Our 5 Favorite Bouillons for a Feast Without Breaking the Bank

It’s best to visit outside of peak hours, either very early or very late. Bouillons, extremely popular during the Belle Époque, allowed butchers to sell less noble meat cuts with saucy dishes and marrow bones, delighting both Halles workers and night owls (Colette, Cocteau, Proust, and Apollinaire were obsessed with them…). Fast-forward to the 21st century, and they’ve become ultra-trendy institutions where you can enjoy hearty, affordable dishes and drink good wine without breaking the bank! Here's a roundup of our favorite bouillons, tested and approved.

The place : More than just a bouillon, it’s THE spot to see and be seen by the Parisian elite, from fashion icons to filmmakers and the most in-demand actors of the moment. After the success of Bouillon Pigalle, Paris’ coolest restaurateurs are back with a new location at République, taking over the legendary brasserie Chez Jenny. Don’t expect a copy-paste job—this place is anything but. The Lafont design studio has revived the 1932 vibe : carved woodwork, marquetry, revolving doors, thick carpets, and blown glass lamps… And here’s a bonus : reservations are now possible (hallelujah!), there’s a self-service option for a feast at home, and you can even privatize first-floor rooms for events ranging from birthdays to weddings, with a capacity of 15 to 120 guests, all in this iconic Parisian venue.

What to try : Of course, you’ll find classic hearty dishes like knife-cut sausage with mashed potatoes (€9.60), sea bass fillet with beurre blanc, steamed potatoes, and spinach (€12.90), oysters (€9.90 for half a dozen), a wave of egg mayonnaise (€2.50), leek vinaigrette (€3.40), steak frites with pepper sauce (€12.60), profiteroles (€4.80), lemon meringue tart (€4.60), and Negronis (€6).

Bouillon République , 39 boulevard du Temple, Paris 3rd

© Benoit Linero

The place : An  institution in Les Halles, Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond is being reimagined by Benjamin Moréel and Christopher Préchez (Café de Mars, Lefty, Little Georgette, John Weng, Le POD). Housed in a half-timbered building that spans three floors, this spot exudes Belle Époque charm: large mirrors, red velvet banquettes, wooden stairs, painted mirrors, mosaics, gilding, and glass paste. And let’s not forget the lively terrace on a bustling square in the heart of Paris.

What to try : You’ll find iconic bouillon dishes, all made in-house with French meat, organic eggs, and charcuterie sourced from Olivier Brosset: deviled eggs (€2.50), escargot (€7.50), house-made foie gras (€10.50), truffle macaroni (€8.50), whole roasted sea bream (€13.50), Camembert (€3.90), tarte tatin (€4.90), all to be washed down with a glass of Sauvignon (€4.20). You’ll have a hard time spending more than €25 per person while eating exceptionally well.

Open daily for continuous service.
Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond, 28 rue Pierre Lescot, Paris 1er

The place : Perfect for a post-cinema bite nearby, this newly opened bouillon retains the historical charms that made these establishments famous (red banquettes, white tablecloths, budget-friendly dishes…). Naturally, with the new address comes a special focus on 100% homemade dishes and locally sourced ingredients, even featuring a small garden on the large heated terrace—a perfect lunch spot.

What to try : Half a roasted Camembert with honey (€6.50), marrow bones with fleur de sel (€5.90), onion soup (€5.50), veal liver with raspberry vinegar and homemade mash (€16.40), vegetarian lasagna (€12.50), traditional beef tartare with fries (€15.60), rum savarin (€5.80), homemade chocolate sauce profiteroles (€5.90), and wines by the glass (€6.60 for half a Côtes du Rhône or €5.80 for half a Côtes de Gascogne).

Open 7 days a week from 12 noon to midnight without interruption
Le Petit Bouillon Vavin , 119 boulevard du Montparnasse, Paris 6th.

The place : A true Parisian institution, Bouillon Chartier was opened in 1896 by two brothers and is now run by the brasserie queen Nathalie Godeau (ex-Vagenende, Bouillon Racine). It is the oldest and most famous of Paris’ bouillons, with its magnificent dining room now classified as a historic site. Its Belle Époque ambiance, complete with regulars’ napkin drawers and hat racks above the tables, adds to its allure. Applaud the servers for their dexterity as they scribble down the bill at lightning speed on paper tablecloths.

What to try : Herring filet with oil-soaked potatoes (€3.80), pork muzzle with vinaigrette (€3.80), celery remoulade (€2.70), pike quenelle with shellfish sauce (€8.50), spaghetti bolognese (€8.70), roasted farm chicken with fresh fries (€9), Rocamadour cheese (€2.60), rice pudding (€2.60), whipped cream-topped choux pastry (€3.20), and a carafe of Chardonnay IGP d'Oc (€6.80).

Open every day from 11:30 am to midnight without interruption.
Bouillon Chartier , 7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, Paris 9th.

The place : The Moussié family (Janette, Brasserie Barbès, Hôtel Providence, Le Mansart) made waves in 2017 with Bouillon Pigalle, ushering in the ultra-trendy revival of bouillons, now beloved by Parisian foodies. They’ve maintained their signature budget-friendly prices and hearty, comforting dishes, as well as a commitment to sourcing exceptional ingredients. Special mention goes to the massive heated terrace with 100 seats and views over Pigalle. The ultimate dream: you can now book a table, as well as order takeaway or delivery for a bouillon feast at home.

What to try : Organic egg mayo (€2.50), cauliflower velouté (€3.80), gratinéed onion soup (€3.80), fish rillettes with Espelette pepper (€3.40), Dauphiné ravioli with leek fondue (€9.90), lamb shepherd’s pie (€12.50), lentils with pork belly (€9.80), whipped cream-topped choux pastry (€2.90), caramelized French toast (€4.20), rice pudding (€2.80). Drinks are also served by the glass: €3.80 for a glass, €11.40 for a bottle of white, or a 3L jéroboam of red for €45.60. Each table has its own head waiter, and the bill is settled with the cashier.

Bouillon Pigalle , 22 boulevard de Clichy, Paris 18th.

© Benoît Linero

Discover also a chic brunch for €60 at Madame Rêve and bistros in Paris.