There’s no better place on earth to see impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces than the Musée d’Orsay.
From Monet’s colourful landscapes to Degas’ delicate dancers, the finest of France’s art from 1848 to 1914 is here. And once you’ve had your compliment of artworks, here’s the pick of some great restaurants near Musée d’Orsay for you to rest and refuel.
1. Saint Pearl
📍38 Rue des Saints Pères, 75007 Paris
🌟For cosy light meals including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options (££)
About 12 minutes’ walk towards Notre-Dame from Musée d’Orsay, this cosy cafe is a cute choice for breakfast, brunch or lunch. You’ll find an eclectic menu of French and American classics. Of course there are gallettes, granola and avocado toast, but there’s also Seoul toast and matcha tea.
Saint Pearl is also one of the few restaurants near Musée d’Orsay with a wide range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes, not least their magnificent pancake towers.
You can’t book, and there are sometimes queues at Saint Pearl, but that’s testament to the high quality food here. This is the ideal pre- or post-Musée d’Orsay guided tour light bite spot for couples, friends or families.
2. Les Deux Magots
📍6 Place St. Germain des Pres, 75006 Paris
🌟For stylish dining with a host of cultural connections (££-£££)
Les Deux Magots has occupied this corner of the Left Bank since 1885. This venerable cafe-restaurant holds a special place in the heart of literary and cultural life in Paris. Les Deux Magots has hosted generations of artists, writers and philosophers including Hemingway, Sartre and Beauvoir.
Take a 15 minute stroll to this most historic of restaurants near Musée d’Orsay for a leisurely Parisian breakfast with a wide choice of pastries.
Choose Le Classique or Le Complet breakfasts for a better value option. For extra indulgence have a Deux Magots old-style hot chocolate or (more indulgent – and pricier – still) a Viennese hot chocolate.
There’s a range of French classics across menus which cover the restaurant’s 07:30 – 01:00 opening hours. Combine with the Paris-Seine pass for a day spanning medieval glories at Sainte-Chappelle and the best modern art at Musée d’Orsay.
3. Restaurant Cinq-Mars
📍51 Rue de Verneuil 75007
🌟For traditional French classics in an unpretentious bistro (££-£££)
Five minutes’ walk from the Musée d’Orsay, Restaurant Cinq-Mars offers good value and unpretentious fare. This neighbourhood bistro with an industrial vibe is the place for a relaxed dinner for couples or friends.
Traditional French classics well-executed are the backbone of the menu here. Burgundy snails and and Conquet sausages from the Aubrac with mashed potatoes are two stand-outs.
The menu is meat and fish-heavy – it’s not for vegetarians – and it’s a hymn to traditional dishes which endure for good reason.
The wine list is carefully-chosen, and the traditional French desserts are worth saving some space for – especially a generous bowl of chocolate mousse.
This is a small, cosy restaurant which doesn’t stand on ceremony and is all the better for it. It’s popular, so it’s best to book!
4. Les Cèdres du Liban
📍5 Avenue du Main, 75015 Paris
🌟For halal authentic Lebanese food (££-£££)
Les Cèdres du Liban’s high reputation for authentic Lebanese food comes from decades of serving the denizens of the French capital. This family-run establishment near Musée d’Orsay has plenty of room and a warm welcome, especially for families who will enjoy the sociable atmosphere.
All the Lebanese favourites are available here, from tabbouleh and falafels to ful, fava beans with garlic and lemon juice. There are loads of vegetarian and vegan options, especially starters, and everything is halal.
Enjoy the must-sees at Musée D’Orsay with a semi-private guided tour, and then head south to Cédres du Liban. Work up an appetite with the 30-minute walk from the museum, or take the Metro south from Solférino to Gare Montparnasse.
5. Le Poulpry
📍12 Rue de Poitiers, 75007 Paris
🌟For fine dining in a 300-year-old mansion (££££)
For the finest of restaurants near Musée d’Orsay, Le Poulpry is hard to beat. For a chic day out, take a private guided tour around Musée d’Orsay and follow with lunch or dinner at this lauded establishment.
This is French fine dining as you imagined it, with white tablecloths, beautiful dishes and impeccable service. The elegant decor of a 300-year-old mansion is the backdrop to your meal.
A small but exquisite menu of haute cuisine is hand-picked. Lamb and veal are particularly excellent, as is the selection of cheeses, as you’d expect.
For the best value, go at lunchtime and have the Formule du Midi (lunchtime set menu).
Almost directly behind the museum, Le Poulpry is housed in the Maison des Polytechniciens in l’Hotel du Poulpry. It’ll take you less than five minutes to stroll there.
Location Map
Planned what to eat? Here’s all you need to know about Musée d’Orsay
