choice is the blanquette de veau, veal in a cream sauce with mushrooms and potatoes.

For dessert, don’t miss the Pavlova, a meringue-based dessert with pastry cream, whipped cream, and raspberry sauce.

Bofinger: A Historic Brasserie

Bofinger, near Bastille, is a 155-year-old restaurant. It started as a bar by Frederick Bofinger from Alsace. It was the first brasserie in Paris to serve tap beer.

• The History: This restaurant is historically significant in Paris.
• The Terrine: Try the terrine de volaille, a light and fresh poultry terrine.
• The Choucroute: A must-try is the choucroute, a hearty dish with sauerkraut, pork belly, and different sausages. It’s often enjoyed in winter. Be sure to add French mustard.
• The Île Flottante: Finish with the île flottante, a light and fluffy meringue floating in a sea of crème anglaise with caramel and pecans.

La Coupole: A Montparnasse Institution

La Coupole is a large, classic brasserie in the Montparnasse area.

• The Onion Soup: Start with the soupe à l’oignon gratinée, a French onion soup. It’s brothy and light, with bread and cheese.
• The Fish: For a lighter meal, choose the bar, grilled Atlantic bass with a cream sauce, served with mashed potatoes and french fries.

La Coupole has a rich history, with famous figures like Josephine Baker having frequented it. Once a month, you can even enjoy dancing and live music there.

Le Grand Colbert: Featured in Film

Located in the Galerie Vivienne, Le Grand Colbert is a classic brasserie. It gained fame after being featured in the movie “Something’s Gotta Give”.

• The Roasted Tomatoes: Try the roasted tomatoes with avocado and almonds.
• The Salads: A great choice is the chèvre chaud salad, with warm goat cheese in a crêpe, along with mesclun and beets.
• The Poulet au Vinaigre: Order the poulet au vinaigre, chicken slow-cooked in its own juices with herbs.
• The Chocolate Dessert: End your meal with the moelleux au chocolat, a light and soft brownie served with crème anglaise.

What makes Le Grand Colbert special is that you see many Parisian locals enjoying lunch there.

Find Your Perfect Parisian Restaurant

With so many restaurants in Paris, it can be hard to choose. These five iconic spots offer a taste of history and delicious food. From dining in a train station to enjoying a classic choucroute, each restaurant has its own unique charm. So, next time you’re in Paris, be sure to visit one of these famous eateries.

Ready to explore the best restaurants Paris has to offer? Plan your next culinary adventure and experience the timeless appeal of these iconic establishments!