Whether you’re just passing through the City of Light or a Parisian, it’s always a pleasure to sit on the benches of the oldest Alsatian brasserie in Paris. A place steeped in history, blending Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles, where you’ll enjoy dining under a majestic floral dome. Not forgetting, of course, the best sauerkraut in Paris! Do you recognize it? Here’s a hint: it’s not far from the mythical July Column…
The oldest brasserie in Paris? This year, it celebrates 161 years of existence…
Between the Place de la Bastille and the Place des Vosges lies a veritable Parisian institution: the Brasserie Bofinger. For over 150 years, this now emblematic address has stood the test of time without ever losing its soul or the authenticity of its cuisine. Founded in 1864 by Alsatian innkeeper Frédéric Bofinger, it is the oldest Alsatian brasserie in Paris.
At the time, it was the first to serve beer “à la pompe”. In other words, on draught. A novelty that immediately appealed to the Alsatian workers living in the Bastille district. Mug in hand, they like to meet up to enjoy a good beer… from Alsace, of course!
A sumptuous décor, blending Art Nouveau and Art Deco, makes it the most beautiful brasserie in Paris.
The Brasserie Bofinger’s decor is truly breathtaking. In 1919, the establishment was redesigned in Art Nouveau style by architect Legay and decorator Mitgen. A majestic oval dome adorned with floral motifs, a stained-glass window depicting Gambrinus – the legendary king of beer – carved woodwork, ceramic heron statues… The place, sublimely decorated, is in the Belle Époque style. Bofinger has earned a well-deserved nickname: the most beautiful brasserie in Paris.
In the ’30s, the brasserie expanded, incorporating charming Art Deco elements. Beautiful leather banquettes, immense gilded mirrors… Every detail contributes to making Bofinger a simply grandiose place. The unusual anecdote: Gentlemen, don’t be surprised to come across urinals adorned with dolphin heads!
On the menu at Bofinger: seafood, onion soup au gratin and the best sauerkraut in Paris!
And what do you eat in this place steeped in history? Comfortably seated in Bofinger’s leather banquettes, you’ll be tempted by a seafood platter, onion soup au gratin, homemade pâté en croûte, or lobster flambéed in whisky. On the à la carte menu, traditional French cuisine shares the spotlight with Alsatian specialties. Flammekueche, sea bass baeckeoffe with Gewurztraminer or braised beef fondant with Pinot Noir are signature dishes. And of course, it’ s impossible to talk about Bofinger without mentioning its sauerkraut, considered by many to be the best in Paris!
From the huge glass dome to the shows on the plates: a feast for the eyes!
At Paris Secret, we fell for the famous Bofinger sauerkraut, the star of the house. Semi-salted knuckle of pork, Strasbourg sausage, chine, smoked bacon… Thanks to the quality of its products and its know-how, Bofinger sauerkraut has nothing to envy the Alsatians! The little extra? A version generously drizzled with Crémant d’Alsace, sure to delight connoisseurs!
To finish on a high note in the heart of Paris’s finest Alsatian brasserie, we’ve fallen for the Paris-Brest, one of the establishment’s star desserts. And for a real culinary extravaganza, don’t miss the crêpes flambéed with Grand Marnier, prepared before your very eyes.
📍 Brasserie Bofinger 5-7 rue de la Bastille, 75 004 Paris