by Marina Verleki

Old Paris Charm

Known as one of the oldest restaurants in Paris and for its romantic allure, Lapérouse first opened in 1766 and has since been a favored haunt for everyone from Victor Hugo to François Mitterrand and Kate Moss, among others. It is said that Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin met there, and there are persistent rumors of a secret tunnel connecting it to the French Senate.

Recently renovated in a way that preserves the authentic elegance of “old Paris,” the restaurant’s original features were restored and replaced only where absolutely necessary.

Its façade beside the Seine and its private salons, with mirrors bearing the marks of passing decades, create an atmosphere that blends history, mystery, and charm.

Make a reservation in the main dining room—or better yet, in one of the legendary private salons – for a particularly atmospheric meal.

Arrive early to enjoy a cocktail in the bar’s elegant setting, then head upstairs, where the timeless Parisian décor by Cordelia de Castellane, creative director of Dior Maison, takes center stage.

Signature dishes by chef Jean-Pierre Vigato include the butter served with warm bread, foie gras, and the Lapérouse potato charlotte with caviar as a starter, followed by sweetbreads (ris de veau) as a main course. For dessert, the chef pastry-maker Christophe Michalak’s profiteroles are renowned.

In every corner, the gentle nostalgia of Paris from bygone eras coexists with the vitality of contemporary gastronomy. Wine, atmosphere, and staff who remember your name – all come together to create an exceptional dining experience. With views of the Seine and just steps from Île de la Cité, Lapérouse invites you into the elegance and magic of French culture.

Photos Courtesy of https://www.urbansider.com/restaurant/laperouse/