La Coupole

This legendary Montparnasse establishment is the place to experience brasserie as theatre

With its art deco interior, painted columns, tables stretching into the distance, apron-clad waiters and busyness, this legendary Montparnasse establishment is the place to experience brasserie as theatre. Although it no longer has the kudos of its artistic heyday or the days when my husband’s grandmother apparently used to sweep people away with her walking stick so she could have her favourite table, the people watching – there’s an intriguingly eclectic clientele – and the sheer atmosphere make dining here a fun experience. Feast on fabulous oysters and shellfish, classic steaks, sole meunière, or the unlikely speciality of lamb curry, a fixture since La Coupole opened in 1927. There’s also the basement « Dancing », open some evenings for afterwork, salsa or Latino club nights. If you just want to snack, the glazed terrace at the front is open for a drink, club sandwich, dessert or plate of oysters all day long.

Address: 102 boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014 Contact: 0033 1 43 20 14 20; lacoupole-paris.com Getting there: Vavin or Montparnasse-Bienvenue Opening times: Mon-Thur 8am-11pm; Fri-Sun 8am-midnight Price: set-price menus €31-€39, Mon-Sat lunch menu €25 Payment type: credit cards accepted Cuisine: French, seafood Reservations: not necessary