The 10 best brasseries in Paris

Brasseries emerged in the Parisian dining scene in the late 1800s and they continue to thrive today. Historically, brasseries refer to breweries but over the decades, the term has evolved to mean restaurants serving traditional French dishes.

Typically, these restaurants feature lavish dining halls and an all-day service running late into the night. During your trip, visit the best brasseries in Paris to immerse in local culture and indulge in good food.

Founded in 1686, Le Procope is a charming brasserie tucked in the heart of Saint-Germain des Prés. Back in its glory days, this was the gathering point of famous writers and intellectuals such as Rousseau, Diderot, and Verlaine.

The brasserie remains deliberately old-fashioned with crystal chandeliers on the ceiling and aged portraits on the walls. Ask for a seat in the dining room upstairs to tour the brasserie in its entirety. Keep an eye out for artifacts like Napoleon’s hat, Voltaire’s desk, and Marie Antoinette’s final letter.

Le Procope champions its recipes that remain unchanged through generations. Try the legendary coq au vin (chicken braised in wine) or tête de veau (calf’s head) and complete the meal with a Procopio-style tiramisu.

Brasserie Floderer describes itself as the most Alsatian brasserie in Paris. It specializes in foods from Alsace, a French region with German heritage, since its opening in 1918. With its dark wood paneling, stained glass and leather seats, the brasserie gives off a formal air.

The standout on the menu is choucroute or sauerkraut which is served with either sausages or salmon. Pair the meal with fine wines from Alsace—perhaps a bottle of Pinot Noir. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t skip dessert. The brasserie’s profiteroles, which are pastry balls drizzled with hot chocolate, are highly recommended.

A former mansion, Le Grand Colbert is located just steps away from Galerie Vivienne in central Paris. This brasserie rose to international fame when it was featured in the film Something's Gotta Give which stars Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton.

As you make your way to your seat, take in the old world decor from the ornate ceilings to the mosaic floors. Spot the bust of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the minister of King Louis XIV.

For starters, order the French classics of onion soup and escargots. Then move on to your choice of meat or seafood with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. The roasted chateaubriand steak with Lyonnaise potatoes is perfect for sharing if you’re dining as a pair.

For over 120 years, Bouillon Chartier has remained committed to its goal of offering high-quality food at modest prices. Step into any of its three brasseries in Paris (at Grands Boulevards, Montparnasse or Gare de l’Est) to travel back in time. It’s not just the decor that evokes a bygone era. Here, waiters stick to their tradition of scribbling down orders on the paper tablecloth.

This brasserie is a firm favorite among Parisians and tourists alike. It doesn’t accept advance bookings, so long lines are a common sight. The only way to avoid the wait is to come for an early lunch or dinner. Once you’re seated, take your pick from an extensive menu of traditional French dishes such as foie gras, duck confit, and beef bourguignon. Round up your meal on a sweet note with a cup of homemade Chantilly cream.

Close to Gare du Nord, Brasserie Bellanger prides itself on its homemade dishes based on fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers. As such, it has a small menu that changes with the season. Inside, the furnishings are elegant with touches of greenery. The centerpiece is the bar that’s stocked with locally-produced wines and cocktails.

When the sun shines, grab a prime seat under the hanging plants out front. Watch the world go by as you tuck into croque monsieur, which is a ham and cheese sandwich. Save some room for the highly-raved Paris-Brest. In case you’re not acquainted with this dessert, it’s a doughnut-shaped choux pastry with a praline cream.

Fine dining meets brasserie at 114 Faubourg. Helmed by Eric Frechon and Loïc Dantec, this establishment has been a proud recipient of a Michelin star for 10 years straight. Its interior is warm and convivial but not flashy, allowing the spotlight to shine on the food.

If you’re the type to sit back and let the chefs take you on a gastronomic journey, then opt for the tasting menu. It comes with five courses, starting with the king crab egg with ginger and lemon mayo. An à la carte menu is also available, together with an extensive drinks list and a sommelier to guide your wine pairing.

Brasserie Les Deux Palais sits opposite the Sainte-Chapelle and Palais de Justice de Paris on Île de la Cité, the little island in the Seine River. With mirrored walls and high columns, the brasserie’s decor reflects the grandeur of the Belle Époque.

This is a great spot for a traditional French breakfast comprising croissants, tartines with butter and jam, coffee, and freshly-squeezed orange juice. Even if you’ve had lunch elsewhere, you can drop by for a glass of wine and a platter of cheese, or perhaps some homemade crepes with your choice of topping—chocolate, salted butter, or a sprinkling of sugar.

After satisfying your cravings here, wander around the corner to explore Marché aux Fleurs, a market brimming with plants and flowers.

In the 1920s, La Closerie des Lilas was the meeting place for intellectuals and artists living in Paris. Among the great names that have walked through its doors are Oscar Wilde, Pablo Picasso, Émile Zola, and Ernest Hemingway. Today, this brasserie is popular among celebrities and if you’re lucky, you might spot someone you recognize at the next table.

It’s hard not to feel nostalgic as you dine here. Touches of dark wood and leather set the backdrop, while the musician behind the piano bar completes the relaxed ambiance. Whet your appetite with seafood starters like oysters or sea urchins. Also, take the opportunity to sample the quenelles de brochet (pike dumplings)—this delicacy is rarely found in restaurants these days.

No matter the time of the year, local diners outnumber tourists at Brasserie Les Muses. This refreshingly modern brasserie in the 16th arrondissement remains under the radar despite rave reviews. While it’s small in size, it’s big on hearty and homely food at reasonable prices.

The menu features typical brasserie fare like beef tartare and some vegetarian options. If you can’t make up your mind, go with the plat du jour which is the dish of the day. Save some room for dessert because this brasserie excels on the sweet front. The chocolate mousse, in particular, deserves a special mention.

La Poule au Pot is a Parisian institution that opened its doors in 1935. In June 2018, it passed hands to talented chef Jean-François Piège and his wife Elodie. Together, they gave the brasserie a facelift and brought French bourgeois cuisine from the 1900s back to life. The food is comfortingly traditional with the likes of frog’s legs and escargots for starters, and hachis parmentier (beef and potato casserole) and blanquette de veau (veal ragout) for mains.

Today, this brasserie continues to attract celebrities far and wide. During your visit, you can see their names on the brass plaques that decorate the dining room. Just remember to make a booking to secure your seat.

More like this: