The key ingredient behind a bouillon’s affordability? High volume, explain brothers Pierre and Guillaume Moussie, owners of Bouillon Pigalle and Republique. Pigalle, with 300 seats, caters to both reservations and walk-ins, while Republique, a 450-seater, thrives on a first-come, first-served basis. Both operate from noon to midnight, seven days a week, feeding more than 1000 diners daily.
But Parisians know bouillons aren’t just about the food. Duval set the standard when he opened his doors, outfitting the space in a grandeur style – brass rails, period mouldings and ceramic tiles.
Bouillon Pigalle has a 21st-century atmosphere.
At Pigalle, the Moussie brothers envisioned a bold new chapter for the bouillon. Local event posters splash across support poles while greenery and modern orb lights create a vibrant, 21st-century atmosphere. Bouillon Republique, in contrast, proudly retains its historic brasserie charm. But for a true immersion in Parisian Art Nouveau, join the queue outside Bouillon Julien.
Often labelled as Paris’ most beautiful restaurant, the cavernous dining room is a feast for the eyes. Iconic celadon green, the colour of the roaring 20s, washes over the space. Ornate floor tiles draw your gaze upwards to peacock murals, all framed by period mouldings. It’s a full-fledged Art Nouveau masterpiece, a far cry from the modern interpretation found at Bouillon Pigalle.
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“The concept took a slight detour in the 1970s,” says current owner Jean-Noel Dron, “when the owner transformed Bouillon Julien into a ‘Grande’ brasserie, offering pricier fare.” Thankfully, the 2016 renovation marked a welcome return to Julien’s roots. “We embraced the historic motto – ‘beautiful, delicious and cheap’ – and revived the original bouillon concept.”
Queues or no queues, don’t expect leisurely lunches or fancy plating. The service hums like a well-oiled machine, ensuring full plates and friendly prices. And that, in the heart of Paris, is a beautiful thing.
The details
Eat
Bouillon Pigalle and Bouillon Republique, see bouillonlesite.com
Bouillon Julien, see bouillon-julien.com
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Fly
Qantas operates flights from Sydney to Paris via Perth. Starting July 12, 2024, direct flights between Perth and Paris will run four times a week.
See qantas.com.au
Stay
Hotel Florida is a new hotel in the 8th arrondissement, near shops, restaurants and major attractions. A classic room from €229 a night (taxes and fees included).
See hotelfloridaparis.com
The writer travelled at her own expense.