Among the capital’s most historic brasseries, this spot nestled near the Jardin du Luxembourg checks all the boxes, especially for literature lovers. Since 1845, Polidor has literally seen the most illustrious poets and novelists come and go. Verlaine, Rimbaud, Gide, Joyce, and of course Hemingway: the greatest writers have passed through the doors of the former dairy shop.
A true artists’ haunt for over 180 years
When it opened in the heart of Rue Monsieur le Prince in 1845, Polidor was not, however, intended to welcome Paris’s literary and gourmet elite. Until 1890, the establishment operated primarily as a dairy shop, supplying local residents with dairy products on a daily basis. Then, after its transformation, Polidor quickly became a must-visit spot in the neighborhood, made particularly popular by the poet Germain Nouveau.
Then, over the decades, Polidor’s proximity to the Latin Quarter and the Sorbonne would further shape its identity. Beyond students and local residents, more and more artists began frequenting the restaurant, including Rimbaud, Verlaine, and Hemingway. Later, the institution served as a hangout for Eugène Ionesco, Boris Vian, and their circle during meetings of the famous “College of Pataphysics.” More recently, Woody Allen even chose the restaurant as the setting for a scene in the film *Midnight in Paris*.
What do people eat at Polidor, 180 years after the restaurant’s opening?
Today, though time has passed, Polidor still welcomes guests without having aged a bit. On the contrary, the antique woodwork, weathered mirrors, long tables, and checkered tablecloths all contribute to the charm of the place.
And on the menu, you’ll find a blend of traditional bistro fare and a slightly more modern selection. Alongside Burgundy snails and onion soup, you’ll find, for example, zucchini carpaccio or burrattina with sun-dried tomatoes. For main courses, you can choose from beef bourguignon, roasted eggplant, or sea bass fillet. We’ll wrap up this meal with Le Poulidor’s famous tarte tatin for a perfect finish.
In short, more than 180 years after its opening, Polidor continues to operate as a neighborhood restaurant, and that’s probably what makes this spot even more special.
📍Location: Polidor – 41 Rue Monsieur le Prince, 75006
📆 Hours: Open daily from noon to midnight