Paris and its famous cafes and best brasseries. That is seeing and being seen. Many have retained the charm of 1920s Paris and are well worth a visit. Did you know that the classic brasserie in Paris is a kind of ‘big sister’ of the bistro? Originally, a brasserie was just a brewery where you could drink the beer on the spot. Now you can go there for typical French dishes. The breathtaking Art Deco interior is the ideal setting for the top classics served here. Also read our article with our selection of 10 trendy & cool restaurants in Paris for culinary enjoyment.
Paris may be known as the city of love, but in our opinion it should really be called the city of gastronomy. Take a seat as Parisien or Parisienne and enjoy a traditional dish and a good glass of wine in one of the authentic top brasseries in Paris and imagine yourself back in time. It’s about time we shared our tips for the best brasseries and iconic cafes on the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) in Paris. These are 5 famous cafés and authentic top brasseries in Paris.
• Fun to do: Dinner at Madame Brasserie in the Eiffel Tower →
1. Café de Flore: one of the best cafés in Paris (6th)
Ah Café de Flore! Don’t just say drink a coffee at Café de Flore. One of the oldest coffee houses where you can relive the authentic Parisian atmosphere of the 20th century. Café de Flore was opened in 1880. A classic brasserie in Paris with an art deco interior that has remained unchanged to this day.
Many celebrities and tourists come here to enjoy a drink or lunch. Just walk in and who knows, you might run into Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre or Picasso. Of course it is not cheap, but just enjoy it is the message. You are in one of the best and most famous cafes in Paris.
172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris | cafedeflore.fr →
2. La Coupole: top famous brasserie in Montparnasse (14th)
Another famous top brasserie in Paris is La Coupole, located on Boulevard Montparnasse. Founded in 1927 with no fewer than 500 seats. La Coupole used to be the meeting place for artists and art lovers. Picasso, Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir were regular guests.
Truly a concept in Paris and a jewel of art deco. Especially the pillars with paintings are beautiful. So don’t forget to walk in when you’re near Montparnasse. Or enjoy lunch or dinner on the beautiful terrace. At La Coupole it is also about seeing and being seen. A very good brasserie in Paris.
102 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris | lacoupole-paris.com →
3. Les Deux Magots: an iconic institution in Paris (6th)
A Parisian institution, Café Les Deux Magots continues to be a well-known meeting place for writers, mingling with tourists from around the world. Located on the Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés with a nice view of the church. There is a traditional and typical Parisian atmosphere with waiters in black and white, red chairs and mahogany tables.
A visit to this iconic and famous café in Paris is always an experience. It is better not to pay attention to the prices here either. Nice to know: the name “Les Deux Magots” comes from the brand of a store that used to be on the same location.
6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris | lesdeuxmagots.fr →
4. Café Procope: the oldest café in Paris (6th)
Located in the heart of the Saint-Germain district, Café Procope is the oldest café in Paris. Opened in 1686 by Sicilian chef Procopio Cutò, it was the center of Paris’ artistic and literary community. A place with a rich history whose decor has remained intact. Some of the many famous visitors to Le Procope were Balzac, Victor Hugo and Napoleon. Just to name a few.
Even today, the charm of Le Procope attracts the world’s greatest artists who come to enjoy the house specialties such as coq au vin, veal head in a casserole or the traditional millefeuille. And all this in a beautiful setting. Booking in advance is a must.
13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris | procope.com →
5. Brasserie Lipp: more than 135 years of history (6th)
Brasserie Lipp is also a household name among Paris lovers. An authentic and iconic brasserie in Saint-Germain-des-Prés for over 135 years. Since its foundation in 1880 by Léonard Lipp, the Brasserie has enjoyed a solid literary and political reputation.
You can go there for traditional dishes such as the delicious Choucroute with Riesling or the Andouillette. Enjoy the delicious food, but especially the ambiance and pleasant crowds that always prevail. Nice to know: they also have their own beer that doesn’t taste bad at all!
151 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris | brasserielipp.fr →
The special atmosphere, the antique decor and the grandma style dishes make these brasseries and cafes in Paris unique and unmissable places. It is here that, sometimes more than 100 years ago, the most legendary breweries were born.
These are the best hotels to stay in Paris right now
• 7x Best hotels closest to Eiffel Tower with view
• 7x Best cheap hotels in Paris on a budget
• 6x Best boutique hotels in Le Marais Paris
• 5x Best boutique hotels in Montmartre Paris
• 12x Best romantic hotels in Paris for couples
• 7x The most expensive hotel rooms in Paris
• 8x Most charming boutique hotels in Paris
• More hotels in Paris? Have a look at booking.com
