Maxim's de Paris

Like it has already been pointed out in other reviews, not sure what the hype really is all about!!! I had high expectations for Maxim’s, given its reputation, but my experience was far from enjoyable. The overly dark theme made the interior feel gloomy and uninviting rather than elegant. Then on top of that as a tourist, being forced to wear a jacket provided by the restaurant one that’s clearly been worn by others, felt both unhygienic and unreasonable. The hostess repeatedly went back and forth about Maxim enforcing the need for me to wear a jacket, It set a frustrating tone for the evening and detracted from what should have been an enjoyable experience. For a place that prides itself on fine dining, the front-of-house experience needs serious improvement I came to enjoy a meal, not be subjected to outdated dress codes that ignore practical realities ( as a tourist why would I be carrying a jacket just for a meal at a restaurant). The food didn’t do much to redeem the visit either. The salmon was battered, which only made it worse, overcooked ( we had requested well done though not dried out ) and lacking flavor. Surprisingly, the only dish I genuinely enjoyed was the side of vegetables (peas and beans), which were fresh and well-prepared. Service was rushed and unrefined. A server/table manager tried to take my plate while I was still taking my last bite where he did apologize, but it felt unnecessarily hurried. To top it off, while pouring sparkling water, the table manager ( was not in white color jacket) spilled drops into and around the cup/glass, clearly a training issue that should not happen in a place of this standing. We definitely were seated in a way where we couldn’t see the performance ( I had already lost interest in the place upon entering in there and it was nothing that would have grabbed my interest but with that price I am paying for the experience which already was horrible to begin with). Additionally, I was surprised and frankly taken aback by the expectation of a tip when paying by card. In Europe, tipping is generally not mandatory, and I felt uncomfortable being pressured to leave one especially after the experience we'd had. It’s disappointing that a place with such a reputation entertains such behavior. Overall, Maxim’s felt like a relic clinging to old standards without offering the warmth, quality, or attention to detail you’d expect. I wouldn’t recommend it, especially to fellow travelers looking for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience in Paris.

Great looking place and a true Back in Time experience. That it’s great and amazing about the place. The food was expensive but that was to be expected. However the quality was average for the price. The place was noisy but again, it’s a popular location and there were quite a few people so that probably can’t be helped. The service was only ok (again considering the location) and I was less than impressed with the attitude at the end when I chose not to tip. Would I recommend? Yes. Once. It’s a unique experience. In a sense and worth doing it once.

We were impressed with the decor at Maxim’s. We found it comfortable with a classic elegance. The food was also very good with a wide variety of offerings on the menu. The service was good, friendly and attentive. We also very much enjoyed the live jazz and vocals during our meal. The music was entertaining without being too loud.

Had an absolutely lovely time and was served by this wonderful waitress Lorena. She made my first-time visit truly memorable. I enjoyed the music, the wine, the food. Overall, it was an experience to not easily forget. However, I was set next to people that were dressed in jeans and T-shirts, and one man was even watching live football on his phone during dinner. With the sound on! I was quite appalled by the fact people like this are welcomed at a place like this, especially when other people are trying to enjoy their dining experience and dress according to Maxim’s dresscode. Aren’t people refused at the door anymore for not complying with the dresscode?

Ignore the bad reviews!! When I found this place it looked perfect, I nearly didn’t go because of the bad reviews and wow what a mistake that would have been. The atmosphere was impeccable, service was of fine dining and the food was incredible. Possibly one of my favourite restaurants I have ever been to (we go to a lot). We managed to get in last minute on a Saturday night which I was shocked about and I imagine it was due to the reviews. If you are in Paris it is a must.

I was pleasantly surprised. I thought that it would be very touristy but the service was very good. the prices are high but within the range for other restaurants with the same sort of menu. The atmosphere was very good. The entertainment which changed throughout the evening , four example a guitarist a saxophonist, and 2 female singers. The volume was reasonable although I would have liked it even a little softer. Overall it was a very good experience.

A Deeply Disappointing Experience in Paris – One Star is Too Generous I had high hopes for this restaurant, given its reputation and setting in the heart of Paris, but unfortunately, the experience was nothing short of a letdown. Let’s start with the steak: I ordered it medium, expecting a warm pink center with a proper sear. What I received was a cold, undercooked slab that was clearly rare at best — bordering on raw. It was unseasoned, lifeless, and felt like an afterthought on the plate. The accompanying sauce couldn’t save it, nor could the barely-warm, bland mashed potatoes. As for the fries? Shockingly bad. Pale, limp, and flavorless — they tasted like they came from a sad freezer bag, not a Parisian kitchen. Even basic street frites in the city are better than this. We left the restaurant feeling completely disappointed — not just because the food was poorly executed, but because the quality was so beneath even casual Parisian standards. For the price and the hype, this meal felt like a joke. It’s rare I write a review like this, but it had to be said. Save your time, appetite, and euros. There are far better options in Paris

Maxim’s de Paris is a legendary restaurant full of historic charm and Parisian elegance. The Art Nouveau décor is stunning, the service is refined, and the food is beautifully presented. Prices are high, but it’s a truly memorable dining experience.

Maxim's is a French institution. The ambience is elegant. Check out my video of the empty front room which showcases the beauty of this space. All the diners were in the larger back room. Service was attentive and they accommodated my gluten intolerance with gluten free bread which was a 15 minute wait. I didn't mind! We tried a variety of different dishes: carpaccio, cauliflower/lobster, John Dory and filet. Everything tasted great! My cocktail was Ok. I just wished our tables weren't so close. You can't help but feel like you're part of your neighbors conversation. The tables to our left and right spoke English lol Our server was very accommodating however I did feel that he was overwhelmed with the number of tables he was attending to.

Visited 05/15/2025 Not sure what all the hype is about. Ok, so it's an "institution", but to me it was a bit too stuffy and overpriced. Clearly some LOVE the decor and ambiance, but me, not so much... Dark... old... hummm, kinda like me! Wonder why I don't like it! Anyway, I will say service was very good! Paul, our waiter was attentive and managed to communicate with my broken French. The appetizers... faux gras, served with buttered toast was terrific, but what could be bad... goose liver pate on buttered toast!? I'm drooling as I write/type this! My wife and I tried their tartar lobster (a light cream/lemon sauce) was very different and very tasty! Never had this before. For my entrée, I had the beef tenderloin with mashed potatoes. Not the most tender beef I've had, but good. However, my wife and her twin sister shared the specialty of the house... a whole roasted chicken for €120 with fingerling potatoes and frankly, not worth that kind of money. I make it 100% better at home. To be honest... most of the meals we had in Paris were less that 'wonderful'. Some were for sure, but many of them were just ... 'meh!' I would suggest going to where the locals go... stay away from tourist traps like this.

I really loved the interior design of Maxim's--it was an aesthetic dream, especially with the live jazz performance. They also make a mean Negroni, and I can see why this place has stood the test of time with its classic accommodations and rich history. This would be an amazing date night spot to get a bit more dressed up and hit the scene. I was seated next to the most adorable couple who had traveled from the UK to celebrate their anniversary, and they proved exactly my point. The main downside for me was the service. I had a 10pm reservation as a solo diner and arrived at 9:30 since my train got in early, hoping to grab a drink at the bar beforehand. The doors were locked, and I wasn't permitted inside until they confirmed my reservation. They then told me I couldn't enter for another half hour. I politely asked to use the restroom, which they allowed, but afterward, they sent me back out and asked me to return later. I wouldn't have minded if I weren't alone and it wasn't 30 degrees outside. Once seated, it was clear that the servers had been given too many tables at once, making it difficult for them to accommodate everyone's needs. They were doing their best, but the service felt stretched thin, which impacted the overall dining experience. Additionally, the meat was cooked a bit too long to be considered medium rare for my taste. Although I had a unique experience overall, I would try coming back with an early reservation and perhaps with a group of friends to fully enjoy what Maxim's has to offer.

Read a lot of hype about this place. It certainly lived up to its reputation. The inside vibe and ambience is old-school dark woods, sultry music. If that isn't enough the food was outstanding. Only drawbacks were dress code wasn't enforced people in line ahead of us in tennis shoes t shirts etc very sloppy and not what was expected after reading up on this place. Also surprised our waitress didn't have any help....i.e no bus boys, no one came to our table to help with the wine/champagne choices although we did request, no manger stopping by etc. So we did have to wait a bit for just about anything.... Water, bread, having dishes cleared. Expected better from this place but all in all we enjoyed it. Also had a chance to visit the bar upstairs which was a real find and highly worth the visit.

We enjoyed the roasted chicken ( whole) for two which came with roasted potatoes. The maitre d carved the bird for us. Our server, Anais, was very helpful and smiled a lot. There was a live jazz band Maxim's was recently renovated and looks beautiful . The only thing I would do differently is request a table on the second floor, because on the main floor, you can feel the vibrations from trains running under your feet.

Came here with my suit and eveything they require. The steak came absolutely RAW, I've never seen a chef cook a steak so raw in my life. Then they recooked the same peace I cut and it was the most rubbery thing I've ever eaten in my life. The duck salad had three peaces of duck in it I kid you not three little peaces. The mains are subpar and the starters and average, nothing special. We had a nice waiter, but the ac was just so hot and we were sweating in our suits, if there was any ac. It was ALRIGHT, DO NOT COME HERE, it is the most average restaurant and absolutely NOTHING worth coming for. Go to lulus or other good restaurants in Paris.

Such a wonderful experience! Its absolutely iconic. You can picture the famous celebrities who frequented this place. Very dimly lit and romantic. Excellent food and service. There was a small band with a singer that added to its charm. One of my favorite memories of Paris dining.

If I could give this a zero- I would. I have traveled the world over and NEVER experienced a more rude hostess than at Maxims.If you are American don't eat here. Horrible. When we arrived (with a reservation- they had us in the system Then later said we arrived without a "booking") they told my husband -with a cashmere sweater, tie and white dress shirt and suit pants- that he had to wear a jacket "it was mandatory ". So he did. We are fine with rules. So OK. Then we noticed several men without jackets and in jeans around us. Sooo not mandatory?!!!. Instead of a lovely dinner out we ate quickly- no extra wine, no deserts, no cocktails (still 177 euros mind you). When we questioned the hostess she was rude, combative and insulted us, and when I asked for her name she refused to give it and said "I hope I never see you again". Worst dining experience of my life. I urge you spend your money elsewhere. There are many outstanding restaurants in Paris go to those and skip this one.

Maxim's is a beautiful restaurant with fabulous food! The scenery is romantic and feels like you're in a very old movie. The staff was very friendly and helpful. They gave us very good recommendations on the food and cocktails. They also had live music, which fit the vibe of the restaurant entirely. I had the lamb tenderloin with carrots and mashed potatoes which was very good! The lamb was tender and tasty, especially with the sauce provided. This restaurant is a must in Paris, if you want to feel like you're in old time Paris.

Chose this spot to celebrate my 30th birthday and I must say the experience was amazing. Waitress Joy made sure to make it special, and brought out a small pastry with a candle. The ambiance was soo romantic and loved their decor. Food and cocktails were great!

The food was excellent. The ambience was excellent. The wine was excellent. The waiter was excellent. I don't know why it doesn't have higher reviews probably because of the clientele is mostly Parisian and they suck.

OMG - what a great time! I didn't realize there was live entertainment. The band was this amazing woman singer and three men and she belt out the songs. Such an entertainer. I literally had the biggest smile on my face as they took us to our seats. I felt like I walked back in time to a 1920 dinner/jazz club. This place is several stories high with bars going up. If you are going to Paris, go to Maxim's. Food was good - actually great, we are just picky eaters and the menu wasn't the best for us. And, the service is typical French / slow - definitely not American, so I can't complain there. It was better than other French spots. The atmosphere and entertainment made up for any and all shortcomings and it is everything I could have dreamed of for a Paris experience.

rude staff. its already overpriced and you get treated so badly. Food was ok. wont come back again

Beautiful restaurant with such historical significance and decorations. Once you step inside, it feels like you traveled back in time to the 1920's. The service is good but the food is average. The quality of the food is good; however, the taste is not innovative and average for the price. I so wanted to love the food but it didn't do it for me. It's an one time experience and I'm glad to have tried it.

Unforgettable, quality food, atmosphere, service, and waiters presentations and proper attire. Been there many times for all kinds of occasions and it is of coarse the first place on my list when it comes to have THE dinner or even lunch in Paris, France. And yes, it is one of the most expensive places to eat but it is worth it cause you do not pay only for the food - the history and the old hall of fame comes with it.

Was a great experience, we had a party of 7. I enjoyed the appetizers more the the main course. For appetizers had scallops and the caviar. Scallops cooked perfect and the caviar was really good. I had the chicken as my main course was moist in a sauce that enhanced the flavor, but was just chicken and I have had better. The ambiance was similar to a steaks house, and the service was 5 star very attentive and help out tremendously since no one spoke French.

I ate here many years ago - with 3 friends, one of them very dear - and it was/is the single most memorable food experience of my life - and the most expensive. First off - the place is beautiful. If you want to feel like a turn of the century member of the aristocracy than do it here - because you can eat too. The most memorable of the dishes at this meal was also the most simple - huge stalks of white asparagus. My god they were amazing - served in nothing but browned butter. So good. Other amazing courses were - a great pate - duck - and all but forgotten meats that - all I can remember is that they were amazing too. For desert I had the simple yet delicious "Isle de Flotan" floating island... a tower of whipped egg-whites in caramelized sugar. Another impressive thing were the waiters: they all had a belt of waiter tools that they used swiftly when needed, with deft precision. On a sort of sad note - a typical photo hustler took a picture of all of us at our table and then wanted twenty bucks for it. We told him to stuff it. And we have regretted that decision ever since. BUY THE PICTURE You only eat here once.

This was my 9th visit here over the last 14 years, and not our last. The atmosphere is unique. We were surprised at the small attendance as the food, service, ambiance and entertainment is above excellent. The Piaf renditions as always superior.

You will pay an arm and a leg, but this classic is totally worth it. The food is amazing and the service is impeccable. And the Art Nouveau decor is mind blowing.

Food was just ok, not the best I've ever had. 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 2 desserts and 4 glasses of wine. $420 euros. Nothing was worth it. I think my expectations were very high considering we had amazing meals for the last 6 days here in Paris. The restaurant was completely empty. They were only attending 2 tables, including mine, 4 people total. Yikes! At peak time for dinner too. Service was amazing and restaurant was gorgeous, that's why I'm giving 2 stars. I really wanted it be a memorable last meal in Paris and it was a bust. Sorry maxim's.

Got to go at least once. Winston Churchill, Helmut Goering, Jackie Onassis, Mick Jagger and Ernest Hemingway have all been. So just for nolstagic reasons it's a must. Lady GaGa has been recently so some bad taste too I guess. Old fashioned to the point that the staff take pride in their work and of the establishment. It's old school and first class. Being over 120 years old, the place has this almost should be updated feel. Answer, no. This is where it all has happened over the years and continues. I hope it never changes and next trip to Paris in a few weeks shall visit the Art Nouveau museum upstairs which I keep missing as its 2 pm until 5 I believe. The service is second to none, the food is classic and top shelf. Excellent. Steak as good as I have had. Hot Cherries and Chantilly Cream. Next time will try the Crepe Suzette as this again a classic. I hope they never change and keep nostalgia and tradition into the next century. Wear a jacket guys. I went last time unexpectedly. Was on a short business trip with an associate and friend. Oops. We did have sport coats even. I made my apologies to Marc-Henri Caillard, the public relations manager, who very understanding and as it was Tuesday and early he let it slide. If it had been me. I would not have let me in, Maxim's offers and deserves tradition to be upheld and rules of the house adhered to. So my advice is bite the bullet. Get dressed up , warn the wallet that there is some overtime due. Have a large night out. You will return once you have forgotten the amount of the bill from the last time. Yes it's worth it. Go go go.

Heartbreaking!!! I have been to Paris a dozen times. This is the only meal I have had that I can truly say was awful. It is a beautiful building and I encourage a walk through but do not go for dinner. First, the arrangement of the dinning room is nonsense. There is a lovely red velvet banquette that runs around the room ....it is unused. Tables are pushed up against the side and couples sit across from each other. Truly a missed opportunity for romantic seating. The waiter sat me with my back to the room and gave my boyfriend the seat with the view . Secondly, there was a very nice sounding singer but most of the patrons could not see her, including myself because of the seating our backs faced her. Also, she sang to recorded music on stage, unfortunately it appears they could not afford real musicians. Small lamps are on each table with visible cords running down the table to the outlet. Service was average, definitely not friendly or superb. Now the food. Now the food. I drink champagne, the selection was dull. With access to so many champagne houses this is a sin. They offer the standard Vevue Clicquot, Moët Chandon and a swill the sadly bears Maxim's name. My starter was the Maxim's Birds nest salad, too salty. We ordered a chicken dish for two. It was dry and under seasoned. We did not order dessert because we were so anxious to leave. The bill was 320.00 Euro.....I would have preferred to throw the money in the gutter. I used to dream of going to Maxim's but it was a nightmare. The restaurant was mostly empty. I'm giving Maxim's 1 star for the nice host who seated us and 1 star for the beautiful building. The Buddha Bar is 1 street away, go there, great food, lively atmosphere, phenomenal craft cocktails.

I can remember as a little girl back in the 90's having supper here. Perfect service, great food, beautiful decor Everyone dressed to the nines, Since my first visit each and every time I'm in Paris I can't help but stop by for supper You'll never know who you might come across here Gents: put on a coat and tie ladies:don't forget the dress and heels. Don't think, you'll surly be a dolt if you miss stopping by... Try the Foi Gras and the Desert Au Chocolat It truly is magnifique Bon Voyage

What a wonderful treat from my sweet hubby on our last night in Paris! Sorry to say we were about the only ones in the restaurant but it is a Tuesday night. I started with caviar & quail eggs - delicious! Then the Tourban fish with mushroom (in season) gnocchi. So good! Hubby says he wins with Scampi in gravy & a The Filet! It was crazy good & oh, the potato puffs! We were treated like royalty and the lady at the piano was so gracious. We will be back!

Review is based on it's long reputation as a Paris institution. That is, we didn't feel it lived up to it. This being said, it wasn't bad and not overly pricey. It was our first night in Paris and we needed something close to the embassy. We were almost the only people in the place. I had veal liver, which turned out to be France-style, which is to say, largely calf-liver sashimi. I do like veal liver and ate the edges up to the raw center.

Good food and atmosphere but really overpriced even for Paris. Service is very professional and ambience is very old world. At that price - once for me thanks.

An all senses experience out of this world everyone should try at least once in their lives... Such a vivid memory even today, loved it, absolutely!

Amazing food. If you want true French cuisine this is the place to go! Yes, it is famous. Yes, it is very expensive. BUT... It is WORTH it! Traveling to Paris, for most people, is a once in a lifetime experience, so why not experience the best of France!

My wife and I got engaged here in 2009. The staff was amazing and in on the fun! We try to go back every year! The live singing and piano along with the champagne and menu make it a date to remember! We first saw the restaurant in the movie GiGi and it had lost none of its appeal! You must go, and the table is yours for the evening!

I had dinner at Maxim's with 2 other friends and we come to Paris yearly.. We loved the food, only problem iss the portions were large(odd for Paris). We could have split the entre. The green bean salad was probably the best I have had in ages. I travel alot and ca say I have eaten in some of the best restaurants, and Maxim's was quite good!

I'm so jazzed that I can write a review on Maxim's. I've wanted to go there for the last 30 years. It's a historic Parisian restaurant complete with Belle Époque decor and waiters in formal attire. Service was friendly and attentive, without interrupting or distracting from our conversation or meal. The food was great. Not innovative, but classic and very well prepared. My wife had caviar with quail's eggs for her appetizer. She ate a spoonful, her eyes got wide and she said, "now I see what all the fuss is about". My appetizer was a very generous serving of duck terrine. We both had the beef filet with pommes soufflé for the main course. The filet was great, but the pommes soufflé was amazing. The dessert cart included opera cake, which was also great, and a variety of fruit tarts. There was entertainment included, so you can dance and listen to piano music and singing. It's an expensive, but there are some great values on the menu. My only criticism is not with the restaurant, but with the patrons. I was the only guy wearing a tie and some of the men didn't even wear jackets. One young man was wearing a soccer jersey. This is a fine dinning restaurant that's been featured in an opera, the movie Gigi, and several books. How much trouble is it to treat a special occasion like its something special and dress appropriately?