Le Grand Café: the new living scene of Parisian chic

What if Paris’s finest comedy were now played out over a Comté cheese soufflé under the monumental glass roofs of the Grand Palais? A new theater of life has recently opened its doors in this legendary heritage site: Le Grand Café, the latest creation of the Loulou Groupe. With its blend of brasserie spirit, emotional architecture and inspired gastronomy, Le Grand Café has already established itself as an elegant, lively and undeniably Parisian venue.

A setting that tells the story of Paris, between dream and precision

For this new gourmet scene, the Loulou Groupe has entrusted the staging to Joseph Dirand, undisputed master of minimalist, narrative chic. His vision? A fantasized Paris, delicately ochre, between Mériguet Carrère walls, verdigris structures, quilted mirrors and amber marbles. Everything here evokes an imaginary station where you wait for a train… or a mythical dish.

The lighting changes with the day, transforming the ambience from sunny breakfasts to cosy dinners. In fine weather, the terrace extends into a hanging garden, designed by florist Thierry Boutemy, overlooking the Champs-Élysées – an absolute rarity in Paris.

The spirit of a French film… alive

It’s not just a restaurant. It’s a lively, almost cinematic setting. We’re reminded of Claude Sautet, of brasserie scenes where characters love each other, lose each other and find each other again. A swinging orchestra in the middle of the room, twirling waiters, steaming dishes, clinking glasses… Le Grand Café is a well-oiled choreography in which, for the space of a meal, you become an actor in a joyous, nostalgia-free Paris.

Gastronomie libre, sans trahison

In the kitchen, Benoît Dargère, Executive Chef of the Loulou Groupe, plays a fine balance between French culinary heritage and contemporary impulses. The repertoire’s tutelary figures can be found again: filet de boeuf au poivre, turbot en quenelles, soufflé au vieux comté et truffe noire… But here, each classic is revisited with a free and elegant touch: citrus fruits to awaken a sweetbread, vegetable pear associated with mozzarella, half portions for better tasting, pecking and sharing.

Grand Café desserts? Divinely playful. Provocative lemon tart, seasonal Pavlova, melt-in-your-mouth hot chocolate tart. Special mention goes to the chouquettes dipped in thick chocolate, the ultimate in sweet tenderness for those who don’t take life too seriously.

Colin Field cocktails: between legend and surprise

At the bar, the legendary Colin Field (formerly of the world-renowned Ritz Paris) sets the tone. The great classics are there – Negroni, Sidecar, Manhattan – but twisted with delicate audacity. A sunny Limoncello Spritz, a Japanese shochu cocktail, or unexpected combinations of floral bitters and house infusions. The stone counter becomes an intimate theater, a place for confidences, secret rendezvous and liquid adventures.

Service: a forgotten art brought back to life

We’d almost forgotten that service could be a form of discreet theater. Here, everything is effortlessly choreographed: in-room cutting, masterful flambéing, rolling pedestals, exceptional silverware… Elegance is never static, but in the attention paid to every gesture. At Grand Café, you’re welcomed like a regular, even on your first visit. A rare, almost old-fashioned grace, made contemporary here.

Why you should go to Le Grand Café (and back again)

Because the food is good. But also because every meal is a timeless interlude. Because the setting is sublime, but never intimidating. Because the cuisine honors French roots, yet breathes the spirit of the times. And because there are few places in Paris where the staging never betrays the emotion of the moment.

Practical information

• 📍 Address: Grand Palais, Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris
• 🕰️ Opening hours: daily, 8am to midnight
• 🍽️ Continuous service, breakfast, lunch, aperitif and dinner
• 🎷 Live music every evening from 7pm
• 📞 Reservations recommended: via the Grand Palais website or directly on the Loulou Groupe website.

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