Visit AND HISTORY
Travel in Paris of "Belle Epoque" at the age of gold of the great boulevards
Au petit riche is created in 1854, as a twinkle in famous « Café Riche », near the boulevard Haussmann and its department stores.
Rebuilt in 1880 after the dreadful fire of the theatre “Opéra comique”, the restaurant acquires a refined decor : warm-hearted multicoloured fancy, mosaic painting and window panes finely engraved.
Proud of its origins, Au petit riche offers you the nicest register of wines from Loire valley of Paris, and its kitchen pays tribute to its best products.
The smart privacy of this place and the authentic French kitchen, made of this restaurant a privileged place for businessmen, journalists and collectors of art of Drouot. In the evening, it reigns the magic of the Parisian parties and the friendliness of dinners after the spectacle.
A mixed of history, tastes, land and happiness that's right mind « Au petit riche ».
A little of history
In 1854, at the corner of Le Peletier street and Rossini street, a bistrot opens : AU PETIT RICHE.
Sure enough in those times, « little people » did not mix with the « beautiful people » ! …
Coachmen, stage hands and employees from the Opera thus have their own meeting place, while the « CAFE RICHE » located in the same neighborhood, along the main boulevards, attracts the rich clientele of the bourgeoisie, politicians and actors from the Opera.
A fire, that lasted close to 24 hours and which cause we will ignore, destroys, in the night of october 28-29 1873 all of the buildings on Le Peletier street : AU PETIT RICHE goes up in smoke.
In 1880, AU PETIT RICHE is rebuilt. The owner Mr Bernard, of Vouvray stock, will put his mark on the restaurant reflecting his personnality and origins : a warm and confortable setting , a succession of small very inviting rooms, walls and ceilings painted with warm decoration, finely engraved windows and mirrors. It is at this time that the menu starts to include specialties from the Loire Valley, wines from Anjou, Bourgueil, Vouvray and Chinon.
AU PETIT RICHE acquires a new image and its clientele changes : the restaurant become a meeting place for businessmen, stock brokers, tradesmen, as well as clients from surrounding theaters.
AU PETIT RICHE is starting to become a fashionable place. The decor of the period will be preserved, protected and will provide. This establishment with the charm that is to give hits personality all throughout its history.
In 1920 , AU PETIT RICHE, expands by taking over the stables of Mr. Rothschild, located at 19 Rossini street, thus creating a spacious room to accommodate 40 additional table settings.
During the next sixty years, from 1920 to 1980, this « old establishment » is very appreciated by its new clientele of businessmen, politicians, artists, show-business celebrities, journalists, bankers and « people » from Drouot.
In 1980, AU PETIT RICHE, which until then used to close at 9pm remains open much later (last order taken at 12 :00am) to allow you to dine after the theater.
Today, we are pleased and proud to welcome you.
