Le Pré Catelan is a three-Michelin-starred French restaurant in a pavilion in the Bois de Boulogne, on the western edge of Paris. Chef Frédéric Anton leads a menu built around carefully prepared ingredients, with dishes that have included caviar with champagne sorbet, pigeon and langoustine. Inside, the dining rooms range from a bright space with chandeliers to a darker room with wood panelling. Choose it for a long, formal meal in a park setting, rather than a quick dinner in the city centre.
A pavilion in the Bois de Boulogne
Le Pré Catelan sits in the Bois de Boulogne, away from central Paris, in a pavilion associated with the park. Its location gives the meal a quieter, more removed feel than a restaurant among the city’s streets. The grounds around the building are part of the appeal, especially at lunchtime when you can see the park in daylight.
The building has been described as a Napoleon III-style pavilion, and the restaurant’s history reaches back to 1856. Its reception rooms and garden have also been used for celebrations. Plan the trip as a destination meal: one guide suggests reaching the area from La Muette or Avenue Henri Martin, followed by a taxi ride or a longer walk.
Dining rooms and the menu
The interior pairs formal details with distinct moods. One dining room is bright, with white decor and crystal chandeliers; another has dark wood panelling and warmer light. The setting suits a planned occasion and a meal taken at an unhurried pace.
Chef Frédéric Anton has led the restaurant since 1997. The kitchen serves French haute cuisine through tasting menus and à la carte dishes. Ingredients mentioned on the menu include caviar, pigeon, langoustine and foie gras. Caviar with champagne sorbet has been a notable combination, while Paris-Brest and chocolate appear among the desserts.
A multi-course lunch can take around three hours. That leaves time to settle into the room and follow the courses at a measured pace. The restaurant is a poor fit if you want a quick meal close to central Paris or a casual stop while exploring the city.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Le Pré Catelan?
It is in the Bois de Boulogne at Bois de Boulogne, 75016 Paris, on the western edge of the city.
How long does a meal at Le Pré Catelan take?
A multi-course lunch has been reported to take about three hours.
What can you order at Le Pré Catelan?
The menu includes French tasting options and dishes featuring ingredients such as caviar, pigeon, langoustine and foie gras. Paris-Brest is among the listed desserts.
Should you book ahead?
Yes. One practical guide recommends reserving a month or more in advance.
