Clown Bar, Paris

The Clown Bar is a historic bistro established in 1902. The venue reflects the lively spirit of its surroundings, long associated with performance and spectacle. Recognized as a monument historique since 1995, it stands as both a dining destination and a preserved piece of Parisian cultural heritage.

Inside, the bar is best known for its distinctive decorative frieze—ceramic panels depicting clowns, created in the 1920s by a Sarreguemines factory. This whimsical yet refined detail gives the space a character unlike any other, blending Belle Époque charm with theatrical flair. Over the decades, the Clown Bar has passed through several hands, including long-time owner Joe Vitte, before entering a new chapter in 2014.

That year, restaurateurs Sven Chartier and Ewen Lemoigne, already behind the acclaimed Saturne, took over the bistro and brought in Japanese chef Sota Atsumi. Under their direction, the Clown Bar evolved into a contemporary culinary address while preserving its historic identity, creating a place where heritage and modern gastronomy meet.