Le Train Bleu is a restaurant located in the hall of the Gare de Lyon railway station in Paris, France. It was designated a Monument Historique in 1972. The restaurant was created for the Exposition Universelle (1900). Each stylish dining room is themed to represent cities and regions of France, and they are decorated with 41 paintings by some of the most popular artists of that time. Initially called "Buffet de la Gare de Lyon," it was renamed "Le Train Bleu" in 1963, after the famous train of the same name.
During summer 2014, the legendary Train Bleu was renovated to give a glow to the restaurant and to re-awaken this iconic address of 19th Century Paris.
Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard a legendary train from Paris: Le Train Bleu. This gastronomic institution, located at the heart of the Gare de Lyon, welcomes you. It is located in the 12th arrondissement, a central area of the capital. An emblem of the Belle Époque with its decor, Le Train Bleu in Paris takes you to the edge of the Mediterranean through its frescoes. A unique place, dazzling, magical, the restaurant Le Train Bleu is one of the must-visit addresses in Paris.
Le Train Bleu shines in its decoration but also in the quality of its service and its inspired cuisine derived from French gastronomic traditions. Whether at the restaurant or the bar, it's always good to meet up here at any time of the day.
Having lunch or dinner at the Train Bleu, you can be sure to enjoy a personalized service, discover a friendly menu and a rich selection of wines, a genuine guarantee of unforgettable moments in the midst of a busy dining room with its maîtres d’hôtel as its main characters…The luxury is in the chance to take a little time, go back to basics and enjoy inspired French cuisine.
The must-haves and representative dishes of the Train Bleu are on the new menu. You will find: the leg of lamb, carved on a trolley in front of you and the homemade semi-cooked duck foie gras so I ordered both.
You feel transported the minute you walk in. It’s like no restaurant I’ve ever been to before. The decor has been preserved for more than a hundred years with a certain ambiance you would never experience from a train station. It’s majestic; it’s classy and superbly maintained, a restaurant travelers and tourists visit. Spread across two halls; the beauty of it makes you fall in love with French heritage.
On the menu, find a selection of starters, fish, poultry, and meat as well as preset menus. They say that you should not leave without having a dessert.
Presented the fine-dining way, three portions of foie gras with a half toasted brioche cut in a square cylinder, figs, and Porto wine sauce. A mix of savory and sweet, salty and acidic, a delicious combination that sets the tone for the food that is to come. My wife’s salmon was excellent and the salad prepared a la minute in front of our eyes is a creative idea.
The gigot is cut in front of you and presented on a plate without any decoration. I expected more from a local signature dish. My family enjoyed their meals; fish, and meat accompanied by a glass of red wine. As good as an upmarket brasserie would serve it, but nothing particularly memorable to make it a culinary discovery.
I’d come back for their desserts! Exceptional desserts, crunchy and intensely dark profiterole with a refreshing ice cream, a lemony minted meringue citrone cream, and the Baba Au Rhum infused with rum à la minute. The profiterole is my favorite, I started and couldn’t stop. Very well balanced, it’s surely one of the best I’ve had to date. A must try for sure.
A journey to 1900 and back, a culinary experience, great service, and excellent desserts. One of Paris' must-visits is located in the heart of Gare de Lyon.
