La Closerie des Lilas

French restaurant · Notre-Dame des Champs

La Closerie des Lilas

French restaurant · Notre-Dame des Champs

2

171 Bd du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris, France

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La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
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La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null
La Closerie des Lilas by null

Highlights

La Closerie des Lilas is a charming Parisian brasserie where history meets elegance, offering fine wines, oysters, and live piano music, echoing Hemingway's legacy.  

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171 Bd du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris, France Get directions

closeriedeslilas.fr
@lacloseriedeslilas

€100+ · Menu

Information

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171 Bd du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris, France Get directions

+33 1 40 51 34 50
closeriedeslilas.fr
@lacloseriedeslilas

€100+ · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 29, 2025

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@afar

"An Afternoon Break Near the Luxembourg Gardens Stop here before—or after—a stroll in the nearby Luxembourg Gardens for a taste of classic 19th-century Paris . Expat writers Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald frequented the bar, as did legendary artists like Picasso (brass plaques indicate exactly where they sat). If you're not in the mood for a dimly lit watering hole, the spacious terrace is an ideal spot for a coffee or glass of wine."

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@goop

"La Closerie is in the same league as historic cafés like Les Deux Magots and La Palette. And while some might say this Montparnasse standby is past its prime, many insist it’s still very much happening—after all, Hemingway (there’s a handy sign indicating his preferred spot at the bar), Picasso, and Beckett used to hang out here all the time. We recommend springing for a full dinner in the formal main hall. But the brasserie-slash-piano-bar is great for a drink and to get a feel of the place without spending a fortune. Note: In August, the restaurant is open only in the evenings. "

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Irina Tokareva

Google
It’s rare to find a restaurant where you could sit for hours, completely immersed in the moment – but this is that kind of place. La Closerie des Lilas invites you to slow down, savor every detail, and simply be. Of course, the food is exceptional – classic French cuisine done with precision and flair For anyone seeking a dinner that’s as much about feeling as it is about flavor, La Closerie des Lilas is absolutely unforgettable

Elijah H-R

Google
It's safe to say that those who once frequented this restaurant, from Zola and Wilde to Cézanne and Picasso to Ezra Pound and Gertrude Stein, would be thoroughly disappointed if they supped at La Closerie today. While there's nothing I like more than an institution with history, if you have real history, you've got to live up to it. This restaurant, I am sad to say, does not. Where to begin? The interior is beautifully charming-but Paris is a city of charming interiors. The food is overpriced-okay, sure. But it's also actively bad, and our dinner left two in my party with upset stomachs. (Steer clear, in particular, of the wild boar.) The real problem is La Closerie's overall attitude: The meals at a restaurant of Modernist bohemians should be sophisticated but also unpretentious and insouciant, not careful, cloying, and tweezed (not to mentioned overly and yet poorly seasoned). I'll borrow an oft-quoted line of Stein's: "There is no there there." Here, at least, there isn't anymore.

Samantha Lewis

Google
This was my favorite restaurant I visited while in Paris and I’ve been to Paris now 3 different times. The ambiance was stunning. I loved the florals, the lighting and the piano player. The food was delicious and the cocktails were so carefully crafted. The cocktail list was also very extensive. Our server was so kind enough to get us a seat in the bar after our meal, directly in front of the piano. I’d come back in a heartbeat. Go here for a romantic date night!

WineWeasel

Google
The most stunning classic french restaurant I've visited in France try the Hemingway steak but don't read up what it is let it surprise you

Jennifer Bower

Google
The establishment was exceptional. Our server provided attentive and engaging service, enhancing our dining experience with his helpful wine recommendations and witty conversation. All dishes were delicious, and the ambiance, complemented by live piano music, created a perfect atmosphere for our inaugural Parisian dinner. We highly recommend this restaurant.

J Anderson

Google
Hemingway and other writers historically significant venue. Loved seeing how it has improved over the last decade. Great food.

Diana Tartakovska

Google
Best and most authentic place in Paris! Piano is wow! Thank you to the whole team for making this experience unforgettable!

Eelco Essenberg

Google
The food is good and it is spectacular to have a dish finished at the table by flambeing. Service is attentive and efficient. Great selection of oysters and French wines (mostly Burgundy and Bordeaux). The live piano adds to the atmosphere. Go for the experience, not for the price/quality.

Catherine F.

Yelp
A friend of mine took me there and I wasn't disappointed!! We went rather late and had some delicious cocktails and the grilled cheese sandwich!! Who knew I would like that sandwich so much ! Very interesting crowd as well .
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John C.

Yelp
Seafood Tower Part Four. We read of La Closerie des Lilas from Hemingway's Moveable Feast, so we wanted to try it. Arrived at noon and were warmly greeted and seated on the Brasserie side (no reservation.) The higher end Restaurant side accepts reservations. La Closerie is gorgeous. You have a choice of sitting on the plant filled terrace where Hemingway wrote much of "The Sun Also Rises", or inside in a stunning room, beside the beautiful bar. If you are an oyster lover like us, look to your left as you walk through the terrace for the day's offering. We ordered three different oysters, six each and six Madagascar head-on prawns. Spectacular. We followed it with shrimp and scallop rice paper wrapped tempura dumplings with a black garlic mayonnaise. Very tasty. Taking a break on wine for the day. Finished with a couple of cafe cremes. Many other options for all appetites of classic brasserie fare. The service was excellent, attentive and kind but never hovering. La Closerie, while not far from the center of the tourist area of Saint Germaine, the Brasserie was devoid of loud talking Americans, maybe because there are no real "attractions" close by, with the exception of a beautiful park. (Our idea of the perfect Paris afternoon.) Indeed, we were the only English speakers in the room of French locals, talking with their inside voices -- very serene. Note: while we were one of the first to be seated when they opened at noon, both inside and the terrace were full by 12:45, so best to arrive early. La Closerie is a Classy, Gorgeous, Wonderful Brasserie. We highly recommend it.

Hannah N.

Yelp
Posh and classy atmosphere, delicious food, and live music.. What else could you ask for?! We loved everything we ate. Our favorite dish was the escargot. The whole sole was flavorful and light, the steaks were amazing. Also the bathrooms were really cool!
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Jackson H.

Yelp
Steak Hemingway for the win. Amazing Oysters also fantastic. The service is impeccable and the venue feels upscale but warm and green

David B.

Yelp
This was the warmest and loveliest of the brasseries we tried. I can't say everything we had was "the best", instead I would call it solid brasserie fare with loads of seafood. But we were just moved by the warmth of the staff, absent at places like Le Dome. Even La Rotonde wasn't as warm, though I would give La Rotonde the edge in cuisine. Nevertheless a first rate gorgeous brasserie, I would go here just for the experience.

Ellanore D.

Yelp
Beautiful service and dining experience. Ask how big the steak is before you order. Size definitely varies.
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Krista M.

Yelp
I really enjoyed this restaurant - service was very kind and the food was delicious! I had french onion soup, my dad had the lamb special and mom had the haddock. All was tasty! We also started with some shrimp croquettes and salmon - delicious! This restaurant is also gorgeous this time of year - so many beautiful flowers blooming its obvious why it has its name!

Greg V.

Yelp
Best meal I had during my most recent trip to Paris. We arrived a little early, so we went to the bar and had some excellent cocktails prepared. Then we were escorted to our table where we had, no less than six different servers pamper and assist us. Nothing that was tried, from the foie gras to the sole to the veal was average. All of it was exceptional. Each course of the meal built upon the last and we left extremely satisfied with our meals. This restaurant isn't cheap, but great food and service aren't. A definite meal to remember.

Patrick S.

Yelp
One of my favorite places in Paris for the history alone. Maybe a little pricey but wonderful staff, great food and drinks, and an atmosphere that can't be beat.
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Stephanie W.

Yelp
Quite literally the best meal I've ever had. Always recommend to friends who are visiting Paris.
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Michael K.

Yelp
In all the times I've been to Paris, I've never had the courage to dine at La Closerie des Lilas, even though I have always wanted to since Hemingway wrote so lovingly about it. I was intimidated by the fact that it is one of the traditional Montparnasse restaurants and my French is pretty nonexistent. However, after a day of walking around the Latin quarter, down to the I'lle Saint Louis and Louvre, I had worked up an appetite. I chose the brasserie section since I was casually dressed and it was time for a late lunch. I was seated immediately by a young waiter who was friendly. I started with oysters and a glass of Pouilly-Fume which paired perfectly. The waiter then convinced me to try the pike quenelles---which came in a wonderful crayfish sauce. I'd always wanted to try quenelles since they were mentioned in the movie Tampopo. They were delicious. I finished with profiteroles, upon which the waiter poured a lot of chocolate sauce. There were three profiteroles but I finished them all! What a great lunch! Not cheap but I did not need dinner. Now I know what Hemingway was talking about.

Matt N.

Yelp
Go to this restaurant. The history, the food, the service and all top notch. I had the asparagus and the sole. Both delicious. My wife had the iberico ham and the Hemingway steak. Delicious. The steak gets flambé at the table. They debone the sole at the table. Cannot say enough good things about this place. Thanks Langousta for recommending it to us.

Steve C.

Yelp
For years, I've been taking clients to La Closerie de Lilas and it's always the culinary highlight of their theirs (and mine). Last year I took my fiancee to the restaurant and she was wowed by the food, service and ambiance. We dined at other fine Parisian restaurants during trip but La Closerie took the prize.
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Beata S.

Yelp
This place is so beautiful. The garden terrace is just lovely. The service here sucks. And the food is underwhelming. Our waiter was rude, for no fucking reason, he brought and charged us for a large water that we didn't order. We had Bloody Marie's, they were weak and bland, we also had beef tare tar and it was basic. We also had burrata that was paired with peas and asparagus... terrible combination. Ughh. Would I come back here again... not likely for good. Do I think you should... maybe... but only for a cocktail these people can't duck up... like a glass of champagne...
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Cat N.

Yelp
An intimidating place to walk into, with monied people having hushed conversations over a glass of wine, and someone even playing piano at 4 pm. We were only there for drinks, an already expensive task after glancing at the menu. Cocktails were average 16 euros, and wine was almost the same so we went for the stronger stuff. Fortunately, both of our cocktails were excellently done: my friend had the Moveable Feast in honor of Hemingway, and I asked for a special Hot-Blooded (spicy scotch drink). The presentation was impeccable, and execution near perfect (mine wasn't spicy, but I don't think I'll ever find spice in Paris/France). Our server brought olives as a snack on the side, a small but nice gesture. Whenever I sit on a terrasse, I like to people-watch, but the area is shielded from the sidewalk with tall green plants. So I suppose come here if you want quiet time with a friend or date, but not if you want liveliness on a summer afternoon as I did. We definitely came here as part of a Lost Generation walking tour, and it was exhilarating to sit where Hemingway read the manuscript of The Great Gatsby. It's worth going for that fact alone, even if I don't have the wallet to come again.

Rianne W.

Yelp
My husband and I came here for dinner and drinks because we have a fascination with Hemingway and he frequented this brasserie. The food was maybe a 7/10 but it could have just been what we ordered (we were feeling adventurous). The drinks were great, and there was live music on the piano, and the atmosphere was perfect. After dinner we moved to the bar where I sat at the same place Hemingway supposedly sat (there is a little plaque there) and we got another drink and the dessert sampler platter, which was great! I think it was about 9 assorted fancy little treats. I will be back next time I'm in Paris, because the ambience was perfect!
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David S.

Yelp
Okay, this place gets the thumbs down in my books, namely because when I asked the waiter where Hemmingway used to sit he simply said somewhere inside. Also, the seemed to have a bit of a dress code here, not that they didn't let me in, or take my order, it was just that sitting here with my brother I felt as if I was being treated like one of the hoi poloi. I guess it was that experience that completely put me off the places, particularly since this place was no more or less expensive than the other Hemmingway cafes that I visited while I was in Paris. In the end it wasn't what they were charging for their drinks, it was the fact that they didn't seem to particularly care that Hemmingway used to frequent this place (and the fact that I was wearing shoddy jeans).
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Sydney V.

Yelp
Amazing Dinner at La Closerie des Lilas on the bistro side of the restaurant. The best part of the meal was the quinelles. Neither of us had ever had quinelles before and we ordered them on the recommendation of Yelp reviewers. They were fantastic and we agreed that they were one of the best things either of us had ever eaten. Listen to the Yelp reviews and order the quinelles. We also ordered escargots and profiteroles, both of which were delicious. We agreed that this was by far the best meal we ate in Paris and we will certainly return if we find ourselves in Paris again. The ambiance is a fantastic addition to the food.
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Nancy J.

Yelp
It was nice enough. We came for the Hemingway experience because he wrote a good portion of "The Sun Also Rises" here, which the atmosphere certainly lends itself to inspiration. The food was sadly bland - I had the Beef "Hemingway style", which had a decent sauce, but the meat itself was pretty sad - and for 48€ that's not a word I should be using for my experience. Our sommelier was an embarrassment. He recommended a "woman's wine" and brought out some crap bottle with a heart on the front of it. "See, women love hearts." No one came back to check on us. They brought us the wrong food. They brought is the wrong cutlery and when we walked in they basically told us we'd be more comfortable in the bistro rather than the dining area - which I didn't even try to figure out what that meant because they LITERALLY HAD A DOG SITTING AT A TABLE IN THE DINING AREA. I'm glad I went so I at least had a taste of the atmosphere Hemingway had, but I'll never need to go back.
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Michael M.

Yelp
Surviving On Its Past Fame This place is grossly overpriced with mediocre food. We were surprised that the restaurant was practically empty for dinner on a Saturday evening. After we finished our mediocre meal, we understood why. Avoid.
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Doug B.

Yelp
La Closerie Des Lilas is a landmark restaurant not far from Notre Notre-Dame. It is the place where Hemingway. Ezra Pound, Henry Miller and other famous writers and artists ate and drank (to excess) 100 years ago. It oozes with charm. Gorgeous place with outdoor, semi outdoor, and indoor seating with a piano player. A can't miss spot when you visit Paris. The service is professional and impeccable. The kind of place where every waiter is dressed to kill and knows everything about every dish. Keep in mind there are 2 menus. One for the brassiere (pub) and one for the restaurant. You can afford this. You should do this! It's a rare and inspiring experience. By the way, the food was excellent. The sauce in the meat...exquisite. Don't miss it!
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U S.

Yelp
This is a solid 3 star overpriced place. Yes, you have the piano, and you have 6 waiters serving you, (although they are ignoring you just when you need them most )but the portions are tiny and the food is mediocre. Not bad. Just nothing special. Ok to order: Sea bass carpaccio (very good) Marrow bone (tasty) Oysters (we ordered a lot and they were good. ) Do not order: Prawn salad - cold. Mediocre grilled vegetables and 3 cold small prawns. Soup - original (asparagus) but not very tasty. Steak tartar (too much mustard) Creme Brûlée (you more taste the eggs than the cream)
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Kevin L.

Yelp
Through my Hemingway tour I came upon this place for a drink and a snack. The bar is beautiful with a plaque where Hemingway sat, though research will tell you he really did not sit on that spot as his regular place. The atmosphere was ok ish, with someone playing he piano. The service was kind but slow, I had to flag someone to pay. The prices were extraordinary expensive for the off peak time that I went. A small snack was between 12 - 18 Euros. Putting it into context of other Cafes Hemingway frequented this one is the biggest cash grab. I took the chorizo and Roquefort cake which was just ok. Would not recommend coming here unless a must that you should.
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Soo H.

Yelp
Such a fun experience. My parents and I rolled in after a full day of touristy activities. I was in denim shorts and a tank top and we opted to sit in the restaurant. (The venue has a fancier restaurant that is more fine dining and the bistro, which is more casual and on the patio). The service was impeccable despite our casual appearance. The menu comes in English and French. For starters, we had the raw and cooked vegetables and something else I can't remember. My mother and I both had the beef filets Hemingway-style and my dad had the veal. We finished with the napoleon dessert. The appetizers tasted a bit funny and were not my cup of tea. My dad loved them, though, so I'm not going to dock the restaurant for my personal preferences. The steak was good and well-cooked and the presentation is obviously super fun as they light the pan on fire table-side for a bit of a show. The dessert was perfect and the pastry was perfectly flaky. Such a fun experience and I really enjoyed my meal here. I hope to make it a regular dining spot for each time I return to Paris! The food was great, service was impeccable and you can't beat the history.
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Andre C.

Yelp
Great atmosphere in the bar and brasserie. Expensive and the food is so so But it remains a Paris icon, with its piano bar
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Andy S.

Yelp
One of the more interesting stops on the Hemingway Pub Crawl. I did not eat the food here, but you find out that from other reviews. We came here to drink and soak in the Parisian life. Atmosphere: It was pretty dead when we where here and not as lively of an area as other spots on the pub crawl. But the bar/restaurant did have a cool layout and vibe to it. Service: Service was nice, beer was cold, and the we enjoyed sitting outside in the courtyard space away from the passing cars. Tip: Come by for a beer. If you want more, read other reviews. Sorry.
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Angelica D.

Yelp
I dined here during a recent trip to Paris and it was fabulous. The wine ,steak, potatoes , fish (I forget the name) and creme brulee were all delicious . The restaurant is beautiful and the service was excellent.
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Naomi G.

Yelp
On our last evening in Paris, my fiancee and our friends walked from our apartment on Notre Dame des Champs to La Closerie des Lilas searching for some good food and spirited conversation. We had both! La Closerie looks like it was trapped in time. I felt like I was transported to the 20's and that one of the ex-pats would be sitting by the bar, smoking, drinking. There are a lot of jewel tones throughout. There was a piano player near the front of the restaurant, but the music was audible throughout. For eating, there is an outdoor seating area, an area by the bar and the main dining room. The lighting was dim, but not too dark. The only thing that was missing was a thin cloud of smoke floating over the bar (which I'm not complaining about). The prices of the food that is served next to the bar area is probably half the price of the main dining room. We sat in the main restaurant. For the four of us, including drinks and dessert was a little over 400 euros. Ouch. The food was delicious, but you are really paying for the experience. Just get dressed up and go.
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Tom H.

Yelp
The closerie des lilas is a marvellous traditionally french restaurant. The place is very chic so don't expect to just walk in and order a quick burger! I would recommend suit and tie etc for clothing options. With this you can expect a higher price tag. Everything is very expensive but then again you wouldn't expect anything else from a high end Parisian restaurant. Now let's get to it. How is it? The food is very good and quite refined. I had the steak (which is cooked and its sauce is made in front of you - very cool) and was absolutely delicious. However, the fries that came with it weren't special at all and some kind of vegetables were also missing. It just felt like there was something missing with the steak. I'm no culinary expert but that's just how I felt about it. The tarte tatin for desert was good but I have to say that I've had better ones before. As for the atmosphere, it's got that quaint Parisian charm all the while not having that stuffed feeling. The tables aren't all squashed together as it is often the case in Paris. Thence, our evening was relaxed and enjoyable. As for the service, everything went more or less smoothly. The only thing that went wrong was that our waitor forgot the butter (a minor complaint really). The reason why I took off one star is because I don't feel comfortable giving a perfect rating given the few things that went wrong especially considering the price! For a bill that is so high there really isn't any room for mistakes even small ones like these. All in all if you're looking for a fancy but authentic restaurant in Paris, this is a good place to have that experience.
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Amy C.

Yelp
The restaurant and vibe itself is quite spectacular! It's definitely a French vibe which was something I was looking for. As for service I am impartial. The service was great in terms of what we wanted and just professional and friendly, however it did take a while for service in between. I do want to point that we had dinner on Christmas Day. We had a seafood tower. It was mostly good, the prawns however seemed to be a little overcooked because the meat was a little mushy. This could be the reason why they gave us two extra prawns for free. There was two types of uni. I love uni!! They literally cut it open fresh, which means they don't clean it all the way so you'll get some of the uni guts in there. We got the steak, which is cool cuz it's flambéed for you to see, the cognac sauce was delicious, the steak itself however is a different cut that we're not used to in the states and it was not that tender, quite chewy. The scallops were mediocre, I think a little under done. It was an over nice experience, but the food was okay.
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Eric D.

Yelp
Like other Left Bank institutions (namely Les Deux Magots and Le Café de Flore) the Closerie des Lilas was where the intelligentsia hung out in the early 20th century: A bust-up between André Breton and Tristan Tzara marked the end of the Dada movement here in 1922; then the Surrealist crowd moved in, along with literary expats like Miller, Fitzgerald and Hemingway, who said that the Closerie was 'one of the best cafés in Paris'. A bronze plaque engraved with Hemingway's name (in the piano bar) commemorates the author's patronage. The literary flame is kept burning too, thanks to the Prix de la Closerie des Lilas - an award for 21st-century, French-language, female authors. If you're hungry, try the well-prepared fare like smoked haddock and spinach (€25), and rib-eye of steak (€30) - all served to well-heeled crowds throughout the day.
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Aaron N.

Yelp
Very very good. The staff were very helpful and friendly and the food was amazing. I had the chicken and a gratin potatoes along with some amazing creme brulee. I would travel here to eat.
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Libby G.

Yelp
I was really excited to go here because I love Hemingway, and it was one of his regular spots, but I was semi disappointed with my experience. I had the pigeon and my boyfriend had the veal, and neither one was stellar. The only thing that was fantastic was the Lilac Cup, which we split for dessert. It was incredible, and I'd recommend that to anyone.
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Susan M.

Yelp
Lives up to it's reputation and then some: super professional, and friendly service without being stuffy, beautiful piano music in evening, lovely old-fashioned atmosphere. They were happy to accommodate my gluten allergy. Three seating choices: inside or outside (for smokers) in the Brasserie, and a separate fine dining room with a separate restaurant menu. I will definitely return on my next visit.
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Zav A.

Yelp
Good bistro style food- The have an amazing steak tartar. great cocktails as well It can be a bit a noisy and if you are siting in the wrong seat you will be bumped regularly.
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Roberto O.

Yelp
Really 5 stars....oysters are superbs, fish meat everything is super... Also attendents and waiters are excellents! We returned the day after ... Bravi abbiamo mangiato benissimo!
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Rems R.

Yelp
The atmosphere is magical and charming. The piano adds a nice touch. The cocktails, unfortunately, are atrocious.
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Katie S.

Yelp
A lot has been said about the Closerie des Lilacs. It is one of my go-to places in Paris for lunch and bar action. It is stunning, first of all. I mean you know it's good when Ernst Hemingway was a regular. Also, that speaks to the drinks. I kid. My mother and I had an interesting absinthe experience (they do the whole fun setup) here, and she took over the piano and started playing ballads from "Les Mis", but that is a story for another time, perhaps. It is really nice to have a live piano player, even if it is your mother. (Sidebar: turns out my mother is allergic to wormwood, which is an ingredient in absinthe. So we also had a nice tour of French medicine, three cheers for free and impressive health-care). Here are some helpful hints. The brasserie at lunch is the time and the place to go. They don't accept reservations (only the main restaurant does). The brasserie is in a delicate garden and very chic Parisians frequent. The dish to get is the steak tartare. Je t'aime steak tartare. Remember this is only served at the brasserie. It is clearly one of the best steak tartares in the world. The locals dine on it as lunch is intended, slowly and gloriously, whilst looking glamorous, drinking and smoking. Boy, that's living. The restaurant is different. It is very elegant and has very classic French fair. No steak tartare, not as many Parisians, and higher prices. It is still a good choice, and it is great that they accept reservations, but I still prefer the garden of the brasserie. Clearly, you must stay and have a drink at the very famous bar!
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Dane K.

Yelp
Had the most amazing cassoulet here ever once. The kind of dish I think about a year later and crave...nobody else's cassoulet can compare :( My last lunch here was fairly average as far as food goes, but I still like the place. Service is above average. They have a really nice and large outdoor patio with a retractable awning.
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Chris B.

Yelp
(an excerpt from some quick notes I typed on my phone) WOW Hemingway steak (very peppered in bourbon - Four Roses - sauce Escargots Fricasse Foie Gras (served with apples!) bottle of Fombrauge biggest creme brulee ever This place did not suck and was a great dinner ending to our Paris vacation. Not cheap! Around 350 Euros total but damn... good stuff. Well worth it to have a nice, formal evening with the wife. The foie gras was indeed a highlight.
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S. I.

Yelp
Every time my friends ask me for restaurant recommendations in Paris, I refer to la Closerie des Lilas as one of the musts. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful restaurants in Paris, situated at the edge of les Jardins du Luxembourg (another favorite area of mine), and unlike some of the more upscale restaurants in Paris where the magnitude of waiters' attitude equals the high price of the meal, the staff at la Closerie are courteous, knowledgeable and accommodating. The food is of quality, good solid French meal without much innovation. The selection of oysters are great and the seafood dishes are near perfection. I definitely recommend la Closerie to those looking to celebrate a special occasion, given that every night in Paris can be just that.
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Jonathan B.

Yelp
The food was great, but the atmosphere was even better! The steak was exceptionally tender and the fries, well, they were fries... Had a great time and really enjoyed our accommodating waiter. Thank you!

Carolyn B.

Yelp
Wandering around on Christmas Day and saw the beautiful lights and decided to just stop for a coffee ....5 hours later we left completely happy that we ended up here for dinner. The atmosphere alone was fabulous. The piano player was wonderful and the decorations were beautiful. We sat on the cozy couches in the glass patio area and were so comfortable that we just stayed all evening. Do try the pate'! Oysters looked divine! Nice wine selection and delicious perfiterols!
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Courtney D.

Yelp
While on a trip to Paris we decided to eat at one fancy place on our trip (the other times we generally went for the local cafes and street food). We booked a reservation for 7:00 pm and realized that is when the restaurant opens for dinner and we were the only ones there for about 20 minutes. Apparently no one ever told us that Parisians don't eat dinner until later in the night. The place was beautiful and literally within walking distance from our hotel. We had a drink at the bar while we waited and they made a stiff drink for sure. We were seated in the outdoor section, which was so beautiful.The atmosphere is very cute and classic. For dinner we got the oysters as an appetizer and had some of the best bread we have ever had in all of our lives! The service was so great that each time we finished an oyster a waiter would come over to our table and move the oysters on the plate around so that we never had to reach across the table. Talk about service! I can't remember what we had for the main courses but I can tell you that one of the steak options had the best sauce on it that I have ever had. Definitely an excellent choice for fine dining in Paris!
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Sanaa M.

Yelp
La closerie de Lilas is one of the famous brasseries in Paris. It is a must to stop by and give it a try if you are here. It has a history. All the famous ppl have been here and if you are lucky you might dine next to an actor/actress you know :) The food was excellent! I've had daurade tartar as an appetizer and salmon as an entree both were delicious! I was there during lunch time so it was dead but I'm pretty sure they have a great atmosphere during dinner time. Don't miss this beautiful brasserie if you are here :)
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Yuli L.

Yelp
Very nice garden, sitting outside at the sunny afternoon, with the piano jazz, feel very French style. Foods are also the best, with good service, good choice.
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Ken F.

Yelp
We really enjoyed this place... we spent the day at Notre Dame and the Ile de Saint Louis where we spied a wonder boulangere and great fromage (shop) we ate crazy, if we can remember the name will Yelp it too... Ok, all said we were not very hungry as a result of the wonderful fromage we had earlier in the day... We spent the late evening at the Tour Eiffel an then hopped a cab to the Closerie... this was strange as when we walked by the day before around lunch it had a terrible "fishy" smell so when the concierge advised to go there we were a bit skeptical.. Arrived aroung 10:30 and stayed until midnight... there was a lively crowd dining outside and a nice live piano and wonderful singers playing along... fabulous! We were warmly greeted and sat kinda in the far away "American" section ha ha... but it was ok, our waiter was marvelous and he's moving to San Francisco so we had lot's to talk about. He sent over other waiters who also had been to SF - had fun getting to know them and us... We had a light meal of steak tartare and ravioli de fromage and shared a nice 1/2 bottle of vin rouge. The food was good, not great, but good. The atmosphere was excellent! Nice to only have spend 70e... We are soooo glad that we came here...
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Jennifer M.

Yelp
Hemingway wouldn't write his grocery list here now. Not that he would be permitted a seat at the beautiful bar by the scowling cartoons whose eye-rolls and contemptuous scowls are the most interesting thing happening.
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A O.

Yelp
Fantastic. Everything was delicious. Appetizer. Dinner. Dessert. Espresso. I'm so happy we just happened to find this place by accident cuz it was pouring outside and we were hungry. I look forward to eating here again when I visit Paris next time!