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The bar and restaurant soon gained in its popularity, especially
through the quality of the sauerkraut that was served up, and then in 1906 Frederic
Bofinger's son-in-law, Albert Bruneau took over the Bofinger restaurant and expanded it,
plus with the help of Louis Barraud he had a glass-domed ceiling installed in the main
dining room, which was an instant success.
With the authentic interior that doesn't seem to have changed in over a century along with
the French cuisine from the Alsace region, you can still enjoy
the traditions that made this place so popular, with the menu still containing dishes like
sauerkraut and foie gras.
The Bofinger Brasserie is situated in
the 4th arrondissement of Paris in the situated in
the heart of the Marais and Faubourg Saint-Antoine area just a stone throw from the Bastille and the Opera Bastille, which is also
near by.
Today it occupies a large part of the Rue de la Bastille, and is recognisable through its
red awnings outside, but as you go in you can still see the dark polished wood, shining
brass and comfortable dining areas along with the beautiful glass dome above the main
dining room where everyone wishes to sit and eat. The place has been
classified as a national monument and there are still the original Victorian urinals in
the basement!
Upstairs there are other wood pannelled rooms and one called the Hansi, which is a really
rustic styled room named after the artist whose landscapes decorate its walls.
The Bofinger Brasserie is now able to seat 300 people and each day the staff of around
100, with approximately 30 of them behind the scenes in the kitchen, serve around 800
diners and probably because of its location on a side street, it has not really had the
same tourist impact as many restaurants in
Paris. But instead, it has a reputation as a place where French writers,
academics and politicians like to meet up. In fact, virtually all of the French
Presidents and Prime Minister's have eaten here and some of them on a regular basis.
One of the main specialities at Bofinger is the home made foie gras of duck with brioche
toast, yet another popular choice is the choucroute, where they serve over 100 each day,
and this contains sauerkraut laden with cured and boiled meats including smoked sausage,
ham knuckles and belly pork.
This restaurant has always been known for its seafood and they actually serve six
different types of oyster dish, along with other meals that contain monkfish, salmon,
haddock, prawns, lobster, mussels and scallops, yet you can also have meat dishes such as
duck and pigs trotter.
Restaurant Guide Key Points
The opening hours are from noon until 3pm for lunch and from 7pm until midnight for
dinner.
The Bofinger is open from a Monday through to a Sunday, but due to its popularity it is
advisable to book prior, especially for a weekend or if you would like to have a romantic
dinner under the domed glass dining area, then a reservation may be needed a few weeks in
advance.
Considering the history, cosy atmosphere and traditions this place has, a meal here is not
overly expensive and the cost for a three course meal is approximately ?30 but the cost
can go up dependant upon what you wish to order, such as just ordering the ice laden fish
platter called Le Royal Bofinger, which is around ?60 for two people.
The dress code is smart casual, but as you will find, most Parisians do tend to dress up
when eating out in Paris.
The nearest Metro station is the Bastille and being located only a matter of metres away
from the Place de la Bastille, it is easy to find. From the Rue St-Antoine you
would go north on Rue des Tournelles and then take a right on to Rue de la Bastille and
hey presto, you have reached your destination!
Address & Contact Details:
Bofinger
5-7 Rue de la Bastille
75004
Paris
France
Telephone: 1 42 72 87 82
Fax: 1 42 72 97 68
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