Le Berkeley: rebirth of a legendary address in the Golden Triangle

Long dormant, Le Berkeley is enjoying a second lease of life thanks to two young hospitality enthusiasts who are re-establishing this Parisian brasserie as a must-visit address.

A historic address back in its rightful place

Just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of the Champs-Élysées, Le Berkeley is reborn with discretion and elegance. Founded in the 1920s, this emblematic brasserie has seen some of the most famous figures of the last century pass through its doors: Salvador Dalí, Maria Callas, Alain Delon, Mitterrand, Brigitte Bardot and many others. For decades, it was a haunt of designers, politicians and discerning gourmets. But as the years went by, the flame was extinguished and the magic diluted. It took the audacity and vision of Paul Bouillin-Tardy and Baptiste Masson to give it back its soul. Today, Le Berkeley is no longer a place of the past, but the meeting place of the neighborhood, poised to reclaim the heart of the Golden Triangle.

Elegance in every detail

Rather than raze everything to the ground, the two young owners opted for fine dining. The identity of the place was respected, but subtly enhanced by elegant choices. The veranda has been brightened up with a Tricotel trellis, the same as that on the Hôtel de Matignon, and framed with planters worthy of Versailles. The Lelièvre fabric banquettes, impeccably finished cushions, Villeroy & Boch crockery and antique silverware set the tone. Even the napkins are embroidered by Garnier-Thiebaut. Nothing is ostentatious, everything is thought through. Here, luxury is hidden in the details, and that’s what makes all the difference. Fully open bay windows reveal one of the prettiest terraces in the area, bathed in calm and light.

A precise, product-focused menu

The cuisine, meanwhile, is in the tradition of the great Parisian brasseries, with a contemporary twist. Crab with Pondicherry red pepper, tuna tartar with avocado, sea bass in carpaccio, salmon with sorrel sauce, or lamb shoulder confit and Pithiviers with foie gras: the plates are clear, masterful, and build a narrative around the product. In the dining room, service extends from 12pm to 11pm, with breakfast served from 8am on weekdays, and a menu of signature cocktails to discover in the evening, in a piano-bar atmosphere on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. All accompanied by an impressive wine cellar of nearly 200 references.

An aptly embodied reprise

Barely 30, Paul Bouillin-Tardy and Baptiste Masson embody a new generation of hoteliers and restaurateurs concerned with meaning, consistency and service. Paul Bouillin-Tardy has worked for Ducasse and the Loulou Group, while Baptiste Masson was head of hotel brand strategy at Accor. With Le Berkeley, they sign their first house, and lay the foundations for discreet, intelligent and sustainable hospitality. This is not a marketing operation: it’s a sincere rebirth, rooted in the history of the place.

Practical info

📍 Le Berkeley : 7 Avenue Matignon, 75008 Paris
🕰 Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8h-23h30 / Week-end 10h-23h30
🍽 Prices: Starters 13-35€ / Dishes 27-76€ / Desserts 13-39€
🔗 Reservations: leberkeley.com

(photo credits: @romainricard)

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