Polidor

We came to Polidor because of its history and charm and, to be fair, the atmosphere is great. It originally opened as a cheese shop and restaurant back in 1845, which is pretty incredible. But the service really took away from the experience. Our waitress, brunette with two braided pigtails, barely paid attention to our table. Bread and wine were both forgotten, and we had to remind her more than once. It was not busy at all, so it was hard to understand why we were being overlooked. We are both from California and used to a different standard of service, and at a certain point, we just started chuckling at how off everything was. We still tried to stay in good spirits and enjoy the setting, but the overall experience was not great. The food was okay, but nothing special. Polidor has a lot going for it in terms of history and vibe, but it really needs better service to match the setting.

We arrived a bit early for dinner time, so they let us wait at the wine bar. We opened a bottle and brought to continue inside when we moved to the dining room. Some staffs ignored us but some were super nice, so it wasn’t a big deal for us. Food and wine were great with reasonable price. They have traditional French cuisines in traditional atmosphere and sitting style. So prepare to share the long table with others if you come alone or with very small group. Reservation is highly recommended! There was fully booked on the day we’ve been to.

My French uncle took us here and my god this was to die for tonight. Attached are photos of my dishes that I had: - Beef carpaccio - Sea bass fillet with ratatouille - Ice cream (lemon/caramel) I never had a carpaccio that looked this way before but it was unbelievable right after the first bite. The sea bass was wonderful as well and the ice cream was excellent (especially caramel was a favorite for many). In addition I also tasted from others the onion soup starter and salmon pasta from the kids and also some fries. The latter were some of the crunchiest I ever had and every single dish was on such an amazing level that this experience belongs to the best restaurant dinners I’ve ever had. I wish I could come back regularly. You need to come here when you are in Paris!

Thank you for honoring our correctly done reservations. The host was excellent as well as the food. I can see why this is a top spot in Paris. It is also not super pricey. Thank goodness we had a recommended place that didn't bust the budget. See if you get the seat by the mirror if you are a couple.

The restaurant itself is really beautiful, has a lot of history and the first time I went was pretty quiet, for lunch. On a Saturday evening it gets pretty busy but you can book. The beef tartare is nice and the mousse au chocolat as well.

The food wasn’t really to my taste—maybe not ideal for Asian preferences—but the wine list was extensive and the setting was charming. Given its long history, it’s clearly loved by many, even if it didn’t quite win me over.

I didn’t realize how much of an experience this would be but I would absolutely come back. My stepmother made a reservation and the four of us were cramped into a tight family style long dinner table. So fun to squeeze through the restaurant which is relatively large. Extremely simple menu of French standards. I went for the beef bourgeoisie (spelling?) and a side salad. The beef dish was tender and delicious but that simple side salad is something I’ll be thinking of for years to come. Looking over to the table next to us, the steak frites looked absolutely delicious. Maybe next time. The bottle of wine we ordered was one of the best we had on the entire trip. However, service was severely lacking on the initial ordering part. Once we ordered we got our food super fast which was great but the couple sitting next to us had their order forgotten and had to say something to the waitress. After chatting with some locals this seems to be the experience at Polidor: delicious affordable food but sometimes bad service. Honestly it all is worth it and it was still a 5-star experience in my mind.

It was worth visiting purely for the novelty factor of its history. I was only curious to have lunch here because Ernest Hemingway used to regale about his time here in the 1920s. The food was decent (the beef bourguignon was so so) but the service was typically French. So you know what that means. I was mainly surprised the restroom weren't as clean as it could be. Otherwise I have nothing much to say other than this has become a more touristy fare than ever.

What to expect? You will find traditional, home made style French dishes. The food is pretty good (not amazing) and you will receive good service. Please understand that the restaurant will not open for dinner until 7pm and it does get filled pretty quickly. A lot of people go here (or at least I did) because it was one of Ernest Hemingway's favorite places to eat, drink, talk, and drink some more.

Marvelous French bistro founded in 1845 serving delicious classic French comfort food. We started with the escargots and duck foie gras that, in my opinion, only the French knows best how to prepare. For our main dish, we enjoyed the traditional French and their specialty beef bourguignon with creamy mashed potatoes. It was hearty and absolutely delicious!! The beef was so tender and served in the best burgundy sauce that I have ever had. I finished with a baba, which is a light sponge cake with whipped cream. They can serve it with or without the rum that they will pour onto the cake at the table. Let's say it is a rum lover's delight!! This place in Odeon is quite popular and can get crowded, so reservations are recommended. I went on a weekday as a walk-in, and it wasn't a long wait. They do have plenty of seating, but what can be common in brasseries, they will seat you in long communal tables if that is all that is available. Service was generally good.

This place gets busy! Make sure that you make a reservation ahead of time if you want to come here (as you should for most places when you're in France). What a wonderful experience I had here! I want to build up to it more, but the food was absolutely phenomenal, particularly the escargots. It was my first time having escargot, and I immediately knew that this would be one of my favorite foods I ate in all of France after having just one piece - they were magical. I got beef bourguignon as my main course, which was also phenomenal. The beef was seasoned well and tender, and the mashed potatoes are the best mashed potatoes that I've ever had in my life. This is very unfortunate for me, because I ate way more than my lactose-intolerant self should have and ended up with a stomach ache. Definitely worth it though!

I love the history and ambience of the place. I was not blown away by what I ordered. I had a very bland piece of fish with an overly sweet carrot purée that I could not eat. I did try the beef bourguignon which was excellent. It's crowded and lively so that made it fun. The service was good and bad. I couldn't get anyone to bring us water for a very long time. It took forever to order or even get any attention. I understand they were busy, but there was a lot of staff just standing around. Some snobby BS happening and some lovely young folks with nice attitudes. Seems to be the norm for many Paris restaurant experiences. All that said I'd probably go back if I was in the area because it's such a cool old Parisian café.

Lovely food and efficient service We came here on the recommendation of a lady that we chatted to at the markets and it was such a terrific find. My husband and I chose the menu option which gave you 3 courses for €24. This is excellent value and the food is cooked and presented beautifully. The waiters were really good too - they took our orders promptly and were quick to replenish our water. Even though it was a Tuesday night, it was super-crowded and it seemed that everyone was sharing tables. It's probably best to make a reservation on weekends and during holidays.

We heard this place is very popular with 2 dinner seatings...you need to reserve..and a line forms out the door. All true. Servers very super. Place is casual and cozy with old world France charm...1845 charm. The beef burgundy is by far the best I have ever eaten. The flavor of the sauce and the velvety texture was superb. Served with mashed potatoes...oh yes. Save room for the tarte tatin...wow is it caramelized apple goodness on a plate. I will eat here again for sure.

This review is mainly for the Wine Bar. Amazing! Accommodating. Excellent staff. We went in on an early Tuesday evening and the staff was so accommodating to me and our infant child. Great selection of wines and cheese/charcuterie boards.

Two of us came in for lunch. I was excited since I'd been to the restaurant the last time I was in Paris. We then were ignored for at least a half hour. When our waitress finally arrived she acted annoyed to take our orders. The leek soup was fine; the French onion soup salty and greasy. Never again. Paris has so many wonderful restaurants where the staff is happy to serve two American ladies.

An okay bistro. The prices are decent, and the food was just okay. There are better bistros in the area.

Terrible place. We had no reservation, the place was empty and did not take us - not posible zero stars

My wife and I have been in Paris for a month and have tried many restaurants throughout the city. This was one of our favorites by far. It has communal table seating which we love. We were seated for lunch promptly and the waiter was sharp and on it. The menu is mostly in French but the waiters speak some English also. We had a steak, salt cod in potatoes and French fries very nice and crispy came with each plat. We order a carafe of Pinot noir for 7.00 euro that was quite nice. We both had desert rum baba and apple tart.....wonderful. There is really a great value to quality here and we be coming back before we leave for the south of France.

Had a reservation and this place gets busy but it's worth it! Bœuf bourguignon is out of this world. Very cozy and casual. Prices are totally reasonable.

Our last meal on our last night in Paris was supposed to be a festive affair. Instead, it was comically awful. While the restaurant itself was beautiful and historical, everything else was just bad. Our server looked overworked and exhausted. Food took a long time to arrive. My daughter and I were looking forward to our french onion soup and coq au vin. The soup was a salty, greasy mess. The coq au vin made our airplane meal the next day seem like a gourmet treat. Tough and dry, and with a flavorless sauce, we couldn't even eat it. I know the reviews are mixed, but definitely steer clear.

Went to this iconic restaurant in the 6th district of Paris. It opens at noon for lunch and it's best to get there early. The website noted they take reservations but must be for special occasions. I was seated with a group of people. Communal eating at its best. I had the three course set menu for €22. I selected escargot, duck, and apple tart. All typical French fare. I was disappointed with the apple tart, but everything else was great. There is a wine store attached to it. Great options for wine.

Oozing with classic charm and classic food. Could have made a meal of just the creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. Pasta with cheese and ham was like a Mac and cheese from heaven; sopped up every last drop with the supplied bread. Friendly service.

We came based on the recommendation of a friend for the history of the establishment, and because it did not require reservations. Overall we had a good experience. The ambiance was lively and enjoyable, which is good because this isn't a quick in-and-out dining experience. The server was busy, yes. Occasionally he forgot to provide something right away. No matter. He was friendly, welcoming and doing his best to juggle many tables and diners. Meanwhile, we sipped wine, and enjoyed a leisurely 3 course meal. For our first course, my husband chose the Ravioles du Dauphiné crème de Parmesan and I chose the Salade de Mesclun. The ravioli tasted terrific and the salad, though simple, was fresh and flavorful. Baskets of bread provided throughout our meal. For the main course, my husband chose the daily special - a duck entree served over mashed potatoes. I chose the sea bass. Our food was good, 'not-to-die-for', but good. Last we shared an apple tart for dessert which topped off the meal nicely. Price for all (including the equivalent of six glasses of wine) was quite reasonable. We arrived at slightly before 7, when they opened for the evening, just in case & were seated right away. A small line had formed by opening. Like many places in Paris, seating is family style. We left after nine. Like I said, it wasn't a fast meal so if that's what you want, look elsewhere. However, for us it was an enjoyable, relaxing evening.

We had made a reservation, and so I was a little less concerned when we arrived for the 7:00 seating to find a line already going down the block. We went to the front of the line, announced our reservation and entered immediately. Our party of six was seated and we soon learned why the line existed. Wine is readily available and the adjoining wine shop is fun to look around. The menu is not extensive, nor does it need to be. Five of us ordered the signature item- beef bourguginon and none of us regretted it. A large piece of meat, smothered in delicious sauce and served over potatoes was an outstanding choice. I highly recommend the restaurant and this dish! Make a reservation and persevere in finding the place! It'll be worth the effort!

An authentic French atmosphere but be prepared for NOISE!! Fun feel with a minimal level of "service" mostly due to the frenetic atmosphere. Great meal of scallops and endive for one and delicious Chicken Supreme for another.

This place has been around since Hemingway. Best Beef Burgandy in Paris. Make a reservation and get there

This place is awful. We called ahead, wouldn't take our reservation and told us they were open to 11pm. We walk 30minutes to get there only to be told the kitchen closed at 10pm. Don't ever go there as there are hundred of places to eat in Paris without this type of lack of professionalism.

Polidor is one of two restaurants I insist on visiting every time I'm in Paris. There's a reason it has been in operation since 1845 - it's sublime! Beyond the food, the setting is simply perfect - old-school, historic, Parisian. A completely perfect experience. Before you do anything else, order a Kir Royale. I recommend the tarte a l'oignon, blanquette de veau, carpaccio de boeuf and hachis parmentier (please note - this place is for carnivores). For dessert, do not miss the tarte tatin. It's no accident that Polidor was featured in the film Midnight in Paris. I've spent many a late night in post prandial and champagne-induced haze after dinner at Polidor, walking the cobblestones and hoping against hope that I might just travel back in time.

Service sucks. Waiter took our order over an hour after we sat down. Nobody in our room got bread or their orders taken until at least 45 min after they sat down. It wasn't until we stood up to leave that someone finally noticed us. Never eat here ever!!

I've been going to this restaurant for years, but since I never had wifi, I was unable to post. This restaurant has been around since the 184o's. Supposedly Hemingway ate here. They have several long tables where a mixed group of people can sit. Food is okay. They have Two fixed course menus for 22 euros and 35 euros, or you can eat a la carts.

We went here because of its history from the 1860's and that it was used as a setting in Midnight in Paris. But we were blown away by the Beef Burgoyne! It was tender and so flavorful. Though the portion was a nice size, I was unable to finish mine as it was so filling! Do try this quaint Parisian bistro.

If you're a history buff or just appreciate an inexpensive old fashioned delicious French meal you'll love this place. The bean soup is hearty, the bread is fresh, and the Beef Bourguignon is rich and tasty. One word of caution though - I got a kick out of the old school toilet (basically a hole in the floor you squat over) but if squatting is difficult for you, you might want to go elsewhere.

Featured in ''Midnight in Paris' (the Hemingway scene). This no frills, rustic brasserie is simple traditional French food. They do not accept credit cards (since 1845). The tables are long and communal so you may end up next to other diners. I'm not sure if it was because we were already a group of five but there was not any interactions with the other diners. The wine menu is long, much longer than the food menu. The beef bourguignon had amazing flavor (I've tried making this at home and it never ends up this good). The reduction in stars is due to the high amount of fat. Also that it was mainly meat and little vegetables. The beef was tender. The chicken with mashed potatoes was also very good. The service was standard, the waitress kept the water full and brought out our food quickly. The entrees ( or rather plats) were not expensive but the once you add wine and appetizers it can get pricey.

It's 10:20. We got here at 7:45. Still no coke we ordered. Still waiting on bread and entrees. Wine got here within the first hour, but the buzz is wearing off. During hour #2 a toddler was brought in, now she's 11. Restaurant is half full. Wonder if dominos will deliver here... Ps. Squat toilet in a French court yard is worth 3 stars

We had dinner here for our last night in paris last January.this is a no fuff no frills place.the menu has been the same ever since they started. Get the pri fix meal or order a la carte.the. Steak frites is ok,not the best cut of meat but the price is on the low to moderate side. Great place if you're hungry.fyi-this was also featured in midnight in paris

Never have I been sadder to lose a former favorite. New ownership has produced a predatory practice. You are told to pick a plat from the menu as part of a prix fixe. There are supplements for 2 listed and says menu does not include the "boeuf of the day" Nowhere on the menu is listed the boeuf of the day. There were 2 beef dishes listed of the plat list.One was boeuf bourguignon and the other was a faux fillet. After finishing our meal, I found out that the faux fillet was the beef of the day and therefore our entire meal was billed as a La carte. The represented an error of close to 40 euros more. When I complained the manager implied anyone would know it was the beef of the day and was hostile and made no attempt to make amends. We shall never return after eating here for 45 years. The food itself was, as usual, good but not great.

What a disappointment! We go to Polidor each time we are in Paris which is twice a year. We will not go back and will stop recommending it to friends. Last night my husband ordered a sirloin with French fries and the meat was as tough as shoe leather! He asked for his fries extra crispy and was told they always serve them that way. When they arrived they were soft and a bit cold.My French husband has gone to this restaurant for over 40 years and this was the last time!!

When in Paris I urge you to stay away from tourists restaurants, this place is home cooked meal and you fee like you're eating at grandmas the sound the smell of real food and the authentic atmosphere of Sunday dinner. Cannot rave enough on how the food was magnifique!! Bonne dinner!

We wanted to eat at the Polidor for a long time. Finally, we had a chance to have lunch at this place, but we are so disappointed of the food, as well as for the service. I ordered Beuf Bourgignon, but it was not the one I expected. There was only one piece of the meat, but the disappointed thing is that it was a small piece of about 2" x 2" x 1". In addition, there wasn't that much sauce. As to the service, it was more like the service you find in the US. After we finished eating the meal, the server came to our table and removed the plate and asked us if we wanted desert. We ordered coffee. After we finished our coffee, the server gave us the bill (l'addition) as if to tell us we needed to pay and get out. She did the same thing to another customer next to us. That customer was a Frenchman who spoke perfect English with his American girlfriend. Because the server thought they were Americans, she presented them with the bill before they even finished drinking their wine. The Frenchman was so annoyed and told the server so in French. The server said to the Frenchman that he spoke French very well, which the Frenchman responded that he was French and born in France. It seemed to me the server (she told the Frenchman that she was only doing her job per her boss' instruction) treated non-French people that way, which was to rush them out of the restaurant as quickly as possible. I have the impression that the owner may have been an American. In France, you don't bother the customer and rush them out of the restaurant like it is done in the US. For Americans or tourists, it may not bother then, but for us who have lived in Paris for four years, it is so annoying. We will never go back to the Polidor again.

Disappointed. Worst food I've ever had in Paris. In the last fifteen years, I've only written one other bad review for a restaurant. This is the second. I'm not a hater, or a chronic complainer. I've never sent food back. I appreciate food even if it isn't great. I was a starving grad student for many years, and it takes effort to disappoint me. The mesculun salade was a handful of greens that were about two days past their prime. Only greens. Nothing else. Sour vinegar and olive oil. That's 7€, please. Okay. On to the plat principal. That should be good. 131 reviews can't be wrong. Except they were. This was not even edible. It was the poorest grade of meat I've ever seen. The gristle alone was half of the meat. And this was their best dish. The wine was good, but they can't take credit for that. I'd actually purchased 75cl in anticipation of a nice dinner- I come to Paris every year for good food- and I left the bottle on the table. I've seen this kind of operation before, and normally it's at least tolerable. This was not. They're cruising on their name and recognition, but there is no substance, or even adequacy, being delivered to people who are paying their money in return for food. I think many people are influenced by what they are told to expect instead of recognizing how things actually are. PT Barnum made a fortune at this. And so are the owners of this restaurant. They're a disgrace to everything good about Paris cuisine. The waiter knew it, too. He couldn't look me in the eye when I asked for the bill, even with a nearly full plate in front of me. No questions at all. He knew what they were doing to people, and he seemed genuinely embarrassed. Yelp did come through for me by recommending Au Petit Suisse, which was just down the street and around the corner. It's not high cuisine, but it's solid, and their duck is decent. It's light years better than the horrible food being served at Polidor. But if you really want good food in Paris, try Domaine de Lintillac. It has fast become one of my favorite places in Paris to eat.

Waited an hour and never got served. Waitress gave us a Hard time because we didn't have reservations even though the website said they didn't take reservations.

We love the beef bourgignon here, and the atmosphere, too. It's not a pretentious place - long, shared tables - and when it's busy the servers can take a while to get to everyone - but it's definitely worth a visit

Amazing. Servers are very kind and the wine is fantastic. Would love to return again the next time I am in Paris.

I have never experienced such awful service. We had to wait 2 hours for our reserved table and another for our food. I was almost shouted at when I had a question about the side dish. I cannot recommend this restaurant to anyone. Do yourself a favour and don't go there.

Everything was excellent, fresh, and classic. I recommend the veal dish and the beef bourguignon with the house wine. Wonderful service and excellent flavors. Clearly a place that has been in business and stayed in business for their expertise. Nota bene: not much of a bathroom/toilette here so go before you come!

What a fabulous little dinner house. We were warmly welcomed but I made the mistake of asking if they took credit cards. The running joke is this place has not accepted credit cards since its opening in 1845. OK, at least I asked before sitting down....hahahaha. The waitress was two years younger than God and not exactly familiar with the English language but it did lend to the authenticity. This place is not heavily trafficked by tourists...nice... The reviews I saw all talked about guinea fowl. I had this dish, which basically tasted like baked chicken, and it was fabulous. Served with cabbage and potato, it was delicious. My wife had the special lamb and beans and she loved it. My son was adventurous and tried the steak tartare. It was well prepared and tasty. My daughter had the beef bourgenoigne which she loved. We enjoyed a small pitcher of wine and two bottles of coke. A great taste of the local foods in a charming little bistro.

My companion and I dined here on our last night in Paris, and it was a lovely experience for our final evening. At 2100 on a Thursday night, the place was packed, but my companion and I quickly found a table. The service was helpful, and we both had the three course prix fixe menus. I ordered the pork terrine, beef bourguignon, and lemon tart. My companion ordered the lentil soup, steak frites, and apple tart. The pork terrine, beef bourguignon, and steak frites were the highlights from our experience. I recommend this restaurant for anyone seeking a casual, yet authentic, French dining experience.

Really solid place. Came here a few years ago for dinner, and again today for lunch. They have a great 22euro pre-fix that comes with appetizer, main course, and dessert. I had pumpkin soup (amazing), boeuf bourguignon (a little tough but still very good), and chocolate/caramel ice cream. Our waitress' English was no bueno which made it a little more interesting too. They do not take credit cards**

One of my most favorite spots, the oldest bistro, with the best beef bourguignon, a Paris institution, at very reasonable prices. 100% authentic, totally unassuming, completely charming. No reservations, which is actually nice to not have to worry about, especially if you arrive early. Very near the Jardin du Luxembourg & Odeon, also a lovely walk not far from the Pantheon & Rue Moufftard, w Place Contrescarpe- where it's nice to have a coffee and people watch before or after, or Blvd St. Germain. GO. Ignore all complsints. They are baseless. This is an important historic Paris bistro.

This is a weak three. Starting off, I had foie gras. It was pretty mild. It wasnt bad, but I prefer a little more punch to my foie gras flavor. The bread they offer is ok. I ordered the steak tartare and my parents both got steak frites. The steak tartare was fresh. It had a great flavor for a few bites, unless it started to fade away to tasteless. I blame it on the fact that they add no spices to the meat. Some garlic or thyme would have perked up the meal. The steak frites were overcooked. My parents asked for mediu but got medium well. Considering how thin the meat is, its pretty easy to turn it gray. The fries were nothing special. Even though the meal wasnt great, it was reasonably priced. The same meal would have been twice as much at a fancier place. The atmosphere is wonderful. Its a time warp back to the 1800s. The bathrooms here are also old school. Be warned that if you need to use the restroom, you will be pissing or shitting on a concrete slab of a floor. I wouldnt go out of my way to eat here, although stopping by the see the decor is not a bad idea.

Food was so so for the cost. Ate Duck confit. I don't want to try that dish for a while now. Cold mash potatoes.

Polidor has been operating in the Latin Quarter in 1845. They have kept the authentic decor and old-way policies of no credit cards and no WiFi. They also do not take reservations. None of the employees where smiling and they either looked bored or they where miserable. The waitress had zero personality or interaction with the guests. I get historic charm and traditional cuisine. This restaurant was frequented by Ernest Hemingway, Victor Hugo, Paul Verlaine, and Arthur Rimbaud. I felt at any moment a bus load of tourists was going to pull-up and unload 100 guests. There where, however, many older locals dining here. The entrées are not cheap yet they give you a paper napkin and placemat. I think the lentil soup was decent but I could not even finish my cod. The food looked and tasted like it was from a school cafeteria. The baguettes where good. This is one of those restaurants where you spend a lot of money and then have to eat somewhere else because you are still hungry. There are so many charming and historic restaurants in Paris. I hate writing a negative review but I would hate for anyone else to waste their time or money here. I can't recommend Polidor and I won't return. www.polidor.com

Went with a group of 4. I had the Escargot and the Entrecotê. Both were very good. The rest of the group had a menu with mozzarella salad, beef bourgogne, and sorbet. All were also very good. The prices were about what to expect for dinner in Paris. What I recommend against is using the bathroom. Unless you like to take a trip to the equator (it was hot as hell) and do your business on a squatty potty (a hole in the ground) like in the middle east, than I would avoid it. Since 1845 they don't take credit cards and they haven't updated their bathroom since then either.

Came back.. Service was very good tonight. We came in just before 7pm so they had everything. Got the chicken in MOREL SAUCE. They should bottle that sauce. Excellent meal. The place is always busy. No wonder - good food @ reasonable prices.

Stopped in after a long long day at the Louvre. My wife, son, and I were looking for an authentic French meal and Oh boy this is it. Everything was delicious. **********BRING EUROS*********************** NO CREDIT CARDS

I have been eating here most my adult life. It's Paris as a restaurant. Elegant with a touch of distress . The food is always solid classic French fair with out any pretense and with very fair prices . Get the escargot , get the foie gras , get the duck the beef burgundy or steak frites it's all good. If your lucky someone famous can eat right next to you. Really! Had a really good bottle of wine for 18 euros. That never happens in the states.