A local’s guide to visiting the Belle Epoque Brasserie Mollard in St Lazare, one of the most beautiful restaurants in Paris with Art Nouveau decor!
Brasserie Mollard, located in the heart of Paris, is one of the greatest masterpieces of Belle Epoque in Paris.
I first caught a glimpse of it a few months ago, noticing the Art Nouveau decoration and stained glass at the entrance.
Recently, I decided to dive into the finer details of its mosaics, ceramics, colors, and sculptures, finding Brasserie Mollard to be one of the most beautiful Belle Epoque restaurants in the city.
Brasserie Mollard, Paris: Luxurious Belle Epoque Restaurant
Accessing Brasserie Mollard is easy as it sits just a few seconds on foot from the Saint-Lazare station, famous for its quirky sculptures of piled suitcases and clocks.
You can arrive via the metro at Saint-Lazare or take the RER E to Haussmann Saint-Lazare.
The restaurant is also very close to the Passage du Havre, a historic covered passage that was renovated into a modern shopping center while keeping its incredibly beautiful glass ceiling.
Additionally, you will find two of the city’s most important department stores nearby: Printemps Haussmann and the magnificent Galeries Lafayette.
Brasserie Mollard Paris: The Food and Menu
As was the case with Bouillon Racine, Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse, and the magnificent Brasserie Vagenende, I did not originally stop by Brasserie Mollard for the food.
However, the decor made me want to stay for a meal, just like the other beautiful period restaurants in the city.
The menu at Brasserie Mollard is a tribute to French terroir, though it focuses more on seafood than anything else.
For example, their Whole Lobster Thermidor is legendary, as are their massive seafood platters and fine oysters.
For dessert, you should try the Omelette Surprise Mollard, a spectacular Baked Alaska, before finishing with a coffee and a stroll along the Grands Boulevards.
Brasserie Mollard Paris: Foundation, History, and Architecture
The story of Brasserie Mollard began with a couple from Savoy, the Mollards, who arrived in Paris in 1867 and opened a small bistro that became a massive success.
By 1895, the success was so great that they decided to transform the space into a modern palace.
They hired architect Edouard-Jean Niermans, who also designed the Moulin Rouge, to lead the project.
The moment you step through the doors, you are met with an elegant display of mosaics created by Henri Bichi and Eugène Simas.
These artworks represent the travel destinations served by the train station, such as Deauville and Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
As a quick side note, you can also find a fresco of travel destinations at the magnificent Gare de Lyon in the 12th arrondissement, where the Café Quai 33 also features a historic ceiling mosaic.
Regarding the walls, the columns are dressed in Briare enamels and the ceilings are adorned with paintings on fixed glass.
While the style is pure Art Nouveau, the look was judged as old-fashioned after 1918, and the treasures of Brasserie Mollard were hidden behind plaster and large mirrors.
It was not until 1965 that the decor was rediscovered totally intact. Today, it is officially classified as a Historical Monument.
Art Nouveau Entrance to Brasserie Mollard Paris
Glass Ceiling and Mosaic Ceiling at Brasserie Mollard Paris
Brasserie Mollard Paris Photo Gallery
Brasserie Mollard, Paris: Luxurious Belle Epoque Restaurant
Once you have finished your coffee, lunch, or simply your tour of the building, you will find many other beautiful spots to visit nearby.
For example, there is a curious Alsatian-style house just steps away, sitting atop what is now a McDonald’s.
In the 10th arrondissement, you can find another incredible Art Nouveau gem called Bouillon Julien, known for its nymphs on glass and its imposing bar.
If you want to dive into even more elegant beauty, you can head to Passage Jouffroy, Passage du Grand Cerf, or Passage des Panoramas to see their high glass roofs.
Brasserie Mollard Paris
Address: 115 Rue Saint-Lazare, 75008 Paris
Website: Mollard