Paris, a city renowned for its captivating beauty, boasts a plethora of charming restaurants. But among these culinary destinations, a handful stand out as true treasures: the Art Nouveau cafes that emerged during the Belle Époque (1871-1914). This era, marked by rapid technological progress, grand urban developments, and two spectacular world fairs, inspired Parisian restaurateurs to transform humble bouillons into magnificent dining halls, reflecting the spirit of their fashionable age. While time hasn’t always been kind to these classic venues, a lucky few have escaped the ravages of renovation and demolition, re-emerging as vibrant participants in Paris’s contemporary dining scene.
Time Capsules of Elegance: Reviving the Art Nouveau Restaurant Scene
Imagine stepping into a time machine and landing in the heart of Parisian elegance. These Art Nouveau cafes, with their intricate details and timeless charm, offer a glimpse into the past while delighting modern palates.
Maxim’s: A legend in the world of dining, Maxim’s is not just a testament to Art Nouveau style; it was once considered the most renowned restaurant globally. Opened in 1893 by former waiter Maxime Gaillard, its interiors were reimagined for the 1900 World’s Fair by its second owner, Eugene Cornuché. He enlisted the talents of the acclaimed “Ecole de Nancy,” a group of artists and artisans from the eastern French city of Nancy. These artistic visionaries transformed the space with exquisite murals, mirrors set in hand-carved mahogany frames, and flowing copper and brass decorations. This captivating ambiance, coupled with atmospheric piano music, quickly made Maxim’s the place to be seen. Its reputation flourished throughout the 1970s, attracting celebrities like Brigitte Bardot, Aristotle Onassis, Barbra Streisand, and John Travolta. Today, this evenings-only restaurant, owned by designer Pierre Cardin, showcases his personal collection of Art Nouveau decorative arts (accessible by prior reservation). You can find it near the Concorde metro station.
Le Vagenende: Nestled behind a modern façade on bustling Boulevard Saint-Germain, Le Vagenende is a hidden gem, the second in the Chartier Brothers’ impressive restaurant empire. Their first venture, the Bouillon Chartier, still exists, but it lacks the lavish Art Nouveau décor found in Le Vagenende. In 1904, the Chartier brothers transformed a 19th-century pastry shop into this stylish eatery, adorned with striking Art Nouveau frescoes, mirrors, curved wood trim, and bronze coat racks. Sold to the Vagenende family in the 1920s, this historic bistro was saved from being turned into a supermarket in 1966 by French Culture Minister André Malraux. Impeccably restored and classified as a historic site since 1983, it awaits your visit near the Mabillon or Odéon metro stations.
Bouillon Racine: Another creation of the Chartier Brothers, the enchanting Bouillon Racine, dating back to 1906, is tucked away on a quiet side street near the Luxembourg Gardens. Its airy ambiance is a result of expansive windows, extensive mirrors and tiles, and painted woodwork in the pale green so prevalent in Art Nouveau—most notably seen in Hector Guimard’s Métro stations of the same era. While its sparkle dimmed from the 1960s to the 1990s, serving as the dining quarters for Sorbonne University staff, it was rescued from oblivion, restored, and reopened in its current form. You can reach it via the Cluny – La Sorbonne or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame metro stations.
Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse: Initially opened as a simple establishment in 1858, this venue was acquired by Edouard Chartier in 1903. Following his other successes, he gave Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse a dramatic Art Nouveau makeover. A well-preserved time capsule, its spacious dining room is adorned with curved mirrors, floral motif tiles, dazzling lighting, and a stunning stained glass ceiling. After changing hands throughout the 20th century, the restaurant returned to the Chartier family, reopening as a “bouillon” in early 2019. This is fantastic news for budget-conscious diners as this visual feast comes at reasonable prices. You can find it near the Montparnasse – Bienvenüe or Saint-Placide metro stations.
Artistic Masterpieces and Culinary Delights: More Art Nouveau Treasures
Beyond the Chartier Brothers’ legacy, other remarkable Art Nouveau restaurants continue to enthrall visitors.
Bouillon Julien: A Parisian Art Nouveau masterpiece, Bouillon Julien, inaugurated in 1906, was decorated by leading artists from the Ecole de Nancy, just like Maxim’s. Their exceptional craftsmanship shines through in the imposing mahogany bar, unique painted glass panels of the four seasons inspired by Alfons Mucha’s work, and a soaring stained glass ceiling. It’s no wonder Edith Piaf and her lover, boxer Marcel Cerdan, favored this venue. Try to secure their former table, number 24. In 2018, the restaurant embraced the revitalized bouillon trend, reopening with a refreshed yet authentic décor and a menu of classic French dishes at affordable prices. You can reach it via the Strasbourg Saint-Denis or Bonne Nouvelle metro stations.
Le Mollard: Thirty years after establishing a bar in front of the Saint-Lazare train station, the Mollard family expanded their business into a grand, elegant restaurant. Édouard Niermans, a leading architect of the Belle Époque, left no detail untouched in his lavish 1895 design, featuring marble columns, gold-trimmed mosaics, and tiled scenes depicting the countryside excursions accessible by train from the station across the street. Deemed old-fashioned with the arrival of Art Deco in the 1920s, paint and mirrors obscured these magnificent interiors. They remained hidden for nearly half a century until a massive restoration in 1965 returned Le Mollard to its former glory, an atmosphere of refined elegance that diners can still admire today. You can find it near the Gare Saint-Lazare metro station.
Beefbar Paris: Previously La Fermette Marbeuf, this Art Nouveau gem was acquired in 2018 by restaurant magnate Riccardo Giraudi, who transformed it into a branch of his high-end, meat-centric brand, Beefbar. Fortunately, its original décor was left intact, with a few modern touches. Designed as a “winter garden,” an indoor evocation of summer popular at the time, soft light filters through its arched stained glass ceiling, illuminating ceramic walls adorned with blossoming flowers, crawling foliage, dancing dragonflies, and graceful Belle Époque ladies. Beefbar Paris offers a sublime atmosphere for savoring premium Kobe or Black Angus steak. You can find it near the Alma-Marceau metro station.
Petit Bouillon Pharamond: Setting up shop near the Les Halles market in 1832, the Pharamond family relocated their restaurant, specializing in tripe dishes from their native Normandy, to its present location in 1879. Like many shrewd restaurateurs of the era, the Pharamonds modernized their establishment with the latest trends in the lead-up to the 1900 World’s Fair. While Petit Bouillon Pharamond has had several owners since, its name, stunning historical décor, and exceptional cuisine have endured the test of time. Amidst the typical Art Nouveau elements such as carved woodwork and painted mirrors, you might also spot tiles depicting food items and pots of their signature dish. You can reach it via the Étienne Marcel metro station.
New Life, Old Charm: Parisian Bistro Reimagined
The enduring allure of Art Nouveau design continues to inspire, with contemporary establishments breathing new life into these historic spaces.
Poulette: Returning to France after several years in New York, Mélodie and Antoine Goldschmid were on the hunt for a restaurant lease when they discovered a hidden gem in the Les Halles area. A century of grime concealed extraordinary Art Nouveau tiles dating back to 1906, covering the walls from floor to ceiling: intricate winding flowers, curvy urns, and allegories to coffee and beer. The classic zinc bar was also salvaged during extensive renovations completed in 2013. Poulette, the perfect neighborhood bistro, boasts a refreshed look that complements a modern, market-driven menu, biodynamic wines, and innovative cocktails. You can find it near the Étienne Marcel metro station.
From the grand elegance of Maxim’s to the cozy charm of Poulette, these Parisian Art Nouveau restaurants offer a unique blend of history, artistry, and culinary excellence. They invite you to savor not only delicious food but also a captivating journey through time, appreciating the enduring beauty and style of a bygone era.
