In this article, we introduce La Maison de Verlaine, a true gem of traditional French cuisine, nestled on Rue Mouffetard, in the heart of the Latin Quarter.
Before becoming a restaurant, La Maison de Verlaine was a historical building. Like many others on Rue Mouffetard, it dates back to the 16th or 17th century. The Latin Quarter is one of the few areas of Paris that was not completely rebuilt during Baron Haussmann’s great urban transformation in the 19th century.
Since the establishment of the Sorbonne University in the 13th century, the Quartier Latin has always been a home for intellectuals, writers, and artists. It is therefore no surprise that this building once welcomed remarkable figures — including the one who gave the restaurant its name: Paul Verlaine. The celebrated French poet lived here and passed away in 1896.
The building also hosted the world-renowned author Ernest Hemingway between 1921 and 1925, during his early years in Paris.
When you step inside, you truly feel as if you are entering a piece of history. The restaurant has preserved its traditional windows and features decor inspired by 1960s France.
The stone walls tell their own story — especially in the lower-level dining room, a charming Parisian cellar that captures the timeless spirit of the city.
The restaurant offers the perfect setting for an intimate, candlelit dinner, capturing the charm of Paris in all its timeless beauty.
Address: 39 Rue Descartes, 75005 Paris
Opening hours:
Weekdays: Dinner only, from 5:00 p.m. (Closed on Wednesdays)
Weekends: Lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and dinner from 6:00 p.m. to midnight
Nearby metro station: Place Monge (line 7), Cardinal Lemoine (line 10)
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Apart from its unique atmosphere and charming décor, the restaurant is worth a visit for its authentic traditional French cuisine. Guests can order à la carte, or opt for a great-value set menu that includes a non-alcoholic apéritif, starter, main course, and dessert.
For starters, we chose a selection of classic French dishes, each prepared with care and tradition:
Salade Périgourdine, featuring delicious duck specialties from southern France
The iconic French escargots, perfectly cooked in a traditional parsley and garlic butter.
Foie gras served with onion jam, a must-try for anyone visiting France.
Salmon and avocado carpaccio, offering a fresh and subtly modern touch.
The restaurant also offers a wide selection of main dishes. Among our favorites:
Magret de Canard – the emblematic dish of Southern France, tender and flavorful
Entrecôte – a perfectly cooked steak with exceptional quality and taste
Salmon Pasta – a delight for seafood lovers, fresh and satisfying
And if you have a sweet tooth and still some room, you won’t want to miss the homemade desserts:
Authentic crème brûlée, likely the best you’ve ever tasted
Rich and velvety chocolate mousse, made in-house
Homemade profiteroles served with warm chocolate sauce.
We hope this article has made your mouth water and inspired you to enjoy a unique dining experience at La Maison de Verlaine. While in the Latin Quarter, don’t miss its highlights: Jardin des Plantes, the Panthéon, Place de l’Estrapade (famous from Emily in Paris), and, of course, the iconic Pharmacie de Monge for a perfect French pharmacy haul. [Click here to discover our special offer.]
Articles and Photos: O'bon Paris Team