La Petite Chaise
Reputed to be one of the oldest restaurants in Paris — a tiny, romantic 17th-century room serving traditional French at fair prices. History without the markup.
La Petite Chaise claims a founding date in the 1680s, which would make it one of the oldest restaurants in the city — and unlike some of its grander historic rivals, it remains an affordable, genuinely charming neighborhood restaurant rather than a museum piece with a museum bill. Low ceilings, wood paneling, candlelight, a set menu of French classics. It's the rare place where the history comes without the surcharge.
Traditional French, often as a good-value prix fixe — the classics done honestly. The opposite of the pay-for-history model down the river.
Small, low-beamed, candlelit, romantic — a 17th-century room that feels every bit its age in the best way.
PRIX FIXE MENU
La Petite Chaise offers what the famous historic restaurants charge a fortune for — age, charm, romance — at a neighborhood price. For a quiet, old-Paris dinner in the 7th, it's a lovely secret.
Book ahead — reservations are essential on weekends and for prime dinner times.
Dress the part — the room rewards a jacket, and lunch is a smart alternative to dinner.