Just 5 minutes by metro from the Gare du Nord or Gare de l’Est you’ll find the historic restaurant Au Boeuf Couronné which now also boasts a fabulous new hotel.
The oldest steak house in Paris
Au Boeuf Couronné is the oldest steak house in Paris. I’ts been delighting diners since 1865 when it first opened its doors in what was the meat market area of the city. Parisians flock to enjoy the beautiful dining room, friendly service and the most amazing steak dinners. Tradition and heritage are honoured here with meaty feasts and classic dishes including a Pomme de terre soufflé (potato soufflé). Carlo Ligas, the general manager at Au Boeuf Couronné tells me not to miss it, “it’s really traditional” he says. “Everyone used to cook this in the old days but now not so much as it takes a little while to prepare properly. We love to serve it and customers adore it. You think it’s a huge dish where the potato puffs up but it’s not, it’s light and fluffy and scrumptious but when you stick your fork into the middle its empty!”
There’s also fish on the menu and delicious desserts like maman used to make. It’s remarkably good value in an historic restaurant where the atmosphere is buzzing. The red and gold decor is pure Parisian Belle Époque – vintage, authentic Paris.
A great hotel at a great price in Paris
Au Boeuf Couronné also has a fabulous hotel which opened in 2017, designed by acclaimed architect Fabrice Ausset. It’s contemporary but with a nod to its beefy connection. The rooms have leather accessories and there’s even a leather studded entrance hall. I am amazed this place is classified 3 star, I’ve stayed in higher starred hotels that were nowhere near as good as this. The rooms are big, the bathrooms are fabulous, and the WiFi is speedy. It’s quiet and comfy and welcoming and less than a minutes’ walk to Port de Pantin metro (line 5) stop.
It’s a bit of a steal as it’s not expensive at all (prices start from €80 for 2 people) though it looks like it ought to be. Location-wise, it’s terrific and it’s easy to get into the centre of Paris taking just 15 mins to Bastille from the Metro outside the front door.
Its close to the Cité des Sciences, Zenith music venue, Philharmonie de Paris, La Villette and loads of other major monuments and sites.
This is a hotel that’s great for couples, familes, business and solo travellers.
I highly recommend it (and no, I’m not being paid to write this).
