The story
Allard has been a fixture on the Left Bank’s rue Saint-André-des-Arts since 1932. Now part of Maison Ducasse, it remains what it has always been: a genuine Parisian bistro. The original décor is preserved – dark wood panelling, red velvet banquettes, patinated mirrors – and the atmosphere is relaxed, convivial. It is this authenticity that has earned it a place among Michelin’s Recommended restaurants.
The carte is a promise of tradition. Dishes like Fernande Allard-style frog legs, confit duck foie gras, fillet of duckling with olives, and rum savarin with whipped cream are permanent fixtures. The menu changes with the seasons, but the spirit is constant: direct flavours, honest recipes, and the finest seasonal produce. For lunch, Monday to Friday, there is a three-course formule at €34, offering a lighter but no less sincere taste of the bistro.
Chef Charlotte Bringant brings a personal touch while respecting the Allard spirit. She works with prime local ingredients, cooking simply and precisely. In spring, she highlights white asparagus from the Landes, green asparagus paired with sweetbreads, and artichokes with cod. Wild garlic accompanies a saddle of lamb, and early strawberries bring freshness to foie gras. The cuisine is generous, without artifice – a celebration of the season.
Allard offers a window into the golden age of Parisian bistros. The wine list, with some 350 references, leans heavily on Burgundy, and the sommelier is on hand to guide. The service is warm, the setting timeless. It is a place where the pleasure of a classic meal – a duck à l’olive, a glass of Puligny-Montrachet – feels as natural today as it did decades ago.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
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