This legendary restaurant near Montparnasse and a true jewel of Art-Deco architecture is one of the most famous Parisian brasseries. The venue itself, which opened in 1927, keeps the traces of an intoxicating past, as the immense artist Joséphine Baker was even immortalized by Victor Robiquet on the pilaster at the back of the room on the right. This institution has also hosted other great names like Cocteau, Aragon, Picasso, Chagall, or even Hemingway.
At the helm in the kitchens is chef Vakhtang Meliava. The latter has divided the establishment’s menu into two parts: the Coupole of today with the chef’s contemporary creations and the Coupole Belle Epoque with the house’s more iconic and traditional dishes. On the plate, we find seasonal products to craft French cuisine that plays with both great brasserie classics and original contemporary recipes inspired by market products.
To taste:
- The delicious large Valentin Burgundy snails (€19.50 for 12), perhaps among the best I’ve had the chance to eat, and the friend I was with that day, who doesn’t really like them normally, devoured them with me.
- Among the “La Coupole Today” starters, we tested the Burrata with Coupole olive oil, marinated beef heart tomato (€18.90), a very fresh and pleasant dish.
- The Duck foie gras served two ways, strawberry balsamic chutney (€19.50), a more classic theme, but in a modern version.
- A beautiful whole trout with steamed potatoes; you need to know how to carve it of course (or ask the server if you don’t feel comfortable), but in any case, it strongly reminded me of the meals of my childhood when my grandfather would bring us the trout he had just caught…
- The skate fillet, like a crispy paella with Bellota chorizo (€25).
- For dessert in the Belle Epoque section, I recommend the Paris-Brest (€10.50), a beautiful success. I’ll take this opportunity to point out that the establishment’s pastries are made by the new pastry chef Benoit Weber.
- Another option, you can also taste the house’s iconic chocolate dome, the ℂ® raspberries (€13). The chocolate used to make this dome is made of 70% cocoa from Papua, Mexico, and Santo Domingo; it is unique and created especially for La Coupole.
The little extra: you can now come to La Coupole at any time, whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, afternoon tea, or to sip a cocktail during aperitif hour, or dinner under the famous dome…
Price: Lunch Menu on weekdays with starter + main course or main course + dessert for €25 / Le Saisonnier Menu with starter + main course or main course + dessert for €31 and starter + main course + dessert for €39 (valid every day except Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday lunch) / Joséphine Menu for €59 with a glass of Champagne + amuse-bouche + starter + main course + dessert / Children’s Menu for €11.90
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The good tip: the Gourmet Passport
Ten large Parisian brasseries gathered under the “L’esprit brasserie” banner have launched a small original guide titled “Gourmet Passport“. Thus, until September 30, 2016, L’esprit brasserie offers the opportunity to discover these Parisian establishments through a true journey rich in privileges and advantages.
Exclusive offers are proposed allowing you to enjoy discounts, free desserts, or free wine. The guide is given to customers by the maître d’s at the end of their first meal in the participating establishments. It is also available in the main tourist centers of the capital (hotels, Bateaux-Mouches, participating establishments…). L’esprit brasserie also offers, until October 31, 2016, the chance to participate in a prize draw that will allow the winner to win a hotel night with a meal.
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This must-visit address will participate in the “Tous au Restaurant” operation from September 19 to October 2, 2016 (which I will tell you more about very soon in my article on the Gastronomy Festival) with its €59 Joséphine menu.
Tested in 2016 - Thanks to La Coupole for this invitation
La Coupole
102 Bd du Montparnasse – 75014 Paris
Open every day from 8 AM to 11 PM
Find all my restaurant reviews in Paris below:
⇒ My restaurant reviews in Paris
⇒ My brasseries in Paris
MY BRASSERIES IN PARIS
⇒ Brasserie Coquin
⇒ Bistrot de la Gare
⇒ Brasserie Cézanne
⇒ Bouillon Chartier
⇒ Polpo, the brasserie on the water
⇒ Brasserie Bellanger
⇒ Brasserie de l’Isle Saint-Louis
⇒ Brasserie La Coupole
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MAP OF MY FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS IN PARIS AND ILE-DE-FRANCE
Restaurant 
Bar 
Pastry Shop / Bakery 
Tea Room / Coffee Shop
Brunch 
Ice Cream Parlor
Photo credits: Mademoiselle Bon Plan with the Kodak PixPro AZ526 Photos not royalty-free, photographer authorization required before any use
