Over 100 years old, Benoit is the first and only Parisian bistro to be awarded a Michelin star. Owned by the founding family for 93 years and then sold to Alain Ducasse in 2005, the restaurant maintains the classic and authentic spirit of a French bistro and a typically Parisian atmosphere.
Benoit was founded in 1912 and takes its name from Benoit Matray, a skilled butcher who one day decided to open his own bistro. The place quickly became a hotspot on the map of bohemian Paris at the time, serving as a meeting point for bon vivants, and it has remained that way for many years since.
In 1961, Benoit's grandfather passed the bistro on to his grandson, Michel Petit, who brought his own vision to the establishment. The first step was to pull out the old recipe book of his grandmother, filled with classic recipes that became part of the menu. But his grandmother’s involvement didn’t stop there: Michel enlisted her directly in the bistro’s operations, and Marie Petit began hand-painting the dishes and menus, giving the place an even more personal touch.
Thus, Michel Petit continued his grandfather's legacy, and Benoit remained a landmark of conviviality in Parisian life. The bistro’s motto, "Chez toi Benoit, on boit, on festoie en rois"—"At your home, Benoit, we drink and celebrate like kings"—vividly describes the atmosphere that has reigned at Benoit for decades.
After many years of success and fame, during which countless Parisians passed through its doors, Benoit was sold by the Petit family to Alain Ducasse, an emblematic figure in gastronomy and a standard of excellence. Under Ducasse's patronage, the classic bistro spirit of this Parisian landmark was not only preserved but also honored—I felt this from the moment I entered: the wooden chairs, traditional banquettes, large mirrors, newspapers available for reading, and plates engraved with the signature "B"—the entire décor transports you back in time, to the heart of old Paris. And, as a sign of the conviviality that has animated the place for so long and continues to do so, food and wine sparked lively conversations with strangers who, by the end of the meal, had transformed into companions of the experience, perfectly illustrating the authentic Parisian spirit and l’art de vivre à la française.
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