Delicious Brasseries of Paris: Au Pied de Cochon

Au Pied de Cochon (which literally means the pig’s foot) is one of the most mythical Parisian brasseries. Situated in the heart of the Les Halles district, this place was the first restaurant in Paris that was authorized (in 1946) to be open during the night. Since then, the Au Pied de Cochon never closed its doors, and it is open non-stop, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day! At any time of day or night, the Pied de Cochon welcomes its clientele, that can discover and enjoy the traditional and generous French cuisine. 

History

In the 1940s, Clément Blanc, a butcher from Lorrain, opened a restaurant in the heart of the French capital - the Les Halles district, famous for a food market also called “the belly of Paris”. At that time, there were a lot of cafés and restaurants around this food market, but Blanc had a great idea. Firstly, he decided to name his restaurant - Au Pied de Cochon and put on the menu some forgotten French dishes, such as the pig’s foot. After that, he decided to open this place even during the night. Since the beginning of the 1950s, Au Pied de Cochon started to attract many theatre actors who were looking for a place to eat after their shows. In the 1960s, this restaurant was at the peak of its glory, but everything changed in 1969. The "belly of Paris” was moved from Les Halles district to Rungis, and for several years, due to the creation of new train station and shopping center, the entire neighborhood was transformed into a big construction area. It was a very difficult time for the Au Pied de Cochon. But finally, the Forum des Halles, a new shopping center, was inaugurated in 1979, as well as the biggest Parisian central railway station, and Au Pied de Cochon was reborn. The newly elected President of France, François Mitterrand, even celebrated his victory in 1981 in this restaurant. From that moment, Au Pied de Cochon became a gathering place for many artists, politicians and tourists. 

Food

One of the specialties of Au Pied de Cochon is the Saint Anthony’s salad. This so-called salad consists of grilled pig’s ears, snails and pork belly. You can also order the pig’s foot served with French fries or the pig’s foot stuffed with potatoes and mushrooms. Au Pied de Cochon also offers a plate of the breaded pig’s tail, ears, snout and foot, served with a delicious béarnaise sauce, and of course the pig’s head. But if you are not that much into the pig, you can also order “la soupe a l’oignon”. This famous French onion soup that is served with croutons and cheese on the top, is also a specialty of this restaurant.

Practical information

Au Pied de Cochon, one of the mythical Parisian brasseries, is open every day during the year and all day and night long. This place is great to have lunch or late dinner, but it is also possible to organize seminars, birthday and wedding celebrations here.