Drouant

16-18 Place Gaillon

75002 Paris, France

Tel: +33 1 42 65 15 16

BY ANTONIO GALLONI | MAY 9, 2025

The Food:

Jambon 5 Jotas Pata Negra; Puff Pastry Brioche

Roasted Landes Chicken; Poultry Sauce

Sautéed Morels

Roasted Beef Château Filet; Sauce Béarnaise, Potatoes Mousseline, Grilled Broccolini

Hot Chocolate Mousse; Sorbet, Chocolate Sauce

The Wine:

2021 Jean Foillard Morgon Côte du Py 94

Eating out in Paris on weekends and/or holidays can be challenging, as so many of the best places are closed. But not all. In fact, Drouant is a fabulous choice any day of the week. Founded in 1880, Drouant is a veritable Parisian institution. Since 2018 Drouant has been owned by the Gardinier family, who also operate Taillevent as well as the luxury hotel Les Crayères in Reims.

Guests will immediately be drawn by the restaurant’s grand entrance. From the gleaming wood tables to beautifully arranged bottles of spirts to the soaring staircase, this is the classic Parisian brasserie. Drouant offers a menu of traditional are, presented in a style that is upscale but not at all fussy. The wine selection is to die for. There is one list dedicated just to wines of the Rhône Valley and another list for all the rest. Many producers are represented with deep verticals. Prices will make you think about planning a return visit before dinner has even started. They did for us.

Inspired by Neal Martin’s recent article on Beaujolais, I ordered the 2021 Morgon Côte du Py from Jean Foillard. Fresh and wonderfully fleshy, the 2021 is an absolute delight. Floral and savory notes play off a core of vibrant red and purplish-hued fruits. I can think of many regions where a wine of this quality would command two to three times the price. Fabulous.

Jambon 5 Jotas Pata Negra; Puff Pastry Brioche.

Pata Negra ham is an ideal starter to share. Thin slices of artfully arranged jamón adorn the plate. The puff pastry brioche, served warm, is a superb accompaniment. We are happy. My only regret is that after a few days of abundant eating in Paris, we simply can’t try more things on the menu.

Roasted Landes Chicken; Poultry Sauce.

The Roasted Chicken is served with two sauces, a light poultry sauce and a richer, more luxurious demi-glace style sauce. It’s a heavenly combination. Morels, one of my favorites, are offered on several dishes but not alone. The kitchen very graciously prepared a side for us. What a treat. Mixed in with the two sauces on the chicken plate, the morels are absolutely divine.

Sautéed Morels.

Don’t be fooled by what looks like very simple filet mignon. Drouant’s Roasted Beef Château Filet served with Sauce Béarnaise, Potatoes Mousseline, Grilled Broccolini is perfectly seasoned and cooked. Sides are everything we could ask for.

Roasted Beef Château Filet; Sauce Béarnaise, Potatoes Mousseline, Grilled Broccolini.

The Hot Chocolate Mousse is more like a warm soufflé with ice cream. Generously topped with chocolate sauce, it is a fine choice for readers with a sweet tooth and a terrific conclusion to this delicious dinner.

Hot Chocolate Mousse; Sorbet, Chocolate Sauce.

Last but certainly not least, I would like to commend the kitchen and front of the house staff for a superb meal. We visited Drouant the Monday after Easter, a holiday in France. The restaurant was not especially busy. These are the moments when service can slip, when the food can suffer. Everything we tasted was delicious, while service was top notch. Drouant is open every day from 8am to 11pm, making it a highly useful address for both diners who are new to Paris and those who are well versed in the city’s culinary attractions. Chapeau.

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