LE PROCOPE
Category : French Home-made Cuisine
Address : 13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris
Transportation : Metro line 4, 10 Odéon
Opening Hours : Sun-Wed 11:45-24:00 / Thu-Sat 11:45-25:00
Price : Main menu 20-40 euros / lunch set(2-3 courses) 20-30 euros / dinner set(2-3 courses) 30-40 euros
Located in the heart of Paris, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is well known to be the area where literatures and intelligence once bloomed. When you enter the small alley, Cour du Commerce Saint-André, you will take a step back in time surrounded by its unique atmosphere. You will easily spot Le Procope, a very outstanding restaurant on this street. Opened in 1686, this was the first cafe in France and soon after became well known as a gathering spot for many intellectuals, writers, and revolutionists like Chopin, Rousseau, Danton, and Napoleon.
Displayed around the restuarant, you can see their letters, souvenirs, and statues from leading roles of the French Revolution. On the second floor, there are several rooms, and each room is named after different influencial people. With warm orange lights and elegant decorations, it is like you are dining in a museum.
The most outstanding item on display is the hat of Napoleon. As a regular customer, Napoleon actually left behind his hat instead of paying for food he had ordered.
From starters to meat to fish to dessert and coffee, La Procope has everything you could want. You can simply order one plate, or as a set of 2 courses or 3 courses with starter+main dish+dessert. Until 7P.M., you can order from their PROCOPE MENU which is cheaper, then after 7P.M., you have the PHILOSOPHE MENU.
FRENCH ONION SOUP
A typical French starter mainly made of onions, chesse, and pieces of baguette. After caramelizing the onions, the baguette and cheese are added to create the perfect starter for chilly days.
FILET MIGNON
Grilled pork with wholegrain mustard and potatoes. With its sweet and savoury sauce, anyone can easily enjoy this dish.
RUMP STEAK
Beef steak seasoned with peppercorns. The sauce pairs nicely with the steak making it less oily. Served with home-made French-fries, it will satisfy your tastebuds.
CRÈME BRÛLÉE
One of the most famous French desserts, Creme Brulee. Topped with crispy caramel, the cold custard cream beneathe is extremely soft. Made of eggyolks, sugar, cream, and vanilla, it is perfectly sweet and soft. This delicate dessert is known to be the favorite of Amelie from the movie Amélie. Tap the caramelized surface with a small spoon like Amelie before you indulge.
By day or night, La Procope has endless charms with its vintage and unique setting. At night, you will feel like the star of a movie surrounded by its romantic and calm ambiance. If you want to experience romance and history of Paris at the same time, this is the place for you.
Located near the Louvre Museum, Cathedrale of Notre-Dame, and Sainte-Chapelle, you can get here easily. After your meal, you can take a stroll around Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Not only meals, but you can also simply enjoy a cup of coffee or dessert. If you are looking for somewhere with great atmosphere, taste, and also culture and history, Le Procope is truly recommendable.
Author & Photographer : Yuna Lee