Le Grand Vefour, Paris

Le Grand Véfour, the original grande dame of Parisian gastronomy, first opened its doors in 1784 within the illustrious arcades of the Palais-Royal. Even today, it remains a formidable contender for the title of the most exquisite and enchanting restaurant in all of Paris.
Throughout the annals of history, the restaurant has played host to a glittering array of patrons hailing from the upper echelons of French culture and politics, as well as the crème de la crème of society. The roster of esteemed regulars boasts such icons as Napoléon, Colette, Victor Hugo, and Jean Cocteau (who designed the menu in the 1940s), among countless others.

One of the legendary culinary preparations first introduced at Le Grand Véfour is none other than the Sauce Mornay; one of the "mother sauces" in French cuisine, made by whisking a roux of butter and flour together, then slowly adding hot milk while stirring constantly until it thickens.

The restaurant's early 19th-century neoclassical decor features grandiose mirrors housed in gilded frames, adorned with painted supraportes, evoking an ambiance of sophisticated elegance. It continues its legacy of gastronomic mastery at the very same location, proudly standing as a citadel infused with the rich history of classic French cuisine.

However, in recent times, Le Grand Véfour has undergone a few changes, gracefully transitioning to an all-day menu replete with far more reasonably priced yet still delicious offerings, while remaining unwavering in its commitment to culinary excellence.