L’Ami Louis

It’s possible that this legendary address serves the most famous — and expensive — roast chicken in the world. A roster of VIP regulars (hello, Bill Clinton) who make this a difficult reservation for us plebes.

Practical information

Address: 32 rue Vertbois, 75003
Nearest transport: Arts et Metiers (3, 11)
Hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday
Reservations:  Book many weeks in advance
Telephone: 01 48 87 77 48

View a map of all of our restaurants here.
Average price for lunch: More than 100€
Average price for dinner: More than 100€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
Special attributes: prestige ingredients, superior wine list, open Sunday
Type of crowd: suits, foodies, tourists
Interior: charming & traditional
Atmosphere: casual

Reviews of interest

• Patricia Wells (2012) “For sure, the décor at this 1930’s bistro  — which has been a worldwide icon since the 1950’s — rates as among the most dilapidated in Paris. Dingy, dark, faded, ramshackle. But, OH that roast chicken. The L’Ami Louis secret, of course, is kitchen’s oak-wood fired oven, offering a sweet, soft, and yet intense heat, making for a succulent bird that is up there with the best – if not THE best – in Paris…A place that every Paris Food Lover should experience, at least once.”
• François Simon (2011) “Le poulet frites est un des meilleurs de la capitale…un foie gras très banal, servi de façon spectaculaire en deux grosses tranches  prix tout aussi déridants : 58 euros…Il y a à Paris beaucoup de bistrots épatants, mais celui-ci est singulier dans sa dimension mondaine…”
• A.A. Gill – Vanity Fair (2011) “…L’Ami Louis really is special and apart. It has earned an epic accolade. It is, all things considered, entre nous, the worst restaurant in the world.”
• Julot (2009) “…how is L’Ami Louis’ roast chicken? It’s pretty good…Likewise, snails, asparagus, lamb, beef chop, fruits are all of exceptional quality at l’Ami Louis. They are all prepared simply, precisely, justly…”
• Food Snob (2009) “…there is something so attractive about the rustic excess and heartiness of it that it is hard to ignore…”
• François Simon (2007) “L’Ami Louis appartient tout simplement à ce genre d’adresses trempées dans le métal.”

Our best efforts were made to ensure that information provided was accurate at time of publication. Have a correction or update? Send it here.