Nestled in the heart of the Opéra district, just a stone's throw from the boulevards where the literary soul of Paris thrives, the Drouant restaurant has embodied a certain idea of French elegance for over a century. Behind its discreet façade lies a place rich in history, where the great voices of literature meet fine food lovers in search of well-crafted dishes. Both a gastronomic sanctuary and a thinking lounge, Drouant remains one of the cornerstones of Parisian tradition, and we simply have to share its origins with you.
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A humble counter turned institution
Founded in 1880 by Charles Drouant, a modest café owner from Bourg-Bruche (Alsace), the establishment started as a simple bar-tobacco shop serving fresh oysters on the go. Perfectly located near major newspapers and theaters in Paris, it quickly drew in intellectuals and artists, transforming this humble oyster stand into a beloved hangout. By the 20th century, Drouant became a top choice for a discerning clientele, where culinary refinement meets lively idea exchanges. Charles ran it until the eve of World War I, then passed it on to his sons, Jean and Charles.
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The Home of Literary Jurors
In 1914, Drouant truly entered legend when it became the official seat of the Académie Goncourt. The Renaudot Prize, created in 1926 to address the injustices of the Goncourt Prize, follows suit: the establishment becomes the temple of great literary deliberations in France. On the first floor, its famous salons then host leading intellectuals, from Colette to Renoir, turning the restaurant into a must-visit crossroads of arts and letters. Even today, the ten academicians of Goncourt meet there each month for their traditional lunch, continuing a ritual where gastronomy accompanies the highest decisions in the literary world. There, the fates of writers are sealed over a hearty homemade dish, and, let's cheerfully say, in close proximity to...
an> the majestic library recently established, showcasing the complete collection of original Goncourt editions.View this post on Instagram
A French Table, Blending Heritage and Modernity
The cuisine at Drouant draws inspiration from French tradition, with a special connection to the Alsatian heritage of its founder. Since its inception, Charles Drouant has established a strong culinary identity, where the simplicity of the ingredients meets the precision of the technique. Thefoie gras, pike quenelles, bouchées à la reine, and even the reinvented sauerkraut are among the emblematic dishes that have shaped the history of this establishment. Over the decades, the menu has evolved while never betraying its original spirit: a generous, refined cuisine, in tune with the products and their seasonality.
Today, Drouant continues to offer elegant dishes, where the excellence of the region meets precise execution. This spring, for example, asparagus takes center stage, showcased by chef Romain Van Thienen in various forms: paired with a wild garlic sabayon and enhanced by a citrus gel as a starter, alongside cod, its grilled pencils, and his sauce.Irresistible dishes to savor... You can enjoy them near the iconic staircase “Ruhlmann”, a charming Art Deco remnant of the establishment, or on its sunny terrace, where lush greenery, marble tables, and rattan chairs come together. Delight and tranquility await you!
Address: 16-18 Rue Gaillon, 75002 Paris, FranceVoir cette publication sur Instagram
