5 Parisian restaurants with movie-style decor
Paris is full of restaurants with timeless charm, where you’d think you were in a movie set. Here are five addresses with a unique ambience.
Chez Julien, an address worthy of a period film
Located in the heart of the Marais, Chez Julien is a veritable nugget for lovers of elegant, romantic atmospheres. Housed in a listed former bakery, the restaurant has retained all the splendor of its past.
From the moment you enter, you’re transported to a Belle Époque setting: large gilded mirrors, refined moldings, crystal chandeliers and red velvet banquettes. The hushed ambience, subdued lighting and candles on every table add a touch of mystery, worthy of a period film.
In the kitchen, the chef offers a refined menu featuring French gastronomy. For starters, homemade foie gras melts in the mouth, while salmon tartar with citrus fruits adds a touch of freshness.
The main courses are equally seductive. Duck breast with figs is a delight, while roast sea bass with sauce vierge will delight fish lovers. For gourmets, Madagascan vanilla crème brûlée and caramelized Tarte Tatin are a must.
Chez Julien is the perfect setting for a romantic film scene or elegant evening. It’s easy to imagine actors in period costume toasting a budding romance.
1 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, 75004 Paris
Comptoir de la Gastronomie, the authenticity of a cinematic Paris
In the Halles district, Comptoir de la Gastronomie resembles those Parisian restaurants seen in auteur films, where the main characters exchange profound dialogues between two glasses of wine.
This restaurant, which also serves as a delicatessen, showcases local French produce. Its authentic decor, with dark wood panelling, shelves full of wine bottles and period lighting fixtures, immediately plunges you into the atmosphere of a Parisian bistro of yesteryear.
The menu is an ode to French gastronomy. For starters, the pan-seared foie gras is a sensation, as is the onion soup au gratin, served in a steaming bowl, just like in the movies about old Paris.
The dishes are just as generous. Truffle ravioli, rich in flavor, and roast duck breast with honey and mild spices will appeal to discerning palates. Fish lovers opt for the melt-in-the-mouth, fragrant home-smoked salmon.
For dessert, caramelized pear tart or chocolate mi-cuit round off this culinary journey on a gourmet note.
With its timeless setting and warm ambience, Comptoir de la Gastronomie is the perfect place for a movie scene where friends remake the world over a bottle of Burgundy.
Comptoir de la Gastronomie, 34 Rue Montmartre, 75001 Paris
Le Vaudeville, a stage worthy of the great Parisian films
This historic restaurant facing the Bourse boasts an impressive Art Deco decor. Leather banquettes, gilded fixtures and mosaics transport you to a Paris of the 1920s.
The atmosphere is reminiscent of film noir, where secret conversations are whispered out of sight.
The menu features typical Parisian brasserie dishes. Fresh oysters, beef tartare prepared in the dining room, and macaroni and truffle gratin are must-tries.
Fast, elegant service makes this the ideal address for a meal with friends or a chic get-together.
Vaudeville, 29 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris
Maxim’s – The Art Nouveau icon of cinema
This legendary restaurant, decorated in the purest Art Nouveau style, has been the setting for numerous films. It has played host to film and fashion icons.
Carved woodwork, huge mirrors and colored glass lamps create a luxurious, timeless ambience. It’s the perfect setting for a high-flying dinner, worthy of the great scenes of classic cinema.
The menu features traditional French gastronomy, with dishes such as chateaubriand sauce béarnaise, lobster thermidor, and Grand Marnier soufflé.
Maxim’s, 3 Rue Royale, 75008 Paris
Bouillon Racine, a Belle Époque setting worthy of a historical film
This listed restaurant is a real trip back in time.
Carved woodwork, colorful stained glass and mirrors give the impression of being in a period movie set.
The cuisine pays homage to French traditions with dishes like onion soup au gratin and boeuf bourguignon.
The unique atmosphere makes it a must for lovers of sumptuous decor and comfort food.
Bouillon Racine, 3 Rue Racine, 75006 Paris
