As gourmets of the capital, it’s hard to have missed the Parisian bouillon craze. A major part of Parisian culinary tradition, these generous, inexpensive bistros have been on a roll for some years now. Nuggets of the Art Nouveau movement, people flock to them both for their typical brasserie cuisine and for their decor, reminiscent of the Paris of yesteryear. Today, since the choice can be a daunting one, let us guide you through some of the capital’s best bouillons.
Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond
Historic, charming and downright good, Pharamond ticks all the boxes of the bouillon we like to keep jealously in our little address book. Not the best known, but certainly one of the best, Petit Bouillon Pharamond has been established in the belly of Paris since 1832! In its busy, Belle-Époque setting, you can indulge in the best of traditional Parisian cuisine, as well as specialties from elsewhere, such as the famous Caen-style tripe.
📍Petit Bouillon Pharamond – 24, rue de la Grande Truanderie, 75001
Le Bouillon Pigalle
Often mentioned when talking about the capital’s coolestrestaurants, Le Bouillon Pigalle is also one of those that sells out every night. Sublimated by a pleasant touch of modernity, it doesn’t betray the characteristics of the traditional bouillon. On the menu, blanquette, roast veal, coquillettes au bouillon and all the comforting dishes of bistro cuisine at mini prices. And for the record, every year the establishment hosts the prestigious World Mayo Egg Championship!
📍Bouillon Pigalle – 22, boulevard de Clichy, 75018
Le Bouillon Julien
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“Here, everything is beautiful, good, inexpensive.” these were the words of Édouard Fournier, the founder of Bouillon Julien, to describe his restaurant in 1906. Today, the tradition lives on in the restaurant, which is listed as a historic monument, and dishes continue to be served daily under the majestic stained-glass windows. Édith Piaf’s favorite restaurant could also become one of yours!
📍Bouillon Julien, 16, rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010
Le Bouillon Chartier
It’s hard to make a selection of the capital’s best bouillons without mentioning Chartier. It is estimated that over 50 million meals have been served here since the institution was founded in 1896. Veal Marengo, petit salé or Alsatian sauerkraut: here, too, you can sample all the most emblematic dishes of French culture.
📍Bouillon Chartier – 7, rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009
Le Bouillon des Vignes
For lovers of the charming Batignolles district, this is the perfect address. Behind a discreet façade, Bouillon des Vignes delights local residents with Win Van Gorp’s cuisine. Beef tartare, petit salé or celeriac tart, there are a thousand ways to enjoy this unique bouillon.
📍 Bouillon des Vignes – 45, rue des Moines, 75017
Le Bouillon
Simply named, Le Bouillon is a bistro, café, restaurant, wine bar and all in one. The menu is closer to a brasserie than a bouillon, but you’ll be delighted by a fine duck confit, an Italian-style tartar or a salmon tournedos made to perfection!
📍 Le Bouillon – 10, rue Saint-Marc, 75002
Le Bouillon Racine
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Less well known than its counterparts in Paris, Bouillon Racine has a rather singular history. Initially frequented by the truly modest, it later enjoyed a resurgence in popularity among the more affluent classes before undergoing a major renovation in 1996. Today, its absolutely sumptuous setting attracts gourmets from all horizons to come and immerse themselves in the Paris of yesteryear. A must-try!
📍Bouillon Racine – 3, rue Racine, 75006
Le Bouillon République
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The latest addition to the family, the Bouillon République rose from the ground in September 2021 on Boulevard du Temple. Since then, this veritable anthill has been serving 400 covers lunch and dinner in its huge, high-ceilinged rooms. The little brother of Bouillon Pigalle, it offers everything that made the first address such a success: delicious traditional recipes at low prices.
📍Bouillon République – 39, boulevard du Temple
Le Petit Bouillon Vavin
One of the lesser-known establishments in this selection is Le Petit Bouillon Vavin, with its small, pleasant terrace. Here, special attention is paid to 100% homemade dishes, and you can feel it right away on the plate! Knife sausage, crayfish linguine or marrow bones: everything is fresh, everything is delicious, everything is inexpensive!
📍Petit Bouillon Vavin – 119, boulevard du Montparnasse, 75006
Comme un Bouillon
In the heart of the Opéra district, Comme un bouillon stands out from other restaurants thanks to its very affordable menu. In an old-fashioned decor, brimming with nuggets, you can enjoy a host of typical bistro dishes in a highly convivial atmosphere. An address to try out as soon as possible!
📍Comme un Bouillon – 17, rue Choiseul, 75002
It’s up to you to try them out!