Chez Julien, rediscover the soul of Old Paris

Beneath the cobblestones of the Marais, a restaurant unlike any other intrigues and attracts connoisseurs of fine dining. Chez Julien, a mythical and welcoming place, blends heritage, gastronomy and that sought-after Parisian spirit.

A historic cocoon in the heart of the Marais

Just a stone’s throw from the Île Saint-Louis, Chez Julien offers a real trip back in time. Housed in a former 18thᵉ century bakery listed as a Monument Historique, the establishment cultivates elegance without ostentation. The decor, signed by Gérard Cholot, retains the splendor of yesteryear with its painted ceilings under glass, red velvet banquettes and aged mirrors.

This enchanting setting won over the film crews and customers alike. When you walk through the door of Chez Julien, a whole section of Old Paris seems to be reborn, in an atmosphere of discreet luxury and natural conviviality that brings back the carefree spirit of Paris.

Three terraces to experience Paris differently

What makes Chez Julien so rare (apart from its remarkably well-executed menu) is the incredible variety of its exteriors. Far from the overcrowded clichés of the Marais, the restaurant offers three different atmospheres, all oriented towards a calmer, more refined Paris.

Whether you prefer the intimacy of a discreet terrace, the enveloping warmth of a sunny square or the charm of a pedestrian alley, every corner invites you to savor the moment. Under the trees or under the open sky, the view of the Saint-Gervais church and the Louis-Philippe bridge transforms lunch into an enchanted interlude.

Generous seasonal cuisine

In charge of the kitchen, Helmi Derbal breathes a breath of modernity into classic recipes. A graduate of La Truffe Noire in Neuilly, his menu changes with the seasons, celebrating noble products with simplicity and taste. Here and there, truffles wander through the menu.

At table, we were seduced by the foie gras, cooked just right (which is rarer than you might think), or the seasonal yellowtail carpaccio. As for the main course, we can’t recommend enough the whole free-range chicken with truffle butter to share, or the Chateaubriand, whose quality and melt-in-the-mouth texture left us speechless. For lovers of sole, go for it, it’s superb and plump. As far as desserts are concerned, the menu gives pride of place to the great Parisian classics. They’re a perfect success, and we’d expect nothing less to round off this excellent meal.

For those in a hurry, we offer an exceptional lunch menu at 29 euros.

A confidential salon for special moments

Upstairs, past a zebra-striped lounge and behind a discreet door, lies a small lounge decorated with particular care. Accommodating up to 20 guests, this privatizable space is perfect for family events, business meetings or private soirées.

In this candlelit cocoon, equipped with a private Bose audio system, every detail has been thought out to offer an experience both luxurious and intimate.

A highly popular venue

Chez Julien is one of those rare places that escapes the bling-bling while attracting the world’s top names. During Fashion Week, it becomes a veritable festive rallying point. Olympic champion Simone Biles was often spotted here during the Paris Olympics, as were prestigious film crews who came to immortalize the beauty of the location for cult series such as Gossip Girl, Emily in Paris and Mission Impossible. Far from the superficial hustle and bustle, it’s the authenticity of the welcome, the naturalness of the teams and the intoxicating atmosphere that explain this discreet but powerful craze.

📍1 rue du Pont Louis Philippe, 75004

Read also: Café de l’Homme, a breathtaking secret place for an exceptional meal

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