Drouant

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Parisian Institution with a Century of History

Drouant occupies a singular position on the Parisian scene: at once a temple of French literature and an emblem of grande cuisine bourgeoise. Since the late 1920s, the address on Place Gaillon has drawn writers, intellectuals, and discerning diners alike — and it continues to do so today, balancing a richly layered past with a resolutely forward-looking present.

The room itself carries that history visibly. The view over the quiet Place Gaillon, the spectacular Ruhlmann staircase, and the famous private salons remain intact, while the overall space has been thoughtfully refreshed — respectful of what came before, open to what comes next.

Where French Literature Meets the Table

Drouant is inseparable from the Prix Goncourt, France's most prestigious literary prize, conceived by Edmond de Goncourt in 1882 to honour "the best prose work of the year." The Académie Goncourt has long gathered within these walls, and the Prix Renaudot jury convenes here as well, in the elegant Salon Renaudot. This literary identity is not decoration — it is woven into the fabric of the place, giving dinners here a dimension that goes beyond the plate.

Chef Romain Van Thienen

At the stoves, Romain Van Thienen brings a pedigree shaped alongside some of the most respected names in French cooking — Cyril Lignac, Yannick Alléno, and Olivier Bellin among them. His approach to French cuisine is one of intelligent revisitation: classics reinterpreted with freshness and a modern sensibility, surprising without being gratuitous.

A Wine Cellar Built Around the Rhône Valley

Wine is taken with equal seriousness. Drouant holds a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, a recognition that reflects the depth and curation of a cellar spanning 2,000 references from 400 producers. Nearly half of those references are devoted to the wines of the Rhône Valley, making this one of the most focused Rhône collections in Paris. More than 30 wines are available by the glass at any given time.

Private Salons and Gatherings

The private salons — emblematic of Drouant since its earliest days — have been restored and are fully equipped for professional seminars, private celebrations, and intimate dinners. Comfort, quiet, and discretion are guaranteed, whether the occasion is a board meeting or a wedding.