Maxim’s Restaurant

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This is the entrance to Maxim’s, a Paris landmark that is arguably the world’s most famous restaurant. It is located on the rue Royale, a street that leads from the place de la Concorde (off on the left, but not visible here) to the Madeleine (off on the right, but not visible here, either).

Maxim’s was founded at this location by a former waiter, Maxime Gaillard, just over a century ago. (The form of the name reflects the popularity of English-looking names at the time.) His restaurant rapidly became a trendy meeting place for the beau monde of the period. Since then, the restaurant has had a reputation for fine food, excellent service, and stunning Art Nouveau decor.

The exterior of the restaurant that you see here has been recently restored to like-new condition. Although it is a work of art in itself, it pales by comparison with the interior decor of this establishment. Indeed, the experience of eating here is more likely to be memorable for the eye candy of the decor and the service than for the cuisine itself specifically (the restaurant no longer has a Michelin star—at least the last time I looked—but the food is still good).

In 1981, Pierre Cardin bought the restaurant, and proceeded to found a major merchandising empire upon its name and reputation. Today you can buy everything from cookies to perfum with the Maxim’s name on it, and the restaurant itself is only a small part of this conglomerate. In addition, other Maxim’s restaurants have been built in other cites, forming a chain of restaurants.

The restaurant continues to appeal strongly to tourists and others who enjoy its special atmosphere, even if it is no longer in the top rank with respect to gastronomy. I haven’t eaten here myself (they expect you to wear a tie!), but those who have have told me that it is a pleasing experience.

Maxim’s has a Web site of its own, as you might well expect.

Photographed on July 31, 2000.