In Paris, dining is a symphony of senses. It’s not just about the flavors dancing on your tongue but also the soothing aromas, the eye-catching presentation, and the enchanting ambiance that surrounds you. Some of the most mesmerizing Parisian restaurants are those that offer a delicious dose of history, creating an extra layer of magic and intrigue. Let’s embark on a journey through some of these legendary establishments that weave together exquisite cuisine with a captivating past.
A Touch of Art Nouveau and A-List Ghosts
Maxim’s is a Parisian icon, a restaurant that needs no introduction. Step inside and be transported to a world of Art Nouveau grandeur: floral lamps, botanical stained glass, and plush ruby and mahogany hues envelop you in a timeless elegance. Maxim’s boasts a star-studded history with A-list patrons from Marcel Proust to Brigitte Bardot and Mick Jagger, and even numerous cinematic appearances in films like “Gigi,” “Chéri,” and “Midnight in Paris.”
But Maxim’s is not just a relic of the past. This 130-year-old restaurant is experiencing a resurgence of cool, with a new management team breathing life into its storied menu of French culinary classics. Indulge in the iconic cheese soufflé and crêpe Suzette while being immersed in an exotic ambiance. And when the night grows late, head to the inviting late-night bar.
A Belle Époque Greenhouse in the City of Lights
Nestled within the picturesque Jardin des Champs-Élysées lies a salmon-pink Pompeian-style pavilion known as Laurent. This elegant establishment has long been a beacon of history and charm, with a past that dates back to a royal hunting lodge and its transformation into a celebrated restaurant in 1842. Le Café du Cirque, as it was known then, was later renamed Le Laurent in 1860, and became the preferred spot for powerful business gatherings due to its proximity to the Élysée Palace and numerous embassies.
Under the expert guidance of Paris Society (who also revitalized Maxim’s), Laurent has undergone a stylish transformation. Led by the talented artistic director Cordélia de Castellane, the restaurant now features a captivating blend of black and white floor tiles, pastel walls, and sparkling chandeliers, creating an airy and enchanting Belle Époque atmosphere. The menu echoes this lightness and French flair, boasting sensory delights like crudités with soufflé aioli, sea scallops with truffle vinaigrette, and the golden caviar mousseline brioche, all culminating in a dazzling dessert trolley.
A Melting Pot of Flavors and History
Lafayette’s, the most anticipated new restaurant of 2023, is tucked away within a glamorous wing of an 18th-century townhouse, once the grand residence of the Marquis de Lafayette. This French hero of the American Revolution hosted gatherings here from 1827 until his passing in 1834, leaving behind a legacy of inspiring history.
Chef Mory Sacko, a rising star from French Top Chef Season 11, has infused the Gallic menu with American culinary influences, along with elements of his own African heritage. Expect delectable dishes like corn chowder encased in puff pastry, fried chicken, sole meunière in champagne sauce, sweet potato curry, and even a cheeseburger with Cajun-spiced fries. This melting pot of flavors perfectly reflects Lafayette’s love of travel and adventure, while the plush candlelit interiors evoke the warmth and sociability of the Marquis’ final years.
An Icon Reimagined: La Tour d’Argent
The most anticipated restaurant renovation of 2023 belongs to the legendary La Tour d’Argent. This iconic Parisian establishment embodies haute cuisine and has drawn in political, business, and royal figures for centuries. Its gastronomic legacy stretches back to 1582 when the first Restaurant de la Tour d’Argent was established near the Château de la Tournelle, whose shimmering stones inspired the restaurant’s name. King Henri IV himself was an early devotee.
The current building dates back to 1830, and has hosted a spectrum of high-society guests over the years. The renowned Terrail family took over in 1911, propelling La Tour d’Argent to multi-starred heights. Under the leadership of grandson André Terrail, the latest renovation has taken place, preserving the signature pressed duck dish and the spectacular river views, while adding modern touches. The sixth-floor dining room is now sleek and stylish with a nod to the past. For those seeking a more casual experience, there’s a zinc-adorned rooftop bar and a first-floor speakeasy-esque bar, both offering unique perspectives on this Parisian gem.
A Taste of Enlightenment
Procope, one of Paris’s first cafés, has long been a restaurant, paying homage to its Age of Enlightenment origins. The chandelier-lit dining rooms are lined with mirror walls and adorned with antique furniture and curiosities, even a desk and hat that once belonged to Voltaire and Napoléon.
But Procope has also embraced its original history as a purveyor of iced drinks and coffee. The newly opened Café-Glacier room invites guests to relax in luxurious armchairs and savor a selection of coffees, hot chocolates, ice creams, and pastries.
A Parisian Revival: Lapérouse
The renovation of Lapérouse in 2019 marked a turning point, sparking a trend of revitalizing Paris’s glamorous but faded food institutions.
Lapérouse’s story began in 1766 as a wineshop serving snacks, but it was during the Belle Époque that it transformed into a gastronomic sensation. The lavishly decorated private rooms were particularly sought after by libertines of the late 19th century for their discreet rendezvous. These rooms, with their patinaed wall paintings, crystal chandeliers, and scratched mirrors, still offer a glimpse into the past.
Lapérouse also boasts lavish dining rooms and a menu of traditional French flamboyance. The restaurant even played host to Julia Child’s 40th birthday celebration. Its ground-floor bar was featured in “Midnight in Paris,” a film that perfectly captures the layered history of Parisian culture, just as these restaurants do.
