The Musée d’Orsay, a treasure trove of French art from 1850 to 1914, rivals even the Louvre in its popularity. Housed in a magnificent Beaux-Arts train station, the museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. But after hours spent admiring Impressionist masterpieces, your stomach might start to rumble. Don’t worry, the Musée d’Orsay has you covered with a delectable selection of dining options.
Le Restaurant: A Step Back in Time
Step into Le Restaurant, a grand dining room that harkens back to the elegance of the early 20th century. This restaurant, housed in the former Hotel d’Orsay, boasts stunning chandeliers, gilded ceilings, and expansive windows offering picturesque views of the courtyard and the Seine River. It’s no wonder this room holds the prestigious title of French Historic Monument.
Although the food and service may be somewhat inconsistent, Le Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience. The traditional French menu features both classic dishes and modern twists. The restaurant is a popular spot, so arrive early (around 11:30 AM or 1:00 PM) to avoid long lines.
On late-night Thursdays, Le Restaurant offers a special Discovery Pass, which includes a set menu and museum admission. Reservations are essential and can be made by phone at 01 45 49 47 03 (outside of France, call +33 1 45 49 47 03).
Some delectable options on the menu include:
- Lentilles vertes du Puy, saucisse de Morteau, moutarde violette et chicorée sauvage: A flavorful combination of green lentils, Morteau sausage, wild chicory, and purple mustard. (Morteau is a traditional smoked sausage from a region near the French-Swiss border, known for its unique smoky flavor.)
- Pâté de canard en croute, jeunes pousses et vinaigrette au jus de viande: Rich duck paté baked in a pastry crust, accompanied by a spring mix and jus.
- Ravioles du Royans crémeuses aux champignons de saison, réduction de Porto: A French twist on ravioli, filled with Gruyère and goat cheese, paired with seasonal mushrooms and a tangy Port wine sauce.
- Ardoise de Fromages affine par Marie Quatrehomme: A curated selection of aged cheeses from Marie Quatrehomme, a renowned French cheesemaker. (Her shop in Paris is worth a detour for any cheese enthusiast!)
- Dôme croustillant vanille, cassis: A delightful crunchy pastry dome filled with vanilla and blackcurrant cream.
Le Restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:45 AM to 5:30 PM, and on late-night Thursdays, from 11:45 AM to 2:45 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Café Campana: Modern Chic Meets Parisian Brasserie
On the 5th floor, just outside the Impressionist Gallery, you’ll find Café Campana. This vibrant cafe, renovated in 2011 by the renowned Brazilian designers Fernando and Humberto Campana, offers a modern and stylish setting. Inspired by the Art Nouveau movement, the cafe’s centerpiece is a giant clock, adding a touch of whimsical charm.
The menu at Café Campana is a classic Parisian brasserie affair, offering hearty salads, foie gras, charcuterie, quiche, and a tempting array of desserts like Ile Flottante, baba au rhum, and chocolate hazelnut cake. With its full-service dining, Café Campana provides a more casual alternative to Le Restaurant without compromising on quality or style.
Café Campana is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Exploring Beyond the Museum Walls
Of course, you can always venture outside the museum’s walls to discover the culinary delights of the surrounding area. A short 9-minute walk across the Seine River on the Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor will take you to the Jardin des Tuileries, a picturesque park where you can enjoy outdoor dining at Café Diane or Terrasse de Pomone (open from April to October).
Whether you choose to savor the grandeur of Le Restaurant, embrace the modern chic of Café Campana, or explore the culinary gems of the surrounding area, a delightful dining experience awaits you at the Musée d’Orsay.
