Every month, hundreds of thousands of new restaurants open in Paris (well, maybe we're exaggerating a little bit). Between pop-up restaurants and food trucks, we tend to get a little lost and sometimes miss the authenticity of good old French restaurants... But what are the pioneering establishments in Paris, by the way? Le Bonbon presents its top of the oldest restaurants.
La Tour D'argent (1582)
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The Tour d'Argent is awarded the prize for the oldest restaurant in Paris. Considered one of the references for a chic dining experience, the Tour d'Argent now attracts a more touristy clientele than in the past, especially since losing one of its two Michelin stars. For several centuries, Henri III, Richelieu, Sacha Guitry, Alfred de Musset, and more recently John Kennedy, have stepped foot in this prestigious Parisian establishment, whose breathtaking view of Paris has seduced many. On the menu, luxury gastronomy takes the spotlight with the Mazarine duck, the truffle sole fillet, or the veal grenadin Matignon. The Tour d'Argent is located at 15 Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris.
At La Petite Chaise (1680)
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When it opened in 1680, A la Petite Chaise was a wine shop. Since then, it has become one of the icons of French cuisine in Paris. The menu, just right, offers classic dishes such as the gratinéed onion soup, duck foie gras with apple chutney, steamed cod with sauce vierge, and grilled veal with Saint Nectaire cream... Everything is made with fresh seasonal ingredients, of course. It's worth knowing that François Mitterrand, when he was a student at Sciences Po, made La Petite Chaise his headquarters. Today, politicians, writers, actors, and artists still flock there.
A la Petite Chaise 36 Rue de Grenelle 75007 Paris
Le Procope (1686)
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Established in 1686 by Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, Le Procope has seen iconic French personalities grace its floors. This includes Voltaire, Danton, and even Robespierre, who were regulars at the place. As for the menu, among the most traditional dishes in the house are the "Ivre de Juliénas" coq au vin, the calf's head in a cocotte (just like in 1686!), and the "Révolutionnaires" beef, which is a beef fillet and a duck foie gras escalope followed by braised beef cheek. A true delight!
Le Procope 13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie 75006 Paris
Au Chien qui fume (1740)
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No, it's not the big brother of the Camion qui fume, but one of the oldest restaurants in Paris. At Au Chien qui fume, tradition and conviviality are a must. The room is filled with numerous dog porcelain figurines. It can be overwhelming for some, but very entertaining for animal lovers. When it comes to food, their specialty is seafood, always of impeccable freshness. They also offer a veal puff pastry with cream, a prawn risotto with shellfish cream, and a homemade duck confit. Don't miss out on their pots, especially the roasted suckling pig pot, an absolute must.
Au Chien qui fume 33 Rue du Pont Neuf 75001 Paris
Brasserie Lipp (1880)
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Not really one of the oldest, but one of the most well-known breweries in Paris. Brasserie Lipp was founded in 1880. This brewery, originally from Alsace, is one of the most iconic places in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, frequented by many personalities, from Camus to Sartre, and even Mitterrand... Nowadays, you can run into celebrities such as Benjamin Biolay, Sofia Coppola, Fabrice Lucchini... The brasserie is classified as a historical monument for its famous varnished mahogany facade, its 1900s decor, its wall ceramics by Léon Fargues, and its ceilings painted by Charly Garrey. Its menu hasn't changed for over half a century and offers, of course, one of the best sauerkrauts in Paris.
Brasserie Lipp 151 Boulevard Saint-Germain 75006 Paris
Text by Hélène Chi Chao Wei