For the traveler that focuses on international cuisine, there is nothing better than venturing off to Paris and experiencing the numerous dining venues that are literally available around every corner. If you have not experienced the vast world of eateries that exists in the city, you have missed out on one of the world’s greatest treasures. Without the knowledge of where to go for the ultimate in dining pleasures, you could easily end your holiday or vacation in the “City of Light” without ever experiencing true French dining.
One of the many renowned dining venues that this European city has to offer is the “brasserie”, easily one of the most targeted culinary and social venues that the capital of France has to offer. Unchanged for a century or more, the brasserie is nothing short of a cultural monument and a must-experience dining venue on any international traveler’s holiday or vacation itinerary.
Brasseries are so much more than just your typical restaurants and they are always the most memorable of experiences. It is the ultimate experience where Parisian dining is concerned and extremely affordable for those traveling on a tight budget. The brasserie is still one of the few places that you can truly experience (feel, see, and smell) what the city of Paris is all about.
The following are the top 4 picks for brasseries to dine out while visiting one of the most historical cities in the entire European continent:
Bofinger Brasserie (Bastille)
Founded over 140 years ago by Frédéric Bofinger, it was immediately popular and has remained a favorite place to eat for both locals and travelers alike. It was an extremely small restaurant at first which served tap beer, which was literally unheard of at the time.
Boeuf sur le toit (Champs Elysees)
Situated just off the well known Champs Elysees, this brasserie is mythical and still being enjoyed by the intellectual elite of Paris. During the 1930’s, it became one of Paris’ primary centers for musical entertainment, specifically jazz music. Its popularity is founded in its seafood venue which is one of the best you will find in the city. Additionally, there is mezzanine dining to be enjoyed within a stone’s throw of one of the world’s most historical thoroughfares.
La Coupole (Montparnasse)
The first “warehouse” style restaurant to open in Paris and dating back to 1927, it features the best of traditional French entrees. Fabulous artwork tops the architectural columns that adorn the structure and serves to divide this brasserie into very intimate sections.
Le Train Bleu (Gare de Lyon)
Established in 1901, it is referred to as an unusual restaurant based on its unique atmosphere hosted by the Gare de Lyon railway station and whose tables are upstairs overlooking the crowds waiting to catch their train.
Top hotels in Paris
- Hotel de La Paix – 2-star hotel in Tour Eiffel/Invalides area. Room rates starting from €85/£72.7/$109.9
- Hotel All Seasons Asnieres Centre – 2-star hotel in La Défense area. Room rates starting from €52/£44.5/$67.2
- Hotel Paris Innova – 2-star hotel in Montparnasse-Porte de Versailles area. Room rates starting from €55/£47/$71.1
- Hotel Amarys Simart – 1-star hotel located in Montmartre – Pigalle – Sacre Coeur. Room rates starting from €63/£53.9/$81.4
Photo of the Le Train Bleu sign in Paris, by austinevan.
One response to “How to Experience a True French Dining in Paris”
Report an inappropriate commentMay 13th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
BEWARE those on a tight budget.
While these places are nice to visit and experience, they are by no mean cheap! The article says “extremely affordable for those traveling on a tight budget.” This is NOT correct. They are some of the most expensive brasserie in the city.
I’ve been living in Paris for 4 years and have been to many brasserie including the ones mentioned here.
Bon appetite!
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