Polidor, French restaurant in 6th arrondissement of Paris, France.
Polidor is a restaurant in Paris serving traditional French dishes in a dining room with communal benches and Belle Époque interior design. The space retains original decorative elements from the 19th century, including mirrors, wood trim, and soft lighting throughout.
The establishment opened in 1845 as a chess shop and transformed into a bistro in 1890 while preserving its original features. This shift marked the beginning of its role as a gathering place for Parisian intellectuals.
The name comes from its founder, and the place became a gathering spot for writers and artists who shared meals and conversations at communal tables. Visitors today still sit at the same long benches where intellectual exchange happened over food.
The restaurant sits in a walkable neighborhood area with nearby museums and shops within easy reach. Plan to arrive early since the communal seating fills up quickly and space is limited throughout the dining room.
The restaurant preserves an original Turkish toilet fixture and other unaltered elements from the early 20th century. These details offer a rare glimpse into authentic Parisian dining from a previous era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
