A Culinary Journey: Where to Lunch Near the Louvre
Explore the best options for lunch near the Louvre, from quick bites to gourmet experiences. Discover in-museum cafes, underground gems, and nearby Parisian bistros to enhance your Louvre visit.
💡 Looking for all Louvre tour options? See our complete Louvre Tours guide with highlights tours, themed tours, and evening tours.
Contents:
- Lunch Inside the Louvre below the pyramid
- Lunch Inside the Louvre in the galeries
- Lunch in the Carrousel du Louvre
- Lunch in the Louvre Building Outside the Museum
- Lunch Near the Louvre in Tuileries Garden
- Lunch Near the Louvre in Palais Royal
- Lunch Between the Louvre and Palais Royal
- Lunch Near the Louvre more options
- Frequently Asked Questions
French arts de la table.
1. Lunch Inside the Louvre Below the Pyramid
For those who wish to maximize their time admiring the museum’s vast collection, dining within the Louvre is the most convenient option.
Nevertheless, as the Louvre’s offer is quite pricy, this strategy only makes sense if you plan to stay all day. Once you are in the Louvre, you can stay all day until the Museum closes, but you can’t leave the Museum as any exit is definitive, meaning that your ticket won’t be valid anymore.
You have too option to lunch in the Louvre: below the pyramid (the present section (1)) or in the gallery (see next section (2)).
The area of the Louvre below the Pyramid proposed various lunch options.
Le Comptoir du Louvre by PAUL
At the heart of the Louvre Museum, under the Pyramid, Le Comptoir du Louvre offers quick and delicious dining options. Founded in 1889, PAUL provides a typical French bakery and patisserie experience with a wide variety of pastries, classic sandwiches, gourmet salads, and seasonal creations. There’s something for every appetite!
Where: Below the Pyramid, Behind the Information Desk, and beside the Assistance Desk.
Bistrot Benoit
Bistrot Benois is inspired by the famous Benoit restaurant, the place recreate the typical atmosphere of Parisian bistros. Tipical bistro Menu with nice wine selection.
Where: Below the Pyramid, behind Information Desk, between Le Comptoir du Louvre by PAUL and Assistance Desk.
Starbucks Coffee
For those seeking a familiar coffeehouse experience, Starbucks provides a selection of beverages, sandwiches, and snacks. Located under the pyramid, it’s a convenient spot for a quick break.
Where: Below the Pyramid, Mezzanine Richelieu Wing entry beside Goguette.
Goguette
A charming café offering a selection of light meals, snacks, and beverages. It’s a great spot for a quick bite while exploring the museum.
Where: Below the Pyramid, Mezzanine Richelieu Wing entry beside Starbuck.
Les Comptoirs
Located under the Pyramid, Les Comptoirs offers a convenient spot to recharge with cafés, refreshing beverages, seasonal sandwiches, or snacks to go. These counters are perfect for a quick pause before continuing your exploration of the museum’s treasures.
Where: There are two Comptoirs, both are on the mezzanine under the Pyramid. One is on the Richelieu Wing side, the other on the Denon Wing side.
2. Lunch Inside the Louvre In the Galeries
For those who wish to maximize their time admiring the museum’s vast collection, dining within the Louvre is the most convenient option for lunch near the Louvre.
Café Mollien (Denon Wing)
Café Mollien provides a more refined dining experience. The menu is inspired by French cuisine, with dishes crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Enjoy your meal while taking in the stunning views of the museum’s courtyard.
Where: On the first floor of the Denon Wing, the Café Mollien occupies the landing of the Mollien staircase just after the 19th-century French romantic Paintings (Raft of the Medusa, Liberty Leading the People, etc.).
Café Denon (Denon Wing)
Located in the Denon Wing, this café offers a relaxed atmosphere with a menu of light meals, snacks, and beverages. It’s an excellent choice for a quick break between gallery visits.
Café Richelieu Angelina (Richelieu Wing)
Café Richelieu Angelina offers a unique and unparalleled view of the Louvre Pyramid and the Cour Napoléon. This café occupies the former office of the Minister of Finance and features a beautiful terrace perfect for enjoying the view on sunny days. The menu includes classic pastries from the renowned Maison Angélina, such as Mont-Blanc and Millefeuille, as well as seasonal fruit delights. The chef also prepares a simple and precise childhood-inspired cuisine, with a focus on hearty salads and famous club sandwiches. The terrace, shaded by parasols, offers an incredible spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Where: First Floor of Richelieu Wing, steps away from the Napoleon III apartments.
Café Richelieu Angelina web page.
Terrasse Colbert (Richelieu Wing)
Terrasse Colbert offers a magnificent view of the Pyramid and its surroundings. This café, open from April to September when the weather permits, is ideally situated along the museum’s visit path, providing a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view while savoring a meal or a refreshing beverage.
Where: First floor of Richelieu Wing, beside Café Richelieu Angelina.
3. Lunch in the Carrousel du Louvre
The Carrousel du Louvre is an underground shopping mall adjacent to the museum, offering a variety of restaurants perfect for a lunch near the Louvre. This option allows you to explore some shops while enjoying a meal just steps away from the museum.
Where: The address and the main access to the Carousel du Louvre Mall are 99 Rue de Rivoli Paris 75001. Other ways to access the mall include one just beside the Arc du Carrousel Monument and a direct one from/to the Louvre Museum.
Footcourt Rivoli
A big part of the food offer in the Carrousel du Louvre is gathered at Footcourt Rivoli.
Footcourt Rivoli website.
McDonald’s
Familiar and fast, McDonald’s offers a quick and convenient meal when time is of the essence. Open from 09:00 to 20:30.
The footcourt rivoli also includes a McCafé.
La Brioche Dorée
This French bakery chain provides a selection of sandwiches, quiches, pastries, and beverages, perfect for a light and quick lunch. Open from 10:00 to 20:00.
Pitaya
Craving Thai food? Pitaya offers a variety of Thai-inspired dishes in a casual setting. Open from 10:00 to 20:00.
French Beer Brasserie
A great spot for beer lovers, offering a selection of French beers and accompanying snacks. Open from 10:00 to 20:00.
Amore
An Italian-inspired eatery offering a variety of pizzas, pastas, and salads. Open from 10:00 to 20:00.
Caffè Concerto
A cozy café offering a selection of beverages, pastries, and light meals. Located in the Carroussel Shopping Mall at Place de la Pyramide inversée (just beside the museum access) and open from 09:00 to 20:00.
Starbucks Coffee
For those seeking a familiar coffeehouse experience, Starbucks provides a selection of beverages, sandwiches, and snacks. Located at 0 Allée de Rivoli and open from 10:00 to 19:00.
Yogurt Factory
A other option, offering a variety of yogurt-based treats. Located at 0 Allée De France and open from 11:00 to 18:00.
If you just want a to italian ice cream: Badiani
For those with a sweet tooth, Badiani offers a selection of ice creams and desserts. Open from 10:00 to 20:00.
More info about Badiani in Carrousel du Louvre.
Entry of Carrousel du Louvre Mall in rue de Rivoli, Paris.
4. Lunch in the Louvre Building but Outside of the Louvre Museum
Café Marly
Situated under the external arcades of the Richelieu Wing, with a direct view of the “Pyramide”, Café Marly offers a chic and elegant setting. The menu features a mix of French and international dishes, perfect for a leisurely lunch. The terrace provides stunning views of the Louvre’s architecture.
Address: 16 Rue de Marly, 75008 Paris
Website: Café Marly
Loulou
A stylish and elegant restaurant offering a refined dining experience. Loulou is accessible only through the gardens during lunchtime.
Address: 107 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris. Accessible only through the gardens at lunchtime Loulou garden terrace is in the Carrousel Garden, which is part of the Louvre. View on the Arc du carousel and the Pyramide du Louvre.
Website: Loulou
5. Lunch Near the Louvre in The Tuileries Garden
When the weather is adequate, lunch in the Tuileries Garden (the magnificent garden between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde) is a very good option.
Terrasse de Pomone
Pomona is a beautiful nymph and the goddess of fruits. She hates the wilderness and prefers carefully tended gardens. Indeed, the Terrasse de Pomone is installed in the garden.
Address: Jardin des Tuileries – south-east kiosk – 75001 Paris (Metro: Tuileries and Concorde).
Café des Marronniers
Marronnier is the French word for chestnut tree, the most common tree in the Tuileries Garden since the 17th century. Indeed, the Café des Marroniers is installed in the garden, and on beautiful days, you can enjoy the outdoor tables under the shade of the famous chestnut trees!
Address: Jardin des Tuileries – south-west kiosk – 75001 Paris (Metro: Concorde)
Webpage: Café des Marronniers.
Palais Royal: Terrace de Pomone, south-east kiosk, Tuileries Garden.
6. Lunch Near the Louvre in Palais Royal
The Palais Royal Garden is undoubtedly one of the nicest places in Paris. If you’re looking for a lunch not far from the Louvre and the metro station but not on the main street (rue de Rivoli), do not hesitate when the sun shines; Palais Royal Garden is a little heaven.
Villalys
Villalys is a nice restaurant in the arcade and offers what is expected: a terrace overlooking the lovely gardens of Palais Royal.
Address: 30 rue de Montpensier and 47 Galerie Montpensier, 75001 Paris France
Webpage: Villalys
Terrace of restaurant Villalys in the Palais Royal Garden
Le Grand Véfour
Le Grand Véfour is a gastronomic institution in Paris. It is also a historic place that still keeps its ancient décor from the end of the 18th century. A fantastic terrace on the Palais Royal is also available.
Address: 17 Rue de Beaujolais, 75001 Paris.
Website: Le Grand Véfour
Palais Royal Restaurant
Palais Royal Restaurant is 2-stars Michelin Restaurant with a terrace on the Palais Royal Garden. A place for excellence!
Adress: 110 Galerie de Valois, Paris, 75001.
Website: Palais Royal Restaurant
Palais Royal: in the foreground, the Grand Véfour’s terrace. In the background, the Palais Royal Restaurant.
7. Lunch Between the Louvre and Palais Royal GArDEN
If Palais Royal Garden is too far from the Louvre for you, there are two nice options between the Louvre and the Palais Royal. They have also the advantage to be very close to the Métro station.
Restaurant Le Nemours
Le Nemour is a famous café restaurant very well situated on Place Colette (see the photo), where Palais Royal begins at its closest point to the Louvre. The Restaurant le Nemour is a Parisian institution famous for its terrasse under the Place Colette’s colonnade.
Address: 2, place Colette, Paris, 75001 Paris.
Website: Le Némour
Terrrace of le Nemours – Palais Royal – Paris.
Brasserie du Louvre – Bocuse
Just beside Le Nemour, even closer to the Louvre and the métrostation, is another famous Parisian restaurant: the “Brasserie du Louvre – Bocuse.” It is installed in the five-star Hôtel du Louvre and has a terrace below the Place du Palais Royal arcades which offers views of Conseil d’Etat and the Louvre.
Address: 1, place André-Malraux, Paris, 75001, France
Website: Brasserie du Louvre – Bocuse
PTerrrace of le Nemours – Palais Royal – Paris.
8. Lunch Near the Louvre Other alternatives
Venture just a short walk from the museum to discover more culinary delights in the surrounding neighborhood. These options provide a chance to explore the charming streets of Paris while enjoying a lunch near the Louvre.
Le Fumoir
A trendy spot with a literary-inspired atmosphere, Le Fumoir is just a stone’s throw away from the Louvre. Indeed the restaurant face the colonnade du Louvre which is its east end. The menu includes a variety of salads, sandwiches, and main courses, catering to both meat-lovers and vegetarians. The cozy library setting makes it a unique dining experience.
Address: 6 Rue de l’Amiral de Coligny, 75001 Paris
Website: Le Fumoir
Ellsworth
This American-inspired eatery serves up comfort food with a twist. From fried chicken to lobster rolls, Ellsworth offers a unique dining experience in the heart of Paris. The modern and inviting atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed lunch.
Address: 34 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris
Website: Ellsworth
Verjus
A hidden gem near the Louvre, Verjus offers a creative and innovative menu that changes daily. The focus is on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the cozy setting makes it an ideal spot for a memorable meal.
Address: 52 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris
Website: Verjus
The amazing Cheval Blanc Paris’s Restaurants
Behind the Louvre (east of it), continuing the Samaritain building is the amazing Cheval Blanc Paris Luxury hôtel with its four first-class restaurants:
Le tout Paris, roof-top bar and Restaurant (awarded one MICHELIN star), Hakuba (Japanese restaurant awarded one MICHELIN star), Langosteria, Plenitude (awarded three MICHELIN stars).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it expensive to have lunch near the Louvre?
Prices for lunch near the Louvre can vary widely. While in-museum cafes and nearby restaurants can be pricey, there are more affordable options in the Carrousel du Louvre Foodcourt.
Can I bring my own food to the Louvre?
While you can’t eat inside the galleries, the Louvre does have designated areas where you can consume food brought from outside.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options for lunch near the Louvre?
Yes, many restaurants and cafes near the Louvre offer vegetarian and vegan options. Establishments like Le Fumoir and Ellsworth are known for having good plant-based choices.
How long should I plan for lunch during my Louvre visit?
Plan for about an hour if you’re dining at a restaurant, or 30-45 minutes for a quick café lunch. This allows time to rest and recharge before continuing your museum exploration.
Enhance Your Louvre Experience with a Private Tour
While finding the perfect lunch near the Louvre is important, nothing beats exploring the museum with expert guidance. Consider booking a private tour with Broaden Horizons to make the most of your visit. Our Yves, our knowledgeable Louvre tour guide, can not only show you the museum’s masterpieces but also recommend the best spots for a delicious lunch break.
Discover our Louvre Private Tours catalog by Yves, our Louvre Tour guide, and elevate your Paris art experience today! Do not also forget to explore our Paris private tour page for a fantastic discovery of the City of Light. See also Yves’web page, he is the Broaden-horizons tour guide in Paris.