Revamping classics, refined decor, seasonal cuisine, the new Parisian brasseries breathe new life into a timeless concept. Here are 6 new addresses that remain true to the convivial, quintessentially Parisian spirit that are definitely worth discovering.
By Léa Zetlaoui,
and Camille Bois-Martin.
© Felix Dol-Maillot.
In Paris, brasseries are being reinvented with flair
Gone are the days when a Parisian brasserie simply served up classic dishes in a retro setting. A new wave of chefs with thoughtful sourcing, curated interiors, and a fresh take on traditional cuisine is bringing renewed prestige to this pillar of French gastronomy.
Take Brass in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Cloche in the neighbourhood Les Halles, or Le Cornichon near Goncourt. These spots blend tradition and creativity with inspired, local, and generous menus. Here’s a closer look at six contemporary Parisian brasseries shaking up the codes.
The restaurant Brass, Paris 6th. © Benoit Linero.
Brass, the electrifying brasserie in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Why? Because the idea of the brasserie is inseparable from Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Alongside legendary spots like Lipp, Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, a new address has opened. Located at the Mabillon crossroads, just steps from the Saint-Germain market, Brass goes big. The decor plays with a rich colour palette of burgundy and brown tones, while staying true to classic codes – mosaic flooring, coffered ceilings, plush banquettes, and onyx tables. There is a counter at the entrance to greet guests, and even a piano inside the main room. Hidden behind curtains, Brass also features a more intimate space designed for festive evenings.
Our favorite dish? The brasserie staples are all here. Starters include leeks in vinaigrette, bone marrow on grilled toast, classic oeuf mayo, and escargots. For mains, there is the club sandwich, veal liver with lobster and fries, or pepper-crusted beef filet. Brass also offers a weekly rotation, with dishes like mussels and fries on Wednesdays – a nod to Léon de Bruxelles, the previous owner of the space.
The address? Brass, 131 boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris 6th.
The restaurant Cloche. © Studio Julia Velázquez.
Cloche welcomes chef Robert Mendoza
Why? One of our favorite spots in Paris, the restaurant Cloche opened its doors in 2023 and has recently welcomed chef Robert Mendoza. The Californian, now Paris-based chef is one of the key players shaking up the local bistronomy scene. After launching Le Saint Sebastien in 2018, he took over Vivant Deux in 2022. To mark his arrival, Cloche has undergone a subtle makeover – a new logo and elegant green tablecloths echo the restaurant’s colour palette.
Our favorite dish? Hard to choose, as every plate crafted by Robert Mendoza is worth trying. The chef revisits brasserie classics with finesse and style. Must-haves include the infamous oeuf mayo, a melting veal terrine, and ultra-crispy Caesar endives. Then, comes the juicy coquelet, the aged Black Angus hanger steak elevated with a three-pepper sauce. And to finish, the creamy chocolate with olive oil – unforgettable.
The address? Cloche, 1 rue Coq Héron, Paris 1st.
The restaurant Le Cornichon. © Félix Dol Maillot et Matteo Verzini.
Le Cornichon, a new kind of place in Paris
Why? Open for just a year ago, Le Cornichon has quickly become a go-to restaurant in the 11th arrondissement. With its faux-retro decor, playful menu, and PMU-style vibe – think pinball machines and scratch cards – this address is open daily from morning until 2 am and has charmed locals from the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Our favorite dish? Lunchtime is laid-back, with a creative weekly rotation. Spaghetti and meatballs on Monday, sausage and mash on Tuesday, breaded fish on Friday. In the evening, don’t miss the Bikini – a Spanish twist on the croque-monsieur – or the beef-fat fries with Algerian sauce and the duck heart skewers. All served with a cocktail, naturally.
Le restaurant Temple & Chapon, Paris 3e.
Temple & Chapon, a New York-style brasserie
Why? Nestled in the heart of the Haut Marais, Temple & Chapon reinvents the grand New York dining experience with a distinctly Parisian soul. Inspired by the legendary “Chop Houses” of the 1950s, the restaurant offers 100 seats in a spectacular space. Designed by Tristan Auer, the cathedral-like decor is bathed in natural light beneath a glass ceiling. At the helm, chef Mélanie Serre elevates American classics. Generous grilled meats, exceptional beef cuts, signature seafood dishes, like crab cake or oysters Rockefeller, and large plates to share. Here, refined service rhymes with a cozy atmosphere ornamented with artwork, warm textures, wood tones and soft lighting. Temple & Chapon offers its guests a gourmet, elegant, and vibrant journey.
Our favorite dish? Don’t miss the lobster roll. Generous, tasty, and melting in your mouth – an absolute gem.
The address? Temple & Chapon, 116 rue du Temple, Paris 3rd.
The restaurant Aux Lyonnais, Paris 2nd.
Aux Lyonnais: the bouchon reborn from its ashes
Why? In Paris, everyone knows the city’s iconic bouillons and bistros, places where tourists and locals alike gather. Opened in 1890, Aux Lyonnais is one of them. But this year, it’s reinventing both its cuisine and philosophy, under the direction of the Dumant family and chef Alain Ducasse. While the original decor – deep burgundy tones and late 19th-century Art Deco accents – remains intact, the menu offers a refined take on the greatest classics of Lyonnaise cuisine. Rich, tasty dishes served in a warm, lively bistro setting.
Our favorite? To start, the soft-boiled eggs with cream and country bacon are a guaranteed delight. But don’t skip the pike quenelle with crayfish sauce – it’s a must-have. For mains, large appetites can go for the gourmet beef ribeye with baby potatoes, but they would be missing out on the indulgent pot-au-feu… A deliciously tough choice.
The restaurant Le Berkeley, Paris 8th.
The rebirth of Le Berkeley
Why? It is one of the most elegant brasseries in Paris. Le Berkeley was founded in the 1920s, it has hosted 20th-century icons, from Salvador Dalí to Alain Delon and Brigitte Bardot. Over a century since its opening, the place is undergoing a revival, led by Paul Bouillin-Tardy and Baptiste Masson. The aim? To bring the address into the modern era, both regarding taste and style. The decor has been entirely reimagined, from the trellises adorning the vast veranda to the cast iron and solid oak planters, like those found in the gardens of the Château de Versailles… We love the banquettes upholstered in Lelièvre Paris fabrics and the stunning silverware, all carefully sourced. For a more intimate candlelit dinner, take the wide staircase and head up to the softly lit lounge.
Our favorite dish? Le Berkeley’s revival extends to the menu, staying true to the refined, forward-thinking cuisine that has made its reputation for over a century. The classic beef carpaccio, served with capers and parmesan shavings, is perfectly marinated and literally melts in the mouth. For seafood lovers, the crab meat with Pondicherry pepper is a must. As for main courses, the menu spans from duck confit to braised beef mac & cheese. We would recommend the tuna tataki with ponzu sauce and truffle oil. Just as tasty and surprising as the new direction of this iconic Parisian institution.
The address? Le Berkeley, 7 avenue Matignon, Paris 8th.
Dining and Cooking