A few years ago, the American tradition of brunch made its way across the Atlantic to conquer the East. In France, the brunch – this witty combination of breakfast and lunch in one generous and savory meal – first gained its devotees in the summer season, enlivening the terrasses of cities across the country on Sundays. Now, this privileged moment of the week end is no longer limited to sunny days, and florishes in many restaurants and cafés on Sundays and Saturdays. So during your stay in Paris, if you fancy a bit of morning idleness, or perhaps if you simply want to discover what the Parisian gastronomy has to offer, go brunch ! Be it family time, a romantic moment or a friendly reunion, the hardest part certainly is to pick the option you like best. Here is an overview of some of the best brunches served across the capital... Take it from a Parisian !
At walking distance from Hotel du Danube
Close, simple and delicious
Le Hibou
16, carrefour de l'Odéon – Paris 6°
On Sundays from 12 p.m to 3 p.m
Indicative price : 25€/person
In a chic atmosphere with an original vintage setting, Le Hibou serves a simple yet quality brunch, at a very affordable price in this neighborhood. The traditional French cuisine interprets the classical elements of the american brunch, with fresh orange juice and a hot drink, eggs, bacon, salmon, caesar salad, while adding a French touch with nice viennoiseries and the « pain perdu » (french toast), a must.
The atmosphere is cool and friendly, but do not forget to book a table beforehand !
The gourmet option
Georgette
44 rue d'Assas – Paris 6°
On Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m to 5 p.m
Indicative price : 35€/person
Right opposite the Jardins du Luxembourg, this new luminous restaurant perfectly sunbathed for a brunch on a terrasse has soon become one the great ones in Paris. Its very special brunch particularly has made its name in the capital. As a tasting session, the Georgette offers a totally free « à la carte » formula (not to mention the special kids menu!). You will be able to enjoy the traditionnal brunch courses such as benedict eggs, caesar salad, bacon, but also more elaborate dishes, juicy meat, burgers and even foie gras ! All of it comes with a wide range of cool and hot drinks to choose from, before moving on to one of the desserts of the house (raspberry millefeuile, french toast, fruit salad, etc).
A very nice address for gourmet families ! But there again, do not forget to book your table in advance to avoid the wait.
Also worth the distance ...
Farago
11, cour des Petites Écuries – Paris 10°
(metro line 4 : Château d'eau)
On Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m to 4 p.m
Indicative price : 25€/person
Situated in the bucolic setting of a little paved courtyard of the 10th arrondissement, the Farago is a young restaurant that mixes pintxos (tapas from the Basque country) and Parisian modernism. The brunch formula is flexible. You will be able to enjoy pintxos as well as « à la carte » dishes, going from the brunch classics (eggs benedict, norwegian, etc) to the tapas (chorizo croquetas, bellota plate...) cooked with quality products imported straight from Spain. On top of that, the restaurant offers a hearty and affordable formula to share, to get a taste of everything, and a kids menu (13€). All of this will come with a side of hot drinks and juices of « morning cocktails » of the house, before moving on to the unavoidable dessert stage, when you will be left with the difficult task of choosing from the various pastries (basque cake, churros with chocolate, chocolate and berries cake with Espelette pepper, or the famous « Russian » cake).
Kong
1, rue du Pont Neuf – Paris 1°
(metro line 7 : Pont Neuf)
On Sundays from 12.15 p.m to 5 p.m
Indicative price : 40€/person
If you have a higher budget and fancy an unforgetable moment, the Kong brunch might just be what you are looking for. The restaurant, placed on the top floor of a building right on the Seine, in the center of Paris, offers a unique view on the capital and a tremendous light thanks to its glass canopies. All of this in a very special Franco-Japanese style signed by Philippe Starck. An exceptional place, but not only, because the Kong offers a gourmet brunch elaborated by great chefs and pastry cooks (Pierre Hermé is in charge of the desserts) ! The brunch menu is entirely « à la carte », you can pick whatever you like (count about 40€ per person) and offers the American and French classics (various eggs, smoked salmon, blinis, pancakes, etc) with a side of fresh juices and smoothies. An address to remember for a gourmet brunch in the sun... but inside !
And also …
Frame – californian healthy
28, rue Jean Rey – Paris 15°
(metro line 6 : Bir-Hakeim)
On Sundays from 12 p.m to 4 p.m
Indicative price : 30€/person
Chez Zaza – trendy buffet
24, rue de Rivoli – Paris 4°
(metro line 1 : Saint Paul)
On Sundays from 12 p.m to 5 p.m
Indicative price : 27€/person
Café Marlette – girly and organic
51, rue des Martyrs – Paris 9°
(metro lines 12 & 2 : Pigalle)
On Saturdays from 8.30 a.m to 7.30 p.m & on Sundays from 10 a.m to 6 p.m
Indicative price : 25€/person