Brasserie Mollard

Before leaving the platform at Saint-Lazare station, why not take a break at one of the Paris Region’s oldest and most beautiful restaurants? Here in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, the Mollard brasserie is indeed an architectural jewel, a legacy of the Belle Epoque. While some go in search of emotion at the Palais Garnier opera house, others prefer to admire the spectacular sight of this legendary restaurant. Between the Art Nouveau decor and dishes that do justice to French gastronomy in the purest of tradition, you'll be delighted to find yourself plunged into a different era.

The luxury brasserie of Saint-Lazare

The story of Brasserie Mollard dates back to the second half of the 19th century and the growth of the district around Saint-Lazare station. Mr and Mrs Mollard, who had just arrived from their native Savoie, saw in this development an opportunity to open the Maison Mollard near the train station. While he delivered coal, she was busy at the counter serving wine, beer and absinthe to the locals and passing travellers. Their success led to the official establishment of the Brasserie Mollard in 1895. The couple pulled out all the stops for the occasion, calling upon the services of the architect Édouard-Jean Niermans whose other achievements include the renovation of the Moulin Rouge early in 1900. A resounding success for this restaurant which became a key address among chic Parisian eateries. The brasserie has changed hands since then, but its succession of owners have all strived to take care of the legacy left by the founding couple.

A feast for the eyes and palate

Before you enter the Mollard brasserie, stop to admire its beautiful exterior. The classical elegance of its off-white façade, picture windows and hanging shades strike a contrast with the restaurant’s festive blue and yellow neons that light up the street at night, like an old-fashioned cinema. The scene continues into the dining room. Its walls decorated with Italian mosaics and the glazed tile frescoes portraying typical scenes from day-to-day life bear witness to the wealth of the olden days. As does the remarkable glass roof which only adds to the pleasure of your dining experience. And the food itself won’t disappoint you either. The brasserie menu gives pride of place to fish and seafood and includes everything from escargots de Bourgogne to whole lobster. Classic meat cuts are of course available, from steak tartare to grilled rib of beef, Bearnese style. Before you leave, round off your meal in style with their legendary dessert, a delicious baked Alaska.

Follow the guide to make new gourmet discoveries in the Paris Region.