La Closerie des Lilas
A legendary Parisian brasserie steeped in history, offering classic French cuisine, live piano music, and an unforgettable Art Deco ambiance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live piano music & romantic ambiance
La Closerie des Lilas
Best Time
Live piano music & romantic ambiance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Parisian brasserie steeped in history, offering classic French cuisine, live piano music, and an unforgettable Art Deco ambiance.
"A table where memory and flavour converse in elegance."
🎯 Book Your Table in Advance
This historic brasserie is popular! Secure your spot, especially for dinner or weekend visits, to avoid disappointment.
🎶 Enjoy the Live Piano
The live piano music is a highlight, creating a wonderful ambiance. Arrive when it starts to fully soak it in.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Dining Room
Inside the brasserie
Step back in time in the Art Deco dining room with red booths and mirrored panels. A true Parisian gem.
Live Piano Music
Main dining area
Enjoy the enchanting melodies of a live pianist, creating a romantic and sophisticated atmosphere.
Oysters and Classic French Fare
Menu
Savor fresh oysters and expertly prepared French classics, a testament to the brasserie's culinary heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Parisian Brasserie Charm
Dress the Part for a Memorable Evening
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Table in Advance
This historic brasserie is popular! Secure your spot, especially for dinner or weekend visits, to avoid disappointment. +1
🎶 Enjoy the Live Piano
The live piano music is a highlight, creating a wonderful ambiance. Arrive when it starts to fully soak it in.
🥂 Consider Drinks at the Bar
If dinner reservations are full, or for a more casual experience, enjoy drinks and soak in the atmosphere at the bar.
👗 Dress Smart-Casual
Match the elegant setting with smart-casual attire for a truly Parisian experience. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Table in Advance
This historic brasserie is popular! Secure your spot, especially for dinner or weekend visits, to avoid disappointment. +1
🎶 Enjoy the Live Piano
The live piano music is a highlight, creating a wonderful ambiance. Arrive when it starts to fully soak it in.
🥂 Consider Drinks at the Bar
If dinner reservations are full, or for a more casual experience, enjoy drinks and soak in the atmosphere at the bar.
👗 Dress Smart-Casual
Match the elegant setting with smart-casual attire for a truly Parisian experience. +1
📜 Look for the Signatures
Keep an eye out for the table cover featuring signatures of famous past patrons like Hemingway and Picasso!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Closerie des Lilas is celebrated for its enchanting historic ambiance, live piano music, and classic French cuisine. The service is often described as warm and attentive, contributing to a memorable dining experience. While some find the prices high for the food quality, the overall atmosphere and historical significance make it a worthwhile visit for many.
"I would rate this restaurant 10,000 out of 10. The staff are incredibly friendly, warm, and welcoming — it feels like you’ve known them forever. The food is absolutely delicious, made with fresh ingredients, and their homemade ice cream… wow, just unforgettable! To top it all off, everything is accompanied by wonderful live music. We will definitely be coming back!"
Sia Solo
"This brasserie has staged Parisian life since 1847: Monet, Renoir, and Zola gathered here; Hemingway edited The Sun Also Rises at these tables. The dining room still performs its Art Deco role — red booths, mirrored panels, etched glass under soft lamps. The food respects that lineage of craft: fried shrimp, cut along the ventral side to stay straight, show raw preparation rather than frozen routine. A pork filet mignon in sauce charcutière, with bronzed gratin dauphinois, speaks of cuisine bourgeoise — rooted, unpretentious, subtly exact. A table where memory and flavour converse in elegance."
Loo Yeo
"This was an amazing experience in my last day in Paris! Loved the restaurant and the ambiance. The service was super attentive and the food was all top notch as befitting a restaurant of this caliber. I heard alot about this place and it fulfilled all the promise."
Khalid Al-Khalifa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
La Closerie des Lilas is located in the Montparnasse district. You can easily reach it via the Paris Métro, with stations like Vavin (Line 4) or Raspail (Lines 4 and 6) being nearby. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Yes, it's situated in the vibrant Montparnasse area, known for its artistic history and lively atmosphere. It's a great base for exploring other Parisian attractions.
If you're staying in the Montparnasse area, walking is a pleasant option. It's also accessible by foot from other central arrondissements, offering a chance to see more of the city.
The closest Métro stations are Vavin (Line 4) and Raspail (Lines 4 and 6). Both are a short walk from the brasserie.
Street parking in Paris can be challenging. There are several public parking garages in the Montparnasse area, such as Parking Montparnasse, which are a short walk away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, La Closerie des Lilas is a restaurant and brasserie, not an attraction requiring tickets. You simply make a reservation or walk in.
La Closerie des Lilas is typically open daily for lunch and dinner. It's always best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date hours, especially on holidays.
While walk-ins are sometimes possible, especially during off-peak hours or for the bar area, reservations are highly recommended, particularly for dinner and on weekends, to guarantee a table.
The dress code is generally smart-casual. While not overly formal, dressing nicely will help you fit in with the elegant ambiance of this historic Parisian brasserie. +1
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy stopping by for drinks at the bar, especially to experience the live piano music and historic atmosphere without committing to a full meal.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
La Closerie des Lilas serves classic French brasserie fare, with a focus on fresh ingredients. Popular dishes include oysters, steak frites, and traditional French desserts.
While the menu leans towards traditional French cuisine, which often features meat and seafood, they usually have some vegetarian-friendly options or can adapt dishes. It's best to inquire with your server.
Many visitors rave about the fresh oysters and the homemade ice cream (Dame Blanche). The steak with pepper sauce and classic French preparations are also highly recommended.
La Closerie des Lilas is considered a fine dining establishment, and prices reflect its historic location and quality. Expect to pay premium prices for the experience and cuisine.
Yes, as a renowned brasserie, La Closerie des Lilas boasts an extensive wine list featuring a wide selection of French and international wines to complement your meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The historic Art Deco interior, with its red booths, mirrored panels, and soft lighting, provides a stunning backdrop for photos. The exterior also has a classic Parisian charm. +1
The main dining room with its iconic booths and the area around the piano are excellent for capturing the ambiance. Don't forget to look for the table with famous signatures!
Yes, you can take photos, but be respectful of the performer and other diners. Avoid using flash if it might be disruptive.
Selfies are generally fine, but it's always good to be mindful of other guests and the overall atmosphere. Focus on capturing the essence of the place.
Evenings offer a particularly atmospheric setting with the soft lighting and live piano music, creating a romantic mood for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider opting for simpler dishes like steak frites or chicken if available. The novelty of the historic setting and the music might keep children engaged. However, it's important to note that it's a fine dining establishment, so managing expectations regarding a child-friendly menu or play area is advisable.
🥂 Couples and Romantic Getaways
Enjoying oysters and fine wine in this legendary spot, where literary giants once dined, adds a layer of romance and shared history to your evening. Booking a table in advance, perhaps near the piano, will enhance the romantic atmosphere.
📚 Literary and History Buffs
Immerse yourself in the historic Art Deco decor and look for the famous signatures on the tablecloths. The Prix de la Closerie des Lilas literary award further connects the brasserie to contemporary literature, making it a place where past and present literary worlds converge.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of Parisian History
The brasserie's interior has been meticulously preserved, retaining its Art Deco charm with plush red booths, mirrored panels, and etched glass. This commitment to authenticity allows diners to feel as though they've stepped back in time, experiencing the same ambiance that inspired generations of creatives.
Today, La Closerie des Lilas continues to honor its heritage. It hosts literary events, such as the Prix de la Closerie des Lilas, celebrating contemporary authors and keeping the spirit of intellectual discourse alive within its historic walls.
The Culinary Experience: Classic French Done Right
Signature offerings often include a selection of fresh oysters, showcasing the bounty of the sea. Other popular choices include perfectly cooked steak frites, and dishes like pork filet mignon in a rich sauce charcutière, often accompanied by a bronzed gratin dauphinois. The focus is on unpretentious, subtly exact cooking that speaks to the heart of French gastronomy.
Beyond the savory dishes, the homemade ice cream, particularly the Dame Blanche, is frequently cited as an unforgettable treat. The wine list is extensive, featuring a curated selection to perfectly complement the diverse menu, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.
Ambiance and Entertainment: More Than Just a Meal
This combination of historic decor and live music makes La Closerie des Lilas a popular choice for special occasions, romantic dinners, or simply an evening of refined Parisian enjoyment. The lively yet intimate setting encourages conversation and lingering, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the Parisian way of life.
Many visitors are also delighted to discover the tablecloths adorned with signatures of famous patrons, a subtle yet fascinating detail that underscores the brasserie's rich history and its enduring connection to the arts and literature.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit