Forget the trendy new restaurants with their vegan menus. There’s a certain charm to the old-fashioned Paris bistros, the ones that haven’t changed a bit for decades. They still serve the classic bistro fare like thick-cut steaks, perfectly grilled escargots, and timeless French desserts like millefeuille and tarte au citron. So, if you’re looking for a taste of nostalgic Paris, join us on a journey to ten of the city’s most beloved traditional restaurants.
A Touch of the Theatre
Established in 1942, La Mediterranée has become one of the most popular restaurants in Paris. And for good reason. It boasts a prime location on Place de l’Odeon, overlooking the magnificent Odeon Theatre de l’Europe. Their menu features fresh seafood, from oysters and urchins to sea bass, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal before or after a show. Did you know that the restaurant’s logo was designed by the legendary artist Jean Cocteau? It’s a testament to La Mediterranée’s long and fascinating history.
Classic Paris Charm
When you dream of traditional Paris, Chez Georges is the restaurant you’re yearning for. This classic 1926 bistro with its mirrored walls and intimate tables transports you back in time. Even the notoriously grumpy food critic of the Guardian has raved about their buttery escargots, perfectly grilled entrecôte steak, and mouthwatering desserts.
If you’re craving a truly authentic Parisian experience, Chez Dumonet, affectionately known as Josephine, is a must-visit. This old-style bistro has been serving classic bistro fare for over a century, in a dining room dating back to 1880. The white tablecloths and waiters with black ties add to the timeless elegance of this charming establishment.
Hidden Treasures and Traditional Delights
Behind the wood-clad exterior of Chez Dumonet, sharp-dressed waiters bring housemade terrines in large earthenware dishes. The herring is marinated in golden olive oil, bay leaves, and thyme, a true Parisian classic. The menu features traditional French fare like roasts, grilled meats, foie gras, duck confit, and ripe cheese. And for dessert? A perfectly baked soufflé, served with a small glass of Grand Mariner, adds the perfect touch of elegance to your meal.
The tiled floors, etchings, and engraved glass create a traditional homey bistro ambiance at Chez Dumonet, where the service is warm and refined. One of the only changes to the restaurant in the last century is the addition of half-portions of certain dishes, catering to modern preferences.
A Slice of Southwestern France
La Fontaine de Mars, one of the oldest bistros in Paris, reflects the owner’s southwestern roots with a menu filled with foie gras, duck magret, and cassoulets. It’s no surprise that the restaurant features seven different armagnacs on their drinks menu.
Cozy up in a leather banquette during the cooler months, or enjoy lunch under the arcade with red-checked tablecloths in the warmer months. The sounds of the burbling Fontaine de Mars create a tranquil atmosphere, reminding you of the restaurant’s historical connection to Napoleon’s army, who used the fountain to quench their horses’ thirst.
Bohemian Charm and Timeless Classics
La Palette, a legendary bistro with a Bohemian past, boasts an elegant facade and a dining room with a well-aged patina. It’s been a favorite spot for artists and intellectuals, from Cézanne, Picasso, and Braque, to Hemingway and Jim Morrison. Their house specialities include organic eggs prepared in every way imaginable, from boiled to poached to fried, even atop a croque madame sandwich.
The restaurant features two salons: a bar and a larger dining room. For a classic Parisian cafe experience, order a drink on the terrace and watch the world go by on the bustling Rue Jacques-Callot.
A Riverfront Haven
Le Voltaire has a prime location on the banks of the Seine, close to Rue du Bac, and the Carré Rive Gauche, a hub for antique dealers. If you’ve taken a bus from the Marais to d’Orsay, you’ve likely passed Le Voltaire on your way.
Le Voltaire embodies the essence of a typical Parisian brasserie, offering plump escargots, tender filet mignon with béarnaise and frites, and sole meunière. For dessert, you can enjoy classic French treats like chocolate mousse, crème brûlée, and tarte au citron. Did you know that Le Voltaire is located in the building where its namesake writer, Voltaire, died in 1778?
A Parisian Icon
Le Basilic, with its Art Deco interior — leather banquettes, subdued lighting, antique mirrors, and vintage tile floors — is a true Parisian bistro. They offer seasonal southwestern French cuisine, featuring foie gras with mango chutney, small sardines in olive oil, and Black Angus beef tartare, all paired with natural and organic wines from the Basque region.
Chez l’Ami Louis, a small, intimate bistro founded in 1924, has become a Parisian icon. With only twelve tables, this Old World bistro shot to fame in the 1950s and has hosted a who’s who of celebrities, from Bill Clinton and Jacques Chirac to Robert M. Parker, the famous wine critic, who calls it one of his favorite restaurants in the world.
A Piece of Parisian History
Tucked behind a dark facade, Chez L’Ami Louis has a nostalgic feel with period tiles, vintage moldings, and 1950s bistro tables. The wood-paneled space is impossibly small, featuring an ancient wood stove and an extensive wine list.
While some consider Chez L’Ami Louis an overpriced tourist trap, others consider it one of the best bistros in the city. The service, however, is as old-fashioned as the bistro itself, with waiters in faded white coats, moving around with a casual, “je ne sais quoi” charm.
The secret to Chez L’Ami Louis’s success is their oak-wood fired oven, which creates succulent roast chicken. Other timeless classics include roast leg of lamb, scallops, frog legs, and foie gras. Many starters, like the foie gras and scallops, are perfect for sharing.
Don’t miss their crispy potato frites or the Pommes Bearnaises, tiny potatoes cooked in their skins with goose fat and baked until the skin blisters. The dish is finished with fresh garlic and parsley, arriving at your table sizzling hot.
Be prepared to pay a premium at Chez L’Ami Louis, but if you’re willing to splurge, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
A Literary Legacy
La Closerie des Lilas, a Montparnasse artistic and literary haven, has attracted the likes of Ernest Hemingway (whose favorite spot at the bar is marked with a sign), Pablo Picasso, Paul Verlaine, and Man Ray. La Closerie, which first opened in 1847, was featured in Hemingway’s book, “A Moveable Feast.”
We recommend a full experience at La Closerie, with a proper dinner in the formal dining room, or enjoy a glass of bubbly in the brasserie/piano-bar for a taste of the place’s ambiance. During the summer months, relax on the outdoor terrace with a cocktail and homemade potato chips.
Belle Epoque Charm
Le Petit Lutetia, an authentic Belle Epoque bistro, has a new lease on life after a recent facelift by Jean-Louis Costes, the designer behind Hotel Costes, Buddha Bar, and other trendy Parisian hotspots. The decor remains classic Paris bistro, featuring antique mirrored walls, monogrammed dishes, the original patterned-metal ceiling, and intimate, small tables. While the food is good, the people-watching is even better, offering an endless parade of chic Parisians.
