1. Overview
Gallopin is a traditional Parisian brasserie renowned for its classic French cuisine and stunning Belle Époque ambiance. This mid-range restaurant offers a delightful experience without straining your budget.
2. Why You Might Love It
- Gallopin serves delicious, simple French brasserie fare at reasonable prices.
- The service is excellent and friendly.
- The Belle Époque décor throughout the restaurant transports you to a bygone Paris.
3. Why It May Not Be For You
- The menu isn’t especially vegetarian-friendly.
- The fixed menus offer only a few choices.
- Those who prefer bustle and excitement may find the ambiance here a touch too quiet.
First Impressions
A French friend highly recommended Gallopin when I expressed my desire for exceptional yet reasonably priced brasserie-style French cuisine. Surprised by her assertion, I entered Gallopin through the grey Place de la Bourse, a favored spot for investment bankers, and instantly felt transported to enchanting Paris circa 1900.
This storied brasserie, established in 1876 and renovated for the Universal Exposition of 1900, features a stunning mahogany bar and remarkable stained-glass murals that fill the dining room with a warm, dreamy light.
The Menu
Gallopin takes pride in offering freshly prepared market ingredients, combining traditional dishes with a modern twist.
Some examples from the menu include:
- Steak with braised endives and orange butter.
- Roasted fillet of duck with thyme and crushed potatoes.
- Nicoise salad with lightly cooked tuna.
- Fresh seafood platters.
Desserts include mouth-watering options like Belle Hélène (a poached pear with hot chocolate sauce) and brioche with salted butter caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.
My Full Review
We began our meal with kirs, a classic aperitif of white wine and black currant syrup. For my first course, I chose salmon terrine with Mimosa eggs. The salmon melted in my mouth, perfectly seasoned.
For the main course, I enjoyed red mullet with vegetable lasagna and Provencal pesto. My companions relished the traditional foie gras and lacquered pork filet mignon with sweet-potato gratin, celebrating the rich flavors.
A Sweet Ending
Sticking to tradition, I ordered bourbon vanilla crème brûlée for dessert, which surpassed all expectations with perfect texture and flavor.
Getting There and Practical Info
The restaurant is centrally located, right across from the Bourse (Stock Exchange) and just a few minutes’ walk from the Paris Opera Garnier.
- Address: 40, Rue Notre Dame des Victoires, 2nd arrondissement
- Metro/RER: Bourse (Line 3) or a ten-minute walk from Opéra (Metro lines 3, 9; RER A)
- Phone: (+33) 142 364 538
- Price range: See current menus and prices here
- Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12:00 p.m to 12:00 a.m.
- Drink service: Full bar and wine list available.
- Credit cards: All major credit cards accepted.
Please Note: While accurate at the time of publication, prices and other details for this restaurant are subject to change at any time.
