Parisian breweries to try at least once in your lifetime

The 'Garçons!' virtuosos in aprons rushing between tables, the pleasure of satisfying every craving around the table, fascinated tourists, birthday dinners that stretch into infinity, grandiose décors, and delicious dishes straight from home: the whole world envies Parisian breweries! Zoom in on these addresses that skillfully blend chic and mischievous spirit, to try (at least) once in your lifetime.

The place: Immerse yourself in the epitome of Parisian brasserie culture at Brasserie du Louvre - Bocuse, nestled within the iconic Hôtel du Louvre, just a stone's throw away from the Palais Royal. Indulge in the generous, authentic, buttery delights of the late Michelin-starred chef in an imperial setting. With its grand red banquettes, crisp white tablecloths, plush carpets, and attentive staff, Brasserie du Louvre - Bocuse embodies the essence of Parisian brasseries. Headed by Denis Bellon and Christophe Raoux, the executive chefs, the menu features classic French dishes executed to perfection. Don't miss the chance to dine al fresco on the terrace, basking in the breathtaking views of the Louvre and Place Colette.

Must-try: the hearty "Tradition" Lyonnaise salad, brimming with curly endive, poached eggs, bacon, and croutons (€17), the traditional pike dumplings with lobster sauce (€31), and the succulent AOP Bresse chicken served with morel mushrooms, a creamy Jura wine sauce, and rice (€41). And of course, save room for desserts! Choose between the classic rum baba with whipped cream (€12) or the flamboyant Grand Marnier flambéed crêpes Suzette!

Brasserie du Louvre - Bocuse, 1 Place André Malraux, Paris 1st Arrondissement. Open daily from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

The place: It's hard to get more 'wow' than this breathtaking Art Nouveau décor. Under the dome, from the comfortable black leather Chesterfield banquettes, near the bar, or upstairs, each space promises a wildly Parisian moment... in this Alsatian institution founded in 1864 by the legendary restaurateur of the same name, straight from his native Colmar, who plays the double card of the oyster bar. The charming servers lift the fish and flambe the kouglofs before our eyes; a little Bretzel is brought to you with your Alsatian kir with mirabelle cream (€9.20): the atmosphere is unique, life is beautiful.

To try: homemade pâté en croûte (€13.50), Canadian lobster ravioli (€32.50), sole meunière (€48.50), well-stocked seafood platters (between €29.50 and €84.50), or on the meat side, a braised beef fondant with Alsace Pinot Noir. Note: the set menu of starter, main course, and dessert at €35 or €19.90 for a weekday lunch (starter, main course, or main course, dessert) with certain dishes from the menu, including the signature sauerkraut.

Bofinger, 5-7 rue de la Bastille, Paris 4th. Open every day for lunch and dinner, continuous service on Sundays.

© Romain Ricard

The place: A decor and menu unchanged since the 1930s welcome the most prominent personalities of the moment. Its bustling and authentic atmosphere perfectly embodies the capital, intellectual, fashionable, and nonchalant. The Parisian elite frequents the political establishment from François Mitterrand to Emmanuelle Macron, the literary figures in vogue from Verlaine to Beigbeder, the most bankable fashion week models from Kate Moss to Emily Ratajkowski, and even the couple J.Lo and Ben Affleck incognito during their Parisian honeymoon, just like all the eccentric and passionate night owls of the Left Bank.

To try: the certified vintage menu remains timeless. The Bismarck herrings (€13.50) and the plate of genuine Prince de Paris ham (€15) highlight dishes like stuffed pig's trotters (€24) or cold chicken quarter with mayo and salad (€25.50). For dessert, the perfect chocolate mousse (€9) competes with the eternal glazed profiteroles (€12.50).

Brasserie Lipp, 151 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris 6th. Open from Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 2 am. 01 45 48 53 91.

The place: Relais Plaza, the mythical brasserie of the palace, continues in haute couture perfection with a magical and incomparable glamorous atmosphere. After the Ducasse years, the arrival of Jean Imbert in the kitchen creates more than ever an event, supported by the more than perfect service of Arnaud Berric. You'll encounter the cream of Paris society (actors, journalists, politicians, businessmen) as well as the high-flying American jet set of the palace, all fans of Jean Imbert.

To try: Jean Imbert has imported Grandma's cuisine into a palace brasserie version: lobster with mayo (€48) and Pont-Neuf tartare (€45), and even a super weekly menu every lunchtime (yum, pike quenelle with Nantua sauce and pilaf rice, €56). For dessert: the unmissable minute floating island (€30 for two) or the lemon meringue pie (€36 for two) grace every table.

Relais Plaza, at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, 25 avenue Montaigne, Paris 8th. Open from Monday to Sunday, between 12:15 pm and 2 pm, then between 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until 11 pm by reservation.

The places: For the past few years, the La Nouvelle Garde group, composed of Bellanger (10th), Dubillot (2nd), Martin (11th), and Brasserie des Prés (6th), has been shaking up the codes of the Parisian brasserie with loud trinkets on the walls, LOL carafes, and groovy playlists, boasting 100% homemade dishes: roast chicken with gravy and fries, sausage with mashed potatoes, and other pâtés en croûte. It's hard not to succumb to the bankable charm that has made them successful. Note: lots of humor (the Gallus Aeterno stained glass window celebrating the Eternal Chicken Saint, if there ever was one), a very young and positive staff, well-thought-out French furniture, and little knick-knacks sourced from everywhere to encourage Instagram stories. Naturally, you feel good there, especially since the soundtrack is turned up to the max to set the mood for groups of friends who come to feast joyfully and affordably. Efficient.

To try: the kitchen mantra? "We don't invent anything, but we do it well." This translates to egg mayo (€3), Salers tartare (€15), spit-roasted farm chicken with perfect thin-cut fries (€17), and comforting sausage with mashed potatoes (€14). Yum: for sharing, the cordon bleu (€25) and braised lamb shoulder (€30). Like the main courses, desserts evoke nostalgic memories, starting with the praline-filled Paris-Brest or the chocolate mousse (€8). An effective formula that will delight fans of unpretentious cuisine with well-considered prices.

Brasserie Martin, 24 rue Saint-Ambroise, Paris 11th. 01 48 05 34 36.

Brasserie Bellanger, 140 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, Paris 10th. 09 54 00 99 65.

Brasserie Dubillot, 222 rue Saint-Denis, Paris 2nd. 01 88 61 51 24.

Brasserie des Prés, 6 cour du Commerce Saint-André, Paris 6th. 01 42 03 21 10.

The brasseries of the Nouvelle Garde group are open every day from 9 am to midnight.

The place: Exactly a century after its birth, this famous seafood hotspot reconnects with its legend and stands out as the most coveted brasserie in the western part of Paris. Nestled on the chic Place des Ternes, La Lorraine embodies what the 8th and 17th arrondissements have in terms of elegant families ready to tackle crab claws (among other delicacies) in a setting with Art Deco references signed by Laura Gonzalez: American-style bar, mural frescoes, pattern play, mosaic, and an XXL seafood bar blend almost anachronistically, resulting in a certain fashion aura that fits delightfully well. As soon as the weather warms up, its fully vegetated terrace becomes undoubtedly the most elegant and preserved outdoor meeting spot in the neighborhood for a business lunch or a romantic tête-à-tête in the evening...

To try: every morning, the catch of the day arrives, sourced from the best producers. On the plates: whelks with mayo (€14.40), oysters from Joël Dupuch straight from Cap Ferret (€22.80 for 6), grilled lobster... You might even go for a designer platter (starting from €23 per person), a bar carpaccio with yuzu lemon (€22.50), or fish & chips (€23.50). But our guilty pleasure on each visit remains undoubtedly the rockfish soup, generously served with rouille and golden croutons, which, although presented as a starter, satisfies us for an entire meal (€14.50).

La Lorraine, 2 Place des Ternes, Paris 8th. Open every day from 8 am to 11 pm, until midnight on weekends.

The place: Located at the crossroads of Coquillère and Coq Héron streets, a cult address reinvents itself and once again becomes a go-to spot. Chic ambiance in a classy setting designed by Rodaa Studio (Shabour) and Hypnos, paying homage to the original aesthetics of elegant brasseries with walls dressed in solid wood, a marble-covered sun bar, and tables draped in green fir leather chairs. Outside, a lovely terrace where the star of the place reigns: the legendary bell that used to announce the opening and closing of the Halles market. An address that transforms at night by candlelight, a great option for a romantic dinner. Behind the scenes: a formidable team! For the concept, a well-known trio, Victor Cohen, his brother Arthur, and Olivier Leone, already behind successful addresses (Ojii, Onii-San, and Ototo), eager to reinvent the codes of the Parisian brasserie by injecting a good dose of glam.

To try: the challenge is met with talent and creativity. The leek vinaigrette sets the level right from the start and has definitely reconciled us with this classic brasserie dish: smooth and creamy, it becomes indulgent under its hazelnut vinaigrette and shiso oil (€12). As for the chive-topped deviled eggs: no complaints, they are perfect (€10). Next up, a tender Black Angus flank steak grilled over Binchotan charcoal and drizzled with a delicious five-pepper sauce (€25). Room for dessert? Go for the crème brûlée (€10).

Cloche, 1 rue Coq Héron, Paris 1st. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 12 pm to 3 pm and from 7 pm to 1 am, and Sunday to Monday from 12 pm to 5 pm. 01 42 36 03 63.

The place: Geoloc? The corner of Rue Saint-Roch and Avenue de l'Opéra where Thierry Gillier, founder of Zadig & Voltaire, has established his first 5-star hotel in the former headquarters of the brand. If we were to pitch the atmosphere? A place that is both fashionable and fiercely cool, reminiscent of the celebrity and laid-back vibe of the Château Marmont and the unmistakable style of Chiltern Firehouse in London. L’Emil, its fashionable table, delivers everything you'd expect from a chic brasserie in the vein of Lipp or L'Ami Louis with perfect mastery of the craft and products flirting with excellence.

To try: the simplicity of very good food. Frisée salad with lardons (€18), truffle-infused tarama and burnt lemon (€19), sole meunière (€65), black pudding and candied apples with Grand Veneur sauce (€34), chicken paillard with green vegetables (€43), or a Corsican sea bass with white butter and vodka (€49). To finish: an indulgent chocolate mousse and pavlova to share for the sweet-toothed. Seasonal fruit cuts for those craving something lighter. Also worth noting: Moscow Mule, Negroni, Mojito, Gin & Tonic, Margarita, Pimm’s: impeccably crafted potions to order at the table or, after the party, at the Coquille d'Or: the very festive and jet-set bar of Château Voltaire.

L’Emil at Château Voltaire, 55 rue Saint-Roch, Paris 1st. 01 53 45 91 01. Open for breakfast Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 10:30 am (until 11:30 am on Sundays), continuous service from 12 pm to 10:30 pm Monday to Saturday, Sunday from 12 pm to 3:30 pm.

The place: Behind this successful address, you'll find Arnaud Lacombe (Savoir Vivre) and his consistently outstanding team from Deviant, Vivant, Da Graziella, and the Hotel Bourbon, where (very) well-sourced goodies, high-profile guests, and natural wine converge—the winning formula of the moment's taste. The same recipe for success as in previous establishments since its opening, where models, journalists, art directors, producers, actors, gallery owners, agents, and stylists flock to this downright stunning fashionable brasserie.

To try: when a sexy brasserie reinvents the foodie-chic seafood platter: we applaud! It offers a tasting of 6 oysters No. 3, whelks with mayo, octopus carpaccio, scallops, and 3 langoustines (Prince platter, €75), as well as comforting dishes like gnocchi with Roquefort sauce and walnuts (€19), stuffed cabbage with smoked eel (€23), or clementine carpaccio with ricotta and capers as an appetizer (€11). Note: Happy Hour from Wednesday to Saturday from 7 pm to 8:30 pm with moules frites for €12 and pet-nat wine for €5.

Le Collier de la Reine, 57 rue Charlot, Paris 3rd. Open Wednesday to Friday from 7 pm to 1:45 am, Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm to 3 pm and from 7 pm to 1:45 am.

 

brasserie paris longchamps

The place: A pleasant surprise from Paris Society in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, the coveted terrace of the ParisLongchamp racecourse welcomes guests on race days as well as after a stroll in the Bagatelle gardens. On one side: very romantic white garden tables and chairs. On the other: a Parisian brasserie vibe with woven chairs and green marble tables.

For both: impeccable service. Proper attire required: here, we are among chic people... It's the perfect time to bring out your pretty straw hat.

Note inside: an astonishing library filled with "Horse Racing Calendars" from the beginning of the last century to the present day, and other bibles of the perfect turfist.

To try: although the venue chooses not to highlight a particular chef, the plates are clever and indulgent, ready to satisfy both gourmets and meat lovers eager to tackle their weekend steak frites. However, a key focus is on seasonality and thoughtful sourcing. Among the fresh starters: a bunch of radishes with salt (€14) or a sea bream tartare with avocado, a delight (€18). If we've seen our neighbors eagerly dive into their linguine verde alla stracciatella (€23), the supreme free-range chicken, hash browns, and truffle jus (€26) will please hearty appetites. Finally, dessert joy with good strawberries and whipped cream (€16), a perfectly executed crème brûlée (€14), or Philippe Faur's ice creams and sorbets (€10).

Brasserie ParisLongchamp, 2 Route des Tribunes, Paris 16th. 01 44 30 75 52. Reservation recommended on race days. Wednesday to Friday 12pm-3pm and 7pm-10pm, Saturday 12pm-10pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm.

 

brasserie des arts

The place: Nestled on the iconic Rue Saint-André-des-Arts, Brasserie des Arts offers the best of hearty gastronomy in a sophisticated setting with a touch of Art Nouveau, enhanced by architect Jessica Mille. In the kitchen, it's the women who lead the way! Chef Valentine Davase (from Le Réfectoire) delights with her simply effective market cuisine, embracing tradition in this highly polished décor. Notice pretty girls discreetly descending the stairs from 10 pm? That's normal. Surprise, downstairs a club awaits, welcoming night owls around a cocktail bar with a DJ to set the mood for all. Keep it in mind for a birthday celebration!

To try: Start the festivities with a chic cocktail like the refreshing Garden Bloom (gin, cucumber, elderflower liqueur, lemon, sparkling wine, €15). For starters, indulge in herb vinaigrette leeks with croutons and trout eggs (€12), fragrant homemade duck foie gras with pear chutney (€22), or whelks with mayo (€14) before the main courses: supreme free-range chicken with mashed potatoes (€26) and a superb hand-prepared beef tartare, crunchy fries, and salad (€22). Save room for the crème brûlée (€9) and make a promise to return for lunch to try the weekly special: on Mondays, it's ham and cheese macaroni!

Brasserie des Arts, 28 Rue Saint-André des Arts, Paris 6th, 01 81 70 45 70. Open daily from 10 am to 2 am.

 

phv

The place: It's the most sought-after socialite and festive address in the western part of Paris. Laura Gonzalez brings back to life this mythical 16th arrondissement venue, transforming it into an ultimately glamorous rendezvous with very pop and 70’s vibes. Fully embracing the new trend of seafood bars and great cocktails sweeping Paris, PVH (Petit Victor Hugo) presents itself as the most stylish marine brasserie of the moment. Special mention for its highly coveted terrace at the slightest ray of sunshine.

To try: The remarkable sourcing extends to the plate, with options like lobster macaroni (€43), an unmissable sea bass carpaccio with black sesame and ginger as an appetizer (€18), or a roasted veal saddle with cream and Paris mushrooms (€27). Special mentions go to the No. 4 Black Pearl oysters (€28) and the caviar from La Maison Nordique (€89) for those craving something from the sea, to be followed by roasted octopus with burnt lemon (€34).

PVH, 143 Avenue Victor Hugo, Paris 16th. Open daily from 8 am to 10 pm.

 

rosie

The place: The Bastille neighborhood finally sees its return to cool with Rosie, a budget-friendly brasserie thoughtfully crafted by two former members of Big Mamma. Taking the place of the former Irish pub Corcoran’s, John Whelan (from Bouillon Julien, Brasserie Floderer) creates a baroque-countryside decor with large chandeliers and rough wall panels.

In other words: the new trendy spot, Instagram-compatible, already frequented by budget-conscious foodie millennials. The pleasant surprise: three ultra-fun lounges upstairs can be reserved at no extra cost, decorated like kitschy grandmother's houses with printed wallpaper, vintage wedding portraits, and pink vintage toilets.

To try: A playful menu proudly advocating 100% homemade dishes with an ultra-friendly price-quality ratio: duck foie gras (€12), crispy pork cromesquis (€10), Limousin lamb shoulder (€19), Charolais beef tartare (€16), indulgent ham and truffle macaroni (€19), or a classic sausage and mashed potatoes like grandma used to make (€13). And for those with a sweet tooth, the thin apple tart with Isigny cream stands out as the star dessert (€6), along with the indulgent Paris-Brest (€8).

Brasserie Rosie, 53 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, Paris 11th. 01 45 70 82 39. Open every day for lunch and dinner.

 

la coupole

The place: One of the most renowned restaurants in Paris, it hosted the wildest parties during the time of Joséphine Baker and served Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, and even Pablo Picasso in its Art Deco setting, which hasn't lost an ounce of its charming luxury. Nestled on Boulevard Montparnasse, you're inevitably drawn in by its sage velvet banquettes, iconic columns, lovely golden bar, and artworks, an ultimately chic decor for hosting a birthday dinner (where the servers sing: it's tradition!). Worth knowing: once a month, the basement transforms into a dance hall hosting Paris Follies, La Coupole's burlesque concerts and shows, in a wildly mischievous cabaret spirit. Dress code is a must, and the party lasts all night—you're going to love it.

To try: Obviously, the seafood platters are a must, with the signature platter priced at €49.50 (9 oysters, 2 almonds, 2 clams, 3 organic pink Madagascar prawns, grey shrimps, whelks, winkles). Dive into a bone marrow à la bordelaise (€13.50), langoustine ravioli (€17.50), an epic sauerkraut dish (€29.50), and calf liver with parsley (€24.50) to fully enjoy the local delights, before finishing lightly with a floating island dessert (€8.50).

La Coupole, 102 Boulevard du Montparnasse, Paris 14th. Open daily from 8 am to 12 am.