In Paris, this restaurant founded in 1893 has become a worldwide institution. A veritable Art Nouveau showcase with listed decor, it embodies Belle Époque elegance with its red velvet banquettes and spectacular glass roof. Maxim’s has played host to some of the world’s most famous personalities, combining splendor, gastronomy and legendary nights… Today, this Parisian jewel continues to perpetuate its heritage…
From small neighborhood Bouchon to glamorous party spot
Maxim’s was inaugurated one fine day in 1893, on April 7 to be exact. Its creator, Maxime Gaillard, a former café waiter, decided to give his name to his new establishment. With one detail in mind: he decided to anglicize the restaurant’s name, replacing the“e“with the apostrophe“s”.This made the name more eloquent andfashionable. At the time, Maxim’s was just a small neighborhood bistro, a sort of Lyonnaise-style bouchon where people broke bread in a hurry.
It didn’t take Maxim’s long, however, to transform itself into a chic meeting place for the fashionable personalities of the day. This craze was no doubt due to Irma de Montigny, a pretty actress and celebrity of her time, who literally fell in love with Maxim’s. From that moment on, she promised Maxime Gaillard to transform his little neighborhood bouchon into a real place to be. Thanks to word-of-mouth from the beautiful Irma, the place was soon frequented by the Tout-Paris. Feydeau even set one of his plays there: La Dame de chez Maxim (1899). It was the beginning of fame and renown, with a more worldly clientele.
Maxim’s, an Art Nouveau showcase with a listed decor
A few years later, Maxim’s changed hands. Its purchaser, Eugène Cornuché, decided to transform the premises. In 1903, he called on decorator Louis Marnez to introduce Art Nouveau into the heart of Maxim’s. A sublime glass ceiling, walls adorned with mirrors and fine woodwork, the now legendary kiss-red velvet banquettes, decorative bronzes by Alexandre Brosset… The restaurant’s heart is filled with splendor. The Art Nouveau stained-glass windows, with their delicate flower shapes, let in plenty of light. The décor, a veritable ode to flora and fauna, is adorned with lilies, irises, butterflies and birds, which grace the premises with elegance and poetry.
A festive Mecca in Paris
Maxim’s soon became one of the hottest party spots in Paris. The beau monde of the day flocked there, dining, dancing… even on the tables! In fact, on the advice of the maître d’hôtel of the day, beautiful women were seated at tables in front of the establishment’s glass windows, on the street side. In 1913, Jean Cocteau said of one dinner among many at Maxim’s:“It was a heap of velvet, lace, ribbons, diamonds and what have you.”
But night beauties aren’t the only ones to be seen at Maxim’s. It’s not just the beautiful ladies of the night who are seen at Maxim’s, but also some of Paris’s finest, including crowned heads and big money. Examples include Édouard VII and Marcel Proust. In 1932 , Maxim’s was bought out, once again. The buyer? A certain Octave Vaudable. From then on, the restaurant became even more select. Customers were hand-picked, chic attire was required, and regulars were given priority at the entrance. A Parisian institution was born… and its reputation spread worldwide.
Maxim’s de Paris: A Parisian institution, the epitome of luxury, festivity and chic à la française.
Maxim’s is so beautiful that its decor was listed in 1979. Finally, in 1981, the Parisian establishment was bought by a certain Pierre Cardin, who probably needs no introduction. And what of today? Today, Maxim’s is a legendary restaurant, where the Belle Époque extravagance of canaille nights still seems to reign. The service is exceptional, and the classics of French gastronomy are served at table, with a modern twist. The chefs sublimate the finest products, and you can enjoy sole à la grenobloise or poulet rôti aux morilles façon Henri IV for 2 people, served for 120 euros. The splendor is also present on the plates, with lobster, linguine with caviar, pepper-roasted saddle of lamb or the legendary house rum baba.
In short, Maxim’s is an exceptional place, a symbol of French refinement and luxury. Its interior dazzles with the splendor of its Belle Époque décor, making it one of the most prestigious restaurants in the world. A place not to be missed, to be discovered at least once in a lifetime, for a special occasion.
📍Maxim’s de Paris, 3 rue Royale, 75 008 Paris