
Chez l'Ami Louis
A legendary Parisian bistro since 1924, famed for its classic French dishes, exclusive atmosphere, and generous portions.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Chez l'Ami Louis

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Parisian bistro since 1924, famed for its classic French dishes, exclusive atmosphere, and generous portions.
"A 100-year-old restaurant offering simple French staples with a tremendous wine list and large portions at very high prices."
Book Lunch Reservations
Lunch reservations may be slightly easier to secure than dinner, offering a great chance to experience this iconic bistro.
Come Hungry
Portions are known to be substantial, so arrive with an appetite to fully enjoy the generous servings.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
French
Price
$$$
Phone
+33 1 48 87 77 48
Address
32 Rue du Vertbois, 75003 Paris, France
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legendary Roast Chicken
Indulge in the iconic roast chicken, generously portioned and served with a tower of shoestring fries. A true Parisian classic.

Exquisite Foie Gras
Experience one of the best foie gras dishes, simple yet grand, a testament to traditional French culinary excellence.

Charming Parisian Ambiance
Dine in a classic, cozy bistro atmosphere with dark wood panels and impeccable service, frequented by locals and celebrities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Lunch Reservations
Lunch reservations may be slightly easier to secure than dinner, offering a great chance to experience this iconic bistro.
Come Hungry
Portions are known to be substantial, so arrive with an appetite to fully enjoy the generous servings.
Savor the Foie Gras
Don't miss the highly recommended foie gras dishes, a true highlight of the menu.
Embrace the Experience
Despite the high prices, the generous portions and classic ambiance make for a memorable, albeit expensive, dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Lunch Reservations
Lunch reservations may be slightly easier to secure than dinner, offering a great chance to experience this iconic bistro.
Come Hungry
Portions are known to be substantial, so arrive with an appetite to fully enjoy the generous servings.
Savor the Foie Gras
Don't miss the highly recommended foie gras dishes, a true highlight of the menu.
Embrace the Experience
Despite the high prices, the generous portions and classic ambiance make for a memorable, albeit expensive, dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chez l'Ami Louis is a legendary Parisian bistro known for its classic French cuisine and charming atmosphere, though it comes with a significant price tag. Diners rave about the exceptional roast chicken and foie gras, and the generous portions. However, some reviews mention an unwelcoming atmosphere and high costs, with a few finding certain dishes overrated, leading to a polarizing dining experience.
"Look, it's not cheap, it's not for the uninitiated and it's as French as it gets. But please understand the food is amazing. The frogs legs are a must, the confit canard is awesome, the foie gras epic (again understand it's simple grandeur) and yes you might see me or some famous people there."
Ashesh Shah
"A 100-years old restaurant, which offers simple French staples, like chicken, duck and veal kidneys. Tremendous wine list. Large portions. Very high prices. Almost impossible to make a reservation for dinner, a little easier for lunch. 3.5 stars"
Alexei Marshakov
"Savoring a mouthwatering French roasted chicken was an unforgettable experience—each bite was perfectly seasoned and brimming with flavor. The thin, crispy fries that accompanied it were simply irresistible, adding a delightful crunch to the meal. To top off this culinary journey, we indulged in a heavenly dessert of berries and cream with sugar, that was the perfect sweet finish. A special shoutout to our fantastic waiter, Uttonda! His cheerful demeanor and attentive service truly made our evening one to remember."
A S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Chez l'Ami Louis is known for its high prices, with main courses often costing over 100 euros. However, portions are substantial.
The legendary roast chicken with shoestring fries and the acclaimed foie gras are highly recommended by diners and critics alike.
Reservations can be difficult, especially for dinner. Trying for a lunch reservation might increase your chances.
The restaurant has a classic, cozy Parisian bistro ambiance with dark wood panels and traditionally dressed waiters, frequented by a mix of locals and celebrities.
The menu heavily features meat dishes. While salads are available, specific extensive vegetarian options are not prominently mentioned.
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Featured in these publications
A French culinary icon's guide to Paris' restaurants
Founded in 1929 by chef Antoine Magnin, Chez L'Ami Louis has hardly changed over the past century: the dark wood panels still give the restaurant the same cosy atmosphere, the waiters are still dressed to the nines in their pristine white blazers and black ties and the woodfire oven is still intact and in use today. "Chez L'Ami Louis is an iconic restaurant in Paris serving classic French dishes," says Pic. "It truly encapsulates the myth of the Parisian bistro with its checkered tablecloths, serving classic French food.
The best restaurants in Paris to try in 2024
Perfect for those seeking a bit of glitz, glamour and Parisian hospitality. You'd find it difficult to name a more polarising restaurant in Paris. Equally loved by the fashion crowd (including the Beckhams and Hadid sisters, the latter of which I saw dining here during my last meal) and vehemently loathed by the likes of certain notables such as AA Gill, it is safe to say that L'Ami Louis is in the business of dividing opinions.
5 Fabulous Spots for Sampling the Best Snails in Paris
L’Ami Louis (Rue du Vertbois, 32) is an old-school Paris bistro that’s wildly divisive. Vanity Fair’s profile of the restaurant showed how exclusive (and expensive) it can be, but for escargots, it’s hard to beat. Here, a dozen massive snails are served in a rich butter sauce by bow-tied, aproned waiters that look as though they stepped right out of the 20s for a truly Parisian experience.
A Local Girl's Food Guide to Paris
Chez L’Ami Louis can be found not too far from the highly sought-after Le Marais neighbourhood. It’s been cited as “the world’s most famous bistro” by culinary connoisseurs and while many of the dishes on the menu come with a fairly hefty price tag, we think it’s worth it to dine at one of the best authentic French restaurants in Paris. Address: 32 Rue du Vertbois, 75003 Paris, France.
10 Old-Fashioned Paris Restaurants | Paris Insiders Guide
With only twelve tables, this Old World bistro, founded in 1924, shot to fame in the 1950s and became a Paris icon. Since then every famous actor, director, and politician worth their sel has dined here, and that includes Bill Clinton and Jacques Chirac back in 1999. Robert M. Parker, the famous wine critic, calls Chez l'Ami Louis one of his favorite restaurants in the world.
Best Places to Eat in Paris 2024
First the cons: L’Ami Louis is difficult to get into, has a reputation for surly waiters, and costs a lot of money. In fact, I debated whether to include this tiny wood-paneled bistro in the list at all. Pros: If you have money to spare, it’s worth trying to gain entry into this tiny bistro for food and atmosphere that feels unchanged since it’s opening in the 1920s.
Les 20 meilleures brasseries incontournables à Paris
Derrière sa célèbre devanture rustique, en bois sombre et rideaux à carreaux, Chez l'Ami Louis réunit, contre tout attente, une clientèle discrètement puissante, faites d'acteurs célèbres, de PDG, de famille établie et de créateurs de mode. Racheté l'année dernière par LVMH, l'adresse séduit par son approche culinaire réconfortante, mettant à l'honneur le terroir.
The 15 Best Restaurants for Escargot in Paris
Celebrities love this restaurant and it’s been around since 1924 so that tells you a lot about this place. They offer French cuisine and have a welcoming atmosphere that is needed especially for tourists. They are known for their chicken and escargots, both are usually prepared to perfection and accompanied by a thick, buttery sauce.
The Best Places to Eat in Paris
Chez L’Ami Louis is a Paris institution that has been serving traditional French fare since 1924. The rustic design and cozy ambiance of the restaurant make it a popular destination for both residents and visitors. The menu is heavy on meat, including options such as roast chicken, veal kidneys, and foie gras.
Latest additions | PARIS BY MOUTH
L’Ami Louis is one of the most atmospheric restaurants in Paris. It’s dark and dramatic, with white jacketed servers bringing overflowing plates of snails, foie gras, and other classic French dishes. The roast chicken, with its accompanying tower of shoestring fries, is as good as everyone says it is.
The Best Bistros in Paris
Come to this temple of classic bistro cuisine for generous portions of garlicky, crunchy potato galette, grilled veal kidneys, whole roast chicken with heaps of frites, and tender milk-fed lamb.
Cafes, Bistros & Wine Bars in Paris
L’Ami Louis 32 Rue du Vertbois, very small and rather spendy, this is about as authentic as you get for a French Bistro. The chicken is out of this world Metro 11, 3, 4 Temple & Arts et Métiers
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit