Eating at the Iconic Café de la Paix in Paris
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The Café de la Paix is one of the most iconic and historic cafés in Paris, France. It has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century.
A Quick History of Café de la Paix
The Café de la Paix was established in 1862, during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III. It was located near the Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier), making it a popular spot for cultured locals to eat or drink before seeing an opera.
From its inception, the café was designed to be a symbol of grandeur and elegance. It featured lavish decorations, ornate furnishings, and a luxurious ambiance that attracted the Parisian elite, including artists, writers, politicians, and celebrities.
The Café de la Paix became a cultural hub in Paris, serving as a meeting place for intellectuals, journalists, and creatives. Many famous figures frequented the café, including Émile Zola, Guy de Maupassant, and Oscar Wilde.
The café witnessed many significant historical events and moments. It was a popular gathering place during the Belle Époque, a period of cultural flourishing in France during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It also survived through various political upheavals and changes in Parisian society.
Over time, the Café de la Paix underwent several renovations and modernizations while still preserving its historic charm. The café continued to attract denizens of society, drawn not only by its history but also by its reputation for excellent food, drinks, and service.
What to Eat at Café de la Paix
I’ve eaten twice at Café de la Paix. Here is what I recommend!
Breakfast
You can start your day with a simple breakfast at Café de la Paix. Light will be streaming into the space, allowing you to gaze at the ornate architectural details of the room.
I opted for a café crème and a simple buttery croissant.
Dinner
Dinner at Café de la Paix is a much more involved experience. Dinner service is elegant and upscale.
To start, you can order water and nibble on a small bread roll.
After the wine has been served, you will receive a chef-prepared amuse-bouche, which is a teaser before the appetizer.
Then come the starters! I opted for foie gras.
The main course was an experience. My friend ordered fish and the waiter removed the bones from the fish in front of our eyes at a nearby table!
I had a duck confit with salad which was delicious.
Lastly, we finished up with dessert. I had the mille feuille pastry, a Café de la Paix specialty.
The waiter was kind enough to advise me to turn the pastry on its side to make it easier to cut without crumbling the entire upper layer!
After the dessert, we were offered little nibbles including a few macarons and fresh fruit to finish our meal.
The dinner experience at Café de la Paix was lovely and something I’ll never forget! It was a great way to experience French fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Even though the restaurant was upscale, each waiter and hostess was incredibly kind and polite!
Plan Your Visit to Café de la Paix
Today, the Café de la Paix remains one of the most iconic and celebrated cafés in Paris. It is renowned for its classic Parisian atmosphere, impeccable service, and a prime location near the Opera Garnier and other landmarks.
It continues to be a favorite destination for those seeking to experience the timeless allure of Parisian café culture. Café de la Paix holds a special place in the cultural heritage of Paris, embodying the city’s zeitgeist of history, sophistication, and joie de vivre.
Café de la Paix
5 Place de l’Opéra
75009 Paris
