Cassoulet — that slow-cooked, bubbling masterpiece of white beans, duck confit, and pork — is more than a meal. It’s a story of patience, heritage, and southern French pride. Originating in Languedoc and Toulouse, this rich, savory casserole has become a staple of French cuisine. In Paris, chefs and bistros pay homage to this dish with reverence, combining rustic authenticity with a Parisian flair. Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or a curious traveler, exploring Paris’s cassoulet scene is a journey into the heart of French comfort food.
Below, we uncover the best cassoulet in Paris — from century-old bistros steeped in tradition to Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy.
1. L’Assiette – The Gold Standard of Parisian Cassoulet
📍 Address: 181 rue du Château, 75014 Paris
💶 Price: €40 for cassoulet; lunch menu from €23
🎭 Ambiance: Cozy, traditional Montparnasse bistro
📅 Reservations: Recommended
L’Assiette, under the culinary direction of Chef David Rathgeber, has earned a legendary reputation among Paris food lovers. Rathgeber, a proud member of the Académie Universelle du Cassoulet, crafts this dish with unwavering dedication. His version combines duck confit, lamb neck, pork belly, and garlic sausage, all simmered slowly with creamy white beans in a traditional earthenware pot. The result: a golden crust that breaks open to reveal tender meat and fragrant sauce beneath.
The cassoulet here embodies the spirit of southern France — robust, soulful, and unapologetically rich. The Montparnasse location, with its open kitchen and warm chatter, adds an intimate charm. Regulars praise not just the food but the sense of authenticity that permeates every detail. As Time Out Paris wrote, “L’Assiette serves the cassoulet all others aspire to be.”
💡 Insider Tip: Visit for lunch to enjoy a more affordable menu, or book an early dinner to secure a quiet corner seat near the kitchen.
2. Benoit – Alain Ducasse’s Elegant Take on Tradition
📍 Address: 20 rue Saint-Martin, 75004 Paris
💶 Price: €38–€50 per main course
🎭 Ambiance: Refined, Michelin-starred
📅 Reservations: Essential
Stepping into Benoit feels like entering a film set from the Belle Époque. ✨ The chandeliers, brass fixtures, and vintage mirrors reflect Parisian sophistication at its finest. Yet, behind this refinement lies a heart that beats for traditional cuisine. Owned by Alain Ducasse, Benoit presents an elevated cassoulet that respects the roots of the dish while refining every element.
Expect perfectly browned duck confit, delicately seasoned pork shoulder, and beans that are creamy yet firm — all cooked in a delicate tomato and garlic broth. 🍷 The flavors are deep, balanced, and artfully composed. The dish arrives bubbling, its aromas filling the air with comfort and nostalgia. Pair it with a glass of robust Cahors red, and you’ll understand why Benoit remains a benchmark of French culinary art.
ℹ️ Did You Know? Benoit is the only remaining Parisian bistro with a Michelin star, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking luxury rooted in authenticity.
3. Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie – For the Love of Duck
📍 Address: 34 rue Montmartre, 75001 Paris
💶 Price: Around €25
🎭 Ambiance: Old-world charm meets bustling brasserie
📅 Reservations: Optional but wise at dinner hours
A cornerstone of Parisian gourmet dining since 1894, Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie has long been associated with foie gras, duck breast, and other Gascon specialties. 🦆 But its cassoulet deserves equal fame. Served in a rustic crock, the Cassoulet gratiné du Comptoir features slow-braised duck, flavorful sausage, and a crisp breadcrumb crust that crackles under the fork.
What makes this restaurant stand out is its combination of hearty cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. 🍽️ Locals, tourists, and late-night diners mingle under soft lighting while glasses of red wine flow freely. And for those who fall in love with the taste, Le Comptoir even sells tinned cassoulet and gourmet products to take home. It’s a must-stop for anyone wanting a casual yet authentic Parisian cassoulet experience.
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive early or late to avoid peak dinner crowds; the bistro’s central Les Halles location makes it a hot spot.
4. La Fontaine de Mars – A Presidential Favorite
📍 Address: 129 rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris
💶 Price: Around €40
🎭 Ambiance: Historic brasserie with Eiffel Tower views
📅 Reservations: Highly recommended
La Fontaine de Mars, one of Paris’s most photographed bistros, exudes timeless charm. 🇫🇷 With its red-and-white awnings and terrace overlooking a charming fountain, it’s a postcard-perfect vision of Parisian dining. The restaurant rose to international fame after hosting Barack and Michelle Obama in 2009 — but locals have cherished it for decades.
The cassoulet here is a comforting, family-style dish: duck confit, pork belly, and Toulouse sausage, cooked until the beans melt into the sauce. Served piping hot, it’s a dish that rewards slow savoring. 🥘 The interior, lined with old photos and checkered floors, brings nostalgia and warmth to every meal. While some critics note the occasional inconsistency, the overall experience — particularly on the terrace — is quintessentially Parisian.
⭐ Best for: Travelers seeking a balance of ambiance, authenticity, and a story to tell.
5. L’Auberge Pyrénées-Cévennes – A Century of Cassoulet Excellence
📍 Address: 106 rue de la Folie-Méricourt, 75011 Paris
💶 Price: €20–€30
🎭 Ambiance: Classic bistro with provincial charm
📅 Reservations: Recommended
Tucked away in the 11th arrondissement near Oberkampf, L’Auberge Pyrénées-Cévennes has been a local favorite for more than a hundred years. 🕰️ This is where Parisian families, politicians, and food traditionalists come for a taste of old France. Under Chef Pierre Négrevergne, the restaurant has kept its spirit intact while lightening the cassoulet slightly for modern diners.
Expect a dish that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort — a cassoulet that’s full-bodied yet not overly heavy. 🍲 The meats are tender, the beans perfectly stewed, and the sauce velvety with a hint of garlic. The walls, decorated with vintage photos and wine bottles, tell stories of generations past. Dining here feels like being welcomed into a family kitchen, where time slows and every bite feels earned.
🎩 Fun Fact: Former French president François Hollande has been spotted here more than once, further confirming the restaurant’s local prestige.
6. Chez Gladines – The Best Budget Cassoulet in Paris
📍 Address: 30 rue des Cinq-Diamants, 75013 Paris
💶 Price: €15–€18
🎭 Ambiance: Cheerful Basque-style canteen
📅 Reservations: Not accepted – expect to queue
If L’Assiette represents the high altar of cassoulet, Chez Gladines is its friendly neighborhood version — loud, cheerful, and incredibly satisfying. 🎉 Located in the bohemian Butte-aux-Cailles district, this Basque-inspired brasserie serves enormous portions of hearty dishes at wallet-friendly prices. The cassoulet here may not have Michelin precision, but it overflows with warmth and flavor.
Each portion comes bubbling in a terracotta bowl, thick with sausage and duck, the beans soaking up every bit of meaty richness. 🍛 The energy is infectious — long wooden tables, laughter, clinking glasses of red wine, and friendly chaos. It’s a quintessential Parisian experience for students, locals, and travelers on a budget.
🕒 Tip: Arrive before 7:30 PM if you don’t want to queue. The restaurant fills up quickly, and the wait is part of the adventure.
Other Worthy Mentions
- 🍖 Au Pied de Cochon (Les Halles): A lively 24-hour brasserie offering cassoulet among its many French classics. Perfect for late-night cravings, this historic establishment has served Parisians since 1947. Expect bustling energy, gleaming brass fixtures, and hearty plates that arrive at all hours of the night. The cassoulet here pairs wonderfully with a carafe of Côtes du Rhône, and if you stay late, you might catch local chefs finishing their shifts and grabbing a post-service meal.
- 💬 Ambiance: Loud, festive, and quintessentially Parisian. Great for night owls and those craving authentic brasserie vibes.
- 🍴 What to try: Their onion soup and pig’s trotter dishes are classics too.
- 🥘 Chez Papa (multiple locations): A casual chain focusing on hearty southwestern dishes, including an accessible cassoulet option. What makes Chez Papa stand out is its consistency and affordability—each branch retains that rustic Gascon charm with red-and-white décor, wooden beams, and cheerful staff. The cassoulet is simple but satisfying: slow-cooked white beans, Toulouse sausage, and a generous portion of duck confit. Portions are enormous, making it ideal for groups or families.
- 🪶 Ambiance: Cozy and friendly, a great place to discover southwest French cuisine without breaking the bank.
- ☀️ Extra tip: Many locations have terraces perfect for summer evenings.
- 🍷 La Poule au Pot (1st Arr.): A reimagined brasserie by Jean-François Piège, serving a refined cassoulet variation when in season. Set within a charming, vintage-style dining room near Les Halles, it revives the spirit of mid-century Parisian gastronomy. Piège’s approach adds finesse to the classic—expect perfectly tender meats, rich sauce reduction, and elegant presentation without losing the rustic essence.
- 💕 Ambiance: Romantic and softly lit, combining nostalgia and elegance.
- ☎️ Insider insight: The cassoulet occasionally appears as a seasonal special, so call ahead to confirm availability.
- 🍗 Bonus recommendation: Try their signature poule au pot stew if cassoulet isn’t on the menu.
Final Thoughts – A Bowl of History and Heart
Paris’s cassoulet scene reflects the diversity of French dining itself — a harmony between old traditions and modern creativity. Whether you choose the refined luxury of Benoit, the soulful authenticity of L’Assiette, or the joyful energy of Chez Gladines, you’re participating in a culinary ritual that celebrates community, time, and flavor.
Each cassoulet tells its own story: of slow simmering pots, of regional pride from Toulouse and Carcassonne, and of Parisian chefs who keep that legacy alive. ❤️ And no matter where you go, one truth remains — a proper cassoulet should always be eaten slowly, with good bread, great wine, and even better company.
🍷 Pro Tip: For the full experience, order a glass of Madiran or Cahors wine, and finish your meal with a simple crème brûlée or Armagnac digestif. That’s how Parisians turn a dish into a memory.