10 Legendary Parisian Brasseries You Have to Dine at Before You Die

3. La Closerie des Lilas

La Closerie des Lilas (photo: Celette - CC BY-SA 4.0)

Established in 1847, La Closerie des Lilas is one of Paris’s most historic brasseries, famous for hosting literary greats like Hemingway (who even mentions it in A Moveable Feast), Fitzgerald, and Apollinaire.

Also located on Boulevard du Montparnasse, it has an intimate setting with red leather seating, warm wood, and vintage decor - a distinctly romantic and nostalgic vibe.

The brasserie serves traditional French cuisine, with popular dishes like steak tartare and oysters, priced from €25-€60. With its inviting piano bar, La Closerie attracts both Parisians and international visitors thanks to old-world Parisian charm.