Among Paris’s most emblematic restaurants, La Mère Catherine ticks all the boxes for an unusual and historic address. Perched at the top of the Butte Montmartre, this establishment has forged a legend since its creation during the French Revolution.
Montmartre’s most legendary restaurant
Founded in 1793, at the height of the French Revolution, La Mère Catherine is one of the oldest restaurants still operating in Paris. Situated in the heart of the Butte Montmartre, a stone’s throw from the Sacré-Coeur and on the famous Place du Tertre, it has welcomed artists, revolutionaries and, over the years, generations of visitors seeking the charm of Montmartre. It’s also the birthplace of a popular legend: during the Battle of Paris in 1814, Russian soldiers came to the bar for a drink, and cried out “bistro!” for quick service. The name was coined there, and the anecdote is still on display in the entrance.
Sitting on the terrace or in the dining room inside, you’re immersed in a decor that combines checkered tablecloths, wood panelling and musical ambience in the evening. La Mère Catherine has preserved the spirit of an old-fashioned Parisian bistro while adapting to the demands of the tourist trade. A few tables on the Place du Tertre offer a glimpse of the artists and painters of the past. Although some critics claim a partial loss of authenticity due to the influx of tourists, the place remains a Montmartre must.
The menu features the great brasserie classics: escargots de Bourgogne, onion soup au gratin, duck confit, blanquette de veau à l’ancienne, crêpes Suzette and more. The setting is imposing in its conviviality: be warned, the experience is as much heritage as gastronomy. The glass of wine, the view of the square, the terrace in Montmartre: here’s a quaint Parisian spot just the way we like it.
La Mère Catherine is a restaurant that has spanned more than two centuries of Parisian history. With its legendary anecdotes, Montmartre atmosphere and classic French cuisine, it offers a timeless experience.
📍Location: La Mère Catherine – 6, place du Tertre, 75018