Today, Paris' dining scene meshes new flavors and styles from all four corners of globe, but its historic restaurants remain portals to the city's storied past. Iconic venues like La Tour d'Argent and Jules Verne at the Eiffel Tower tend to be on most travelers’ checklists when visiting, but Paris is also home to lesser-known treasures that capture the essence of traditional dining. In these centuries-old settings, classic dishes are given a contemporary twist, with chefs focusing on lighter preparations and locally sourced produce. Venturing into these gems reveals a side of the city's culinary excellence that might be steeped in tradition but that also very much looks forward.
Lucas Carton: An Art Nouveau Portal To The Past With A Modern Twist
Lucas Carton is a Parisian icon located opposite the Madeleine Church that goes back to 1839. The restaurant itself truly came into its own in 1860 under the stewardship of a certain Mr Augis, who christened it “La Taverne de France” and transformed it into somewhat of a social hub for Napoleon III’s elite.
Its story continued to unfold in 1880 when Augis’ successor rebranded the establishment “Lucas” and commissioned the renowned designer Louis Majorelle to create its signature Art Nouveau woodwork. The flowing design crafted from maple, sycamore and Ceylon lemonwood turned Lucas Carton into an icon, drawing art lovers from all over the world.
In between wars, the restaurant was acquired by yet another owner, Mr Carton, thus resulting in the name “Lucas Carton” we know today. And since 1924, this Michelin-starred spot has remained a cherished fixture on the Parisian dining scene, its historic interiors still intact to this day.
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Under the direction of young culinary virtuoso Hugo Bourny, Lucas Carton now marries its illustrious past with contemporary flair, putting this age-old spot back at the top of dining lists. Bourny, who has honed his skills alongside three-star chefs like Anne-Sophie Pic and Arnaud Donckele, brings a fresh, intuitive approach to the experience.
Diners can choose from four to seven courses, showcasing the best of French produce and sustainable practices, with each dish crafted to perfection. Highlights include juicy tomatoes paired with raw cream, or mussels with saffron foam, while mains like tea-smoked red mullet and Val d’Oise leeks with caviar reflect Bourny’s creative spirit. A huge cheese trolley to remember and exquisite desserts from Sylvain Goujon complete the dining experience.
Brasserie Lipp: A French Institution Just As It Should Be
When it comes to choosing a proper Parisian brasserie for lunch, Brasserie Lipp in Saint-Germain-des-Prés stands out as the clear choice over its more tourist-heavy neighbors across the street, Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore.
For over 130 years, Lipp has remained a steadfast institution, renowned for its intimate atmosphere that attracts a discerning clientele of artists, fashion designers, and politicians, all seeking a more refined experience away from the bustling crowds that flood its rivals. Lipp’s dedication to culture extends beyond the culinary, as it has awarded the Prix Cazes literary prize annually since 1935, spotlighting promising French-language authors each March.
Its got all the timeless charm you could want, unchanged since the 1920s: the iconic drum door, Moleskine banquettes, floral hop wall motifs, Léon Fargues ceramics, and Charly Garrey’s painted ceilings, and cheeky signs advising diners cheques aren't accepted or that one should refrain from smoking one's pipe inside.
Since it opened, the brasserie has been a go-to for the Parisian elite, from fashion designers and influential journalists to literary figures and Hollywood stars. The likes of Verlaine, Françoise Sagan, Kate Moss, and Emmanuel Macron have all dined here, contributing to its storied reputation. Lipp is also notable for its distinctive detail—for instance, its mirrors are tilted at a 10-degree angle to allow patrons to surreptitiously observe the comings and goings and remain wholly discreet.
Menu-wise, Brasserie Lipp has retained its classic offerings. There's a meat-focused daily specials that cater to modern tastes while still celebrating its traditional roots, but the buttery sole meunière served with fluffy mashed potatoes is a showstopper.
Le Clarence: A Palatial Two-Star Spot Steps From The Champs-Elysées
While Le Clarence may not claim the title of the oldest restaurant in town, its setting within a historic hôtel particulier imbues it with a timeless allure and grandeur that rivals Paris’s most storied establishments. In a city renowned for its magnificent buildings and private mansion houses, dining in one remains a rare privilege. Yet, at Le Clarence, housed in a meticulously restored 1882 gem, guests are invited to revel in a regal ambiance while indulging in the culinary artistry of two-star chef Christophe Pelé.
An exceptional venue with a impressive wine cellar on the ground floor, living rooms and dining spaces, as well as private salons, are scattered along the upper floors, is the brainchild of the Prince of Luxembourg, who also helms the prestigious Bordeaux wine estates of Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, and Quintus under the Domaine Clarence Dillon banner. At Le Clarence, he brings a taste of Bordeaux to the heart of Paris, offering a distinguished selection of wines from one of France’s premier regions to complement Pelé’s exquisite creations.
The restaurant's opulent interiors unfold across several floors, linked by a grand marble staircase. Lavishly decorated salons, adorned with objets d’art and crystal chandeliers, provide the perfect setting for pre-dinner drinks. The main dining room, resplendent with rich woodwork, tapestries, antique furniture, plush flower-patterned carpets, and bookcases filled with literary treasures, harks back to the Age of Enlightenment, enveloping diners in an atmosphere of refined elegance.
Chef Pelé’s menu points to his meticulous approach, changing daily to reflect the seasons, his inspirations, and the specific guests in attendance. A native of Brittany, his culinary prowess often shines through in his fish dishes.
Highlights include a starter of snacked langoustine with sesame sauce, accented by red oxalis flowers, rhubarb sauce, and caviar pearls with Vesuve peas, and a main course of succulent turbot fish with daikon. With a menu that never repeats, even within a week, each visit to Le Clarence promises a perpetually thrilling dining experience.
Le Châlet Des Iles: The Ultimate Lakeside Escape
Newly revamped, the renovated Châlet des Iles is more than a hyped-up makeover of breezy interiors that reflect the bucolic setting, and has upgraded its menu to tasty Mediterranean bites worth crossing town for.
Situated on the banks of a lake in the Boulogne woods, the chalet, which was originally an import from Switzerland by Empress Eugénie de Montijo, Empress of France as the wife of Napoleon III until the Emperor was overthrown in 1870, retains its historical charm while embracing a more modern ethos.
There's a wooden motorboat to ferry you across the lake to the restaurant, which sits on its own small island. Tables are lined up along the water in the warmer months, and inside the chalet are various dining spaces with lake views, including along the upper terrace. It took three years to renovate with architect Nicolas Laisné replacing the red ceilings and dark drapes with a fresher green and cream palette.
At the culinary helm, consulting chef Pierre Chomet has crafted a menu that echoes the serene setting. His Mediterranean-inspired dishes, such as crunchy octopus with hummus and pomegranate seeds or prawn tartare in pad thai bouillon, showcase a dedication to fresh, healthy ingredients.
Weekends at Châlet des Iles are particularly lively, with crowded tables tucking into extended brunches to the sounds of live music or a DJ.
A L’Epi d’Or: A Taste of History For Modern Palates
In the heart of the completely rejuvenated 1st arrondissem*nt, near the giant circular Bourse de Commerce art foundation, is where you’ll find À l’Épi d’Or, a revived gem of Parisian bistro culture. Husband-and-wife duo Jean-François and Élodie Piège, who already have several establishments under their belt, including two-star Le Grand Restaurant, have breathed new life into this 1920s institution.
A celebration of the classic Parisian bistro experience, there's a menu that is both simple and rich in flavor, featuring weekly specials and favorites like pâté en croûte, croque monsieur and steak tartare—nods to the comfort food that once sustained market workers from the nearby Les Halles. There are also crunchy seasonal vegetables starters—the asparagus in spring with lashings of cream and flaked hazelnuts are divine—and the poisson pané d'Antoine, white fish that's crunchy on the outside, is a must.
The restaurant's interiors have been carefully restored so that it retains its historic charm, with a 1940s-inspired décor, including opaline globe lights and a walnut burl bar. Look up and you'll see the marks from many champagne corks past hitting the ceiling, harping back to a time when punters would end the week here with a celebratory drink. Despite the historic setting, A L'Epi d'Or feels like a fresh local hangout that's not turned its back on the past.
La Grande Cascade: A Chateau-Like Jewel In The Woods
La Grande Cascade, like the Châlet des Iles above, is located in the Boulogne woodson the outskirts of the city proper. Built as a hunting lodge for Napoleon III, it then became a restaurant for the 1900 World Expo.
The restaurant's stately rotunda was actually designed by Gustave Eiffel himself, giving the place a Second Empire look and making the dining room feel like a lofty greenhouse. La Grande Cascade comes with all the theatrics of traditional French dining, from suited and booted staff to the chateau-like setting that could be right out of a fairy tale, making it a must-visit.
It's not all frills and no substance though, and has proudly held a Michelin star since 1965, a testament to its enduring culinary excellence. For the past two decades, chef Frédéric Robert has headed things up in the kitchen, bringing his expertise from celebrated Parisian establishments like Le Grand Véfour and L'Ambroisie. Known for his culinary artistry, especially in sauce preparation, sets the experience apart.
For a more laid-back experience, adjacent to this gastronomic landmark, in the estate's former stables, is the more rustic l'Auberge du Bonheur, which is perfect for a taste of French classics.
La Poule Au Pot: A Glitzy Go-To Serving Classic Staples
Just around the corner from À l’Épi d’Or, the Piège duo's other takeover, is La Poule au Pot, a beacon of French bourgeois cuisine, where plaques discreetly mark the visits of countless celebrities. However, despite a roster of A-list diners, the atmosphere is surprisingly laid back. A storied bistro that used to be a butcher's shop, with powder-pink tablecloths, swirly flower wallpaper, and whimsical tassel lampshades, it's a glimpse into a bygone era.
Under the stewardship of Michelin-starred chef Jean-François and Elodie Piège since 2018, La Poule au Pot has thrived, their passion for culinary tradition evident in the menu of classics. The legendary gratinée à l’oignon, a hearty French onion soup brimming with caramelized onions, broth-soaked bread, and melted cheese, remains a perennial favorite, even in the heat of summer.
The bistro's offerings are a tribute to French culinary heritage, with dishes like os à moelle (bone marrow), frogs' legs, and escargots in garlic-parsley butter. The iconic poule au pot, a dish of whole chicken simmered in a rich broth with vegetables, harkens back to King Henri IV's vision of a Sunday meal for every French citizen.
The dessert menu is equally indulgent, featuring classics such as île flottante with pink pralines and the ever-decadent crêpes suzette, flambéed table side for an unforgettable note to end on.
Bistrot Flaubert: A Culinary Renaissance In A Storied Setting
Bistrot Flaubert may not be the oldest bistro in town, but its location in a former grocery store lends it a distinctive old-world charm. It’s also the best spot to have on your radar when in the neighborhood, where elevated dining options are pretty thin on the ground.
Once Michel Rostang's casual but Michelin-starred bistro, it has been revitalised by restaurant magnate Stéphane Manigold, founder of the Eclore group, which boasts an array of Michelin-starred venues in Paris like Granite and Hémicycle.
The bistro exudes a nostalgic elegance, blending its historic roots with a modern update. Art Nouveau lighting, glass-mounted decor, and a Belle Époque painting framed by bottles evoke the glamour of a bygone era. The lead has now been given to chef Erwan Ledru, previously at the Michelin-starred Substance for his inventive yet refined approach to French staples.
Highlights include a hearty pork and poultry pâté en croûte, artichokes with fresh cheese, and a turbot fish à la grenobloise to start, and extends to main courses of whole roasted pigeon with a smoky barbecue twist and rabbit cooked two ways. Bistrot Flaubert is elevated, blending historical allure with a contemporary twist.
