Bienvenu, les enfants, a la maison de maman. If you don't speak French, that's okay; the hospitality at Polidor will make you feel right at home. This is a traditional French restaurant, which means you know the dishes to expect: confit de canard, rumsteak, boeuf bourgignon and all the rest of it. The laid back atmosphere is superb, and you get the sense that you've been transported back in time. Dark, warm colors surround you. There is wood from top to bottom. And the heavy-set madame that seems to be a cook or a waitress, or both, is always jolly, and she seems to have come right out of Ratatouille, or a Hemingway novel. I've had some of the best meals in my life in this restaurant, not simply because of the taste, but because of the surroundings. The French often forget that being comfortable in a restaurant doesn't necessarily mean silver and fine china: this is not your hoity-toity French restaurant where you're treated like royalty, but a down-home feel that transports you to a cozy restaurant in the French countryside. I've lived in Paris for five years, and this is the most authentic French cuisine I've ever had. read more

Giving one star because I'm so bummed we wasted one of our three dinners in the culinary capital of the world on this place. Ambience is definitely old-school and charming, but food was just bizarrely bland. Pumpkin soup was seriously unadulterated pumpkin purée ... no salt, no seasoning. I tried to tell myself it tasted "fresh," but ultimately I couldn't choke it down (and I'm not a picky eater or salt fiend.) (Fortunately the waitress noticed my untouched bowl, asked if I didn't like it, and struck it from the bill.) The soup was not an anomaly; my husband's steak was literally a plain piece of meat on a grill (not even a touch of flavor), and his frites had not a speck of salt. I actually laughed when I bit into one. My beef bourguignon was solid, but the accompanying mashed potatoes were again bland, under-salted. I guess the hole-in-the-floor that is the toilet is quirky and quaint, a vestige of yesteryear or whatever ... but when you actually have to pee? No thank you. I literally held my bladder during dinner. Historic gothic cathedrals have been updated with more modern conveniences. Anyway, my husband and I were beyond disappointed. Skip skip skip! read more

Delicious food. You receive a lot, so either go on an empty stomach or order light. I had the beef-so tender-and the lentil soup.

The Restaurant Polidor brings back so many fond memories. When I lived in Paris, I used to come here at least twice a month. It was one of the few places I could actually afford that didn't resemble a panini or crepe stand. In my opinion, this restaurant serves home-style French country cooking at its best. If you're a person who likes stewed meats with sauces, you'll fall in love with this place. I always like to start off my meal with the Foie gras de canard landais maison. It's served with crunchy day-old bread and is just fabulous. The portion is enough to share with two, but I like to order one for just myself. I so rarely get to eat foie gras that when I have an opportunity, I'm a tad bit glutenous about the whole experience. After my first carafe of wine and while I'm waiting for my second, that's when I place an order for the Joues de porc au curry de Madras, purée. Stewed, curried pork may seem like a strange accompaniment to the foie gras, but I don't care. I love it. The pork is super tender and the curry sauce is incredibly creamy and flavorful. However, if you're not a curry fan, the Boeuf Bourguignon, purée is excellent as is the Confit de canard landais. Everything they make at Restaurant Polidor is delicious and you'll think that your long lost French grandmother is back in the kitchen whipping up recipes she used to make you when you were a child. There's something nostalgic about this place that makes you feel like you've come home. A note about the seating: Sometimes you might have your own table, and other times you'll find yourself sharing. The French don't really care and after a few minutes, neither will you. The last time I was there I came by myself and sat at a table next to two people I didn't know. It was a bit awkward for me at first, but after a glass of wine I felt right at home! read more

Polidor was exactly what I wanted from an old school brasserie. Lightly surly and oft-aloof service, classic French food, sans-frills. Steak frites? Sure... Steak on a plate with fries. Delicious, but no extras (given or needed). Duck confit? Absolutely... We'll even toss it onto a bed of choucroute (a warm cabbage slaw with a mild vinegar base that perfectly breaks up the grease and fat of the duck). Amazing and approachable wine list with classics, basics, and intriguing new options to try. Stay as long as you like; soak up the atmosphere and the dining room filled with locals doing the same. I spent my birthday here this year and it was a perfect, comfortable, casual evening with friends. read more

Stumbled upon this place down the street from my hotel, ended up going there for lunch and dinner! The best authentic and hearty French food I have tried all week, the wine was the best as well. All of this goodness at the most affordable price. The place is very simple but the food is to die for, I almost ate the bones of the chicken. Beef burginion was amazing and that sauce, I will be dreaming about it for a while! Apparently it was there since 1845, they only accept cash for payment, but don't worry the average entree price is 15 euro, for 22 euro you can have the full course meal with app and desert, wines per glass range from 4-7 EU, and I am talking about Bordeaux wines here...hands down the best food!!! read more

Polidor - Beef bourginion, the best!!! - French Near Me - Paris, 75

Ah, finally made it to Polidor. We got there very early by French standards (6:30 or so) yet the place was packed with a brilliantly festive atmosphere by the time our mains arrived. The foie infused lentil soup (crème de lentilles blondes au foie gras) was a plate licking bread cleaning affair and our bowls were polished after this course. I also devoured the duck (Confit de canard landais) on a heaping pile of homemade cabbagekraut. The duck was cooked well and perfectly moist on the thigh. My gf had salmon which was poached and good, but not as good as some Cali joints can do. The prices were reasonable and I would recommend this spot to anyone in the area looking for a wonderful evening dinner in Paris. Oh, cash only (since 1845.) read more

Polidor is a well-known, historic old restaurant from the 1800s. I ate there once with my classmates from the nearby Sorbonne after my professor waxed poetic about it. The decor looks like it hasn't changed for a hundred years and the menu is very traditional. If you want to try traditional French dishes such as blanquette de veau, boeuf bourguignon, or confit de canard in an authentic atmosphere, this is the place to go. read more

Love the setting, food and super great cheese, escargot. Wait staff was fantastic too. I would recommend to anyone visiting Paris to give this restaurant a taste. :) read more

A fun little bistro located close to the Latin Quarter in Paris not far from Saint Germain. Have been coming here for years and it has always been consistent. Great steak / frites and other french favorites. Open table seating plan so you never know who you will be seated next to but you will be a assured of an authentic Parisian Bistro experience. read more

We had a really nice dinner here. Mostly traditional food. Be prepared for casual, communal seating. The restroom is unique if you are from the US or other first world country. Our starter was escargot and it was delicious. So buttery and garlicky that I didn't even realize I was eating snail. She had scallops, which were very good. I had beef tenderloin, which was very tender and tasty, but a bit undercooked. I suspect things are cooked to a different temperature here, so you may want to consider medium-well if you like medium; medium if you like medium-rare, etc. The tartin dessert was good, but burnt on the bottom. I don't love crust, so no big deal for me. Overall a nice meal and I would recommend if you are in the area. read more

Salt to the earth classic french neighborhood restaurant, bustling with locals. The food is traditional, solid and reasonable. You will cozy-up with your new french friends at bistro-style tables. Our waitress was very nice, even smiley by french standards (she may have been German) and she took good care of us despite being the only one in the room serving tables. The menu is mostly in French with an English translation. We felt very comfortable here in a quiet French neighborhood. read more

Polidor - French Near Me - Paris, 75

One of my Favorites in all Paris. Boy do I love this place. It's the Classic Old-School Parisian Bistro that one imagines when thinking of Old Paree (1920 's and such) .. Absolutely Wonderful Ambiance, Great Bistro Fare at resaonable prices, good service. LOVE IT, Love It, Love it!!!!! read more

We were first here 18 yrs ago and had a great memory of the escargots, overall food quality and service. We returned in late June for our 1st dinner in Paris w/our children and had the opposite experience. Perhaps b/c Woody Allen filmed "Midnight in Paris" here the employees feel as though they don't have to try as hard. They're not very welcoming though everone in the restaurant speaks perfect English and take your business for granted. We were already forewarned that they don't accepted credit cards. Also within 10 minutes of our sitting down, a big gray cat ran across the floor and up the spiral staircase. He/she obviously lives there but it was a bit disconcerting to see the cat when you're about to eat dinner. For starters, we ordered the escargot appetizer cost 19 euros and they seemed a bit overdone. Main courses: 2 of us ordered the beef bourginoun which was just "ok" the beef was a also a bit overdone + it came w/mashed potatoes which had 0 taste; 1 son ordered the salmon that also came with spinach which he said was good; the other son ordered the steak frites which was just steak + french fries and the meat portion was only about 4 oz. Service; the waiter was completely disinterested. We had to re-ask him for more bread + water refills. When we tried asking the hostess who seemed to just be standing around when she wasn't seating patrons, she said we had to ask the waiter but never offered to get him for us. Perhaps he didn't like the fact that we didn't order wine or beer. At the end, when asked if the bill included his gratuity he said "No". We later learned that EVERY restaurant check in France includes a tip so you don't really need to give an extra tip. Unfortunately, this server was looking for extra $ from Americans. We've learned, perhaps next time I'd not bother going to Polidor and try Japorama across the street! read more

Great combination of food, energy, helpful staff and fair prices. I know you eat on top of your neighbors, but you may hear some good gossip that way. Glad we stumbled upon it. read more

After a FABULOUS dinner at Les Papilles nearby, my husband and I were looking for a local place to get an after dinner glass of wine. Although the restaurant was nearly empty, the waitress refused to serve us drinks only and demanded we order a full meal or leave. So...we left. I guess this restaurant is not in the business of making money with how quickly they turn away customers. Again, the restaurant was empty. We would not have been taking seats away from customers ordering full meals. If you are looking for a fabulous meal, friendly atmosphere, and great prices...step inside Restaurant Polidor (to look at a piece of history)....then walk down the street to Bistroy Les Papilles. You will not be disappointed. read more

Great food. Bring cash. Check out the bathroom before you go. Order off the fixe menu.

What a great find I stumbled into on a recent trip to Paris...Very authentic and historical place. Food was great and reasonably priced. Got there just before the crush of locals that lined up. Great time. read more

One of the last, true, traditional, family-style restaurants that remains in the quarter, which has been inundated by a huge wave of sushi joints. Three other of these great old restaurants that were among my favorite haunts when I lived there are now gone. So I was very pleased one summer evening to find the Polidor still there. Very wysiwyg service and food, always more fun if you can speak French with the servers, who are accommodating and friendly. You are seated according to some sort of karmaic plan that has no particular rhyme or reason--sometimes alone, sometimes with other clients--but is always rewarding. They were out of foie gras when I went, but the crudite salad was a nice consolation. Brown bread on the table a welcome change from sliced baguettes. The boeuf bourgignon is very good, as are most of the house (carafe) wines. read more

Everything I thought it would be and more. Excellent services, fantastic atmosphere, sensational food. Going to go there again before we leave Paris. read more

had an excellent dinner. Escarcot were fantastic, as was the salmon, steak au poivre, and chicken. Third time here and still very good. Cash only. read more

Warning: The hole in the floor toilet with unsanitary conditions for anyone, but especially a 9 year old who needed to go - was a deal breaker. If you don't need to use the toilet ... the food was excellent, although I was put off having been to take my child to the toilet. We finished our mains fast - and then walked back to our hotel, thankfully only 3 mins away, so he could use the toilet.. then we are going out for dessert ... elsewhere. read more

Been going here for years for the confit and just had dinner. Lentil soup was good comfort food. Great ambiance. Two of us ordered confit de canard...they delivered roasted duck leg with mushy skin on a bed of sauerkraut. We asked them where the confit was and they said that's how they serve it. Menu is now a lie (same as ordering as steak but being given a burger- not the same thing at all). Will never return. read more

The waitress at Polidor was especially helpful and charming even though we did not speak French. When we had trouble understanding what the menu items were she did her best and mimed with gestures, laughing and smiling the whole time. Our dishes were satisfying, we felt the escargot was quite good! I highly recommend this restaurant in Saint Germaine de Pres near the Odéon Opera. read more

The restaurant is charming and steeped in history. Unfortunately they now prey on tourists, pushing under cooked and sinewy beef that is tough to cut with a steak knife. It is flavorless. Sold by weight at 60 euros for two it is clear why this pricey option was seen at many nearby tables, each reacting by either send it back for more cooking or struggling to find edible portions. Hoping the meal would be redeemed with the house tartin, we were disappointed with a dessert that lacked proper texture and taste. Don't waste a Paris meal experience here. Step inside for a quick peek and leave. read more

I had the best meal I have ever eaten in my life here. Their food was so delicious and rich. I have tried to recreate their recipes, but it is never quite the same. I had a three course meal for 27 Euros. It is very quaint inside and when we went we were the only tourists, which made our dinner even better. read more

Food is good, but I especially like the atmosphere inside. Let's say I have dinner in this restaurant when I'm in Paris mainly for that, the service is not the best, but it is a must try. From what I understand, they do not accept reservations, first come first sits, and sometimes the wait is pretty long read more

One of my favorite restaurants! They way I describe it to friends- its as if youre in the kitchen of a french family- real, authentic, humble, delicious. Real french food with the best atmosphere. read more

One of my favorite restaurants in Paris. I have been here about 20 times since 1991 and they have consistently delivered the traditional simple French dishes in an inviting and unpretentious ambiance, reportedly for 150 years. This week I was back to savor the foie gras, favorites like beef bourguignon, pave de boef, and to finish a tart tatin. You won't find here nouvelle cuisine or fancy presentation, but great flavors at a reasonable prices for París. The shared tables may intimidate some, but makes it feel more homey to me. Beautiful facade and located in Saint-Germain-des-Pres area, became a bit more popular since depicted in Woody Allen's film "Midnight in Paris". The restaurant does not accept reservations or credit cards (since 1845 as the sign says) and is cash only, so bring some and just find some place to seat with others. The only thing that have changed over the years is that waiters now speak a bit of English and are less rude as they (traditionally!) used to be 20 years ago. Hope to be back in my next visit. read more

There's a great scene at Polidor in the new Woody Allen Movie, Midnight in Paris.

Authentic French cuisine, easy going atmosphere, and great service. Loved everything we ate.

Good ambience. Good service. Quick service. But food is "meh". Steak in steak frites is very tough and hard and so is the same for the confit de canard. Frites is good though. Cafe is also good. I probably won't go back. Not 'wowed' read more

We loved the Polidor. The serving staff was very gracious and the food was delicious. We may return before we leave Paris. Btw, we love to eat and are very picky. This restaurant left us happy. Bring cash as they haven't accepted credit cards since 1845!?? read more

A really nice and charming restaurant. The place is a bit noisy and some tourists already know the place (well, my australian neighbours were nice though). The service is a bit too slow and not smilling enough. BUT the cooking is awesome!!!! And I could just die for the lemon pie! OMG!! Prices are correct. I do warmly recommend the place. read more

Manager was extremely rude. I've also heard that they spit in your food here if they don't like you.

TO BE AVOIDED. NO SERVICE AT ALL. First of all, when we had just sat down for 10 secs, the waitress (probably the owner) cried at my friend " no bags on the passage!" - we certainly received a very warm welcome, not. Then we found that they didn't take credit card so my friend had to go take some cash. During the 5-minute wait, the waitress (same person) chased me up 3 times to order and literally shouted " can you hurry up? I have a lot of people tonight!" ( If I was alone, I would have ordered but I had to wait for my friend to come back as anyone would have done so as a matter of courtesy.) Anyway, she killed my appetite. We left right away. I understand that it was a Saturday night but even though Woody Allen shot his movie there and famous people used to frequent this place, you don't talk to people in that manner. Save your money for a service deserve! read more

Don't bother with this joint. It certainly has the look of an old Parisian café, but the service is rude and the food is not worth it. We went there after reading the reviews in here and we have trouble believing most of them! First: they never got to the 21st century, ie. make sure you stuff your wallets with bills because they don't accept credit cards. Second: we ordered meat (boeuf bourguignon and tartare). The service was quick, but unfortunately only because they served us ... frozen fries. By the end of it our dissatisfaction must have been obvious enough that he waiter came and asked us 'what was the problem.' He had no apologies for the fries - except that they were upfront about it!! Not clear where: certainly not in the menu. Now what would be French for frozen fries: frites surgelés? read more

I lived in Paris at one time and have since returned many times as a visitor. I have been a frequent customer at Polidor, so I regret having to say that the place has been declining for several years and is now barely coasting on its past reputation. Reviewers who claim they had there the best meal of their stay in Paris must have had extraordinarily bad luck with local choices, although there certainly are a lot of mediocre restaurants in the city. In Polidor's neighborhood there are several better choices, in fact there is one barely fifty paces from Polidor. On a recent visit to Polidor I was informed by the wait person that my choice of main course was no longer available that night, although it was only 7:30 in the evening. It turned out that my second choice also was no longer available. When my third choice appeared at the table, I found a small piece of meat made smaller by bone and and gristle, and a heap of fried potatoes whose uniform size and thickness suggested an origin in the frozen food section of the local supermarket. The dining room was packed with Americans, Australians, Germans, and Dutch, but there wasn't a French conversation to be heard. I suspect Polidor is now appealing mainly to tourists who want to try "that restaurant that was in that Woody Allen movie." read more

Great charm! House wine was good. Definitely cozy (aka tightly packed). Food was good and very fast. Deserts were home made and a high point. Service is typical of France (not a lot of attention, they did not rush us out, we had to ask for bill, and they were very friendly when we had to ask a question). Price was good given the location and quality. read more

Excellent french steak. The waiter spoke English and helped us order the 5Euro/100g prime rib bone-in steak for 3. It's served Peter Luger style (~1 inch thick, precut), ours was medium rare and it was cooked to perfection & amazing, their specialty is french cow and i'd say it's as good as any best American/British steaks (we ate at SW, Peter Luger, fancy joints in LV, Hawksmore in London, etc), personally we like french steak the best because it's grass-fed and leaner but more flavorful, the mushroom sauce to go with the steak was excellent too. We ordered a bottle of excellent red for only 17 Euro. The french long table arrangement also enabled us to chat and share food/stories with out table mates. Make sure you bring cash (there's ATM within 3 minutes walk), this place hasn't been taking credit card since 1845. read more