A romantic, literary bistro at the foot of the Odéon, where poetry and gastronomy meet.
Description
Bistro of Poems, open daily from 11:45 am to 10:30 pm, is a true literary haven located at 7 Rue Corneille, facing the Odéon Theatre and steps from the Luxembourg Gardens. Celebrating the art of words, poetry permeates every corner—from the décor adorned with manuscripts and framed quotes to cosy velvet seating and candlelight. Each table features a small anthology for reading between courses in a relaxing, bookish ambiance.
The menu is poetry-influenced, featuring dishes such as “Ode to Bouillabaisse,” “Baudelaire’s Stew,” and “Verlaine’s Macarons,” each accompanied by poetic quotes and literary anecdotes, turning every meal into a cultural experience. Seasonal menus highlight the beauty of nature with autumn soups and caramel desserts infused with poetic verses.
The wine list reads like a poem anthology, with each bottle tied to a literary excerpt. Poet-themed cocktails—like “The Baudelaire” or “The Rimbaud”—come with poetic cards. In the afternoon, the bistro transforms into a tea lounge serving poetic infusions and pastries inspired by forms like haikus and sonnets.
Evenings come alive with live jazz or classical music during “Poetry & Music” nights, where poets and musicians perform in open mic sessions. Beneath the bistro lies a vaulted stone cellar, perfect for private events or groups of 10–200 people in an intimate, historical setting.
The clientele ranges from students and tourists to families and poetry-gastronomy enthusiasts. The venue is wheelchair accessible, pet-friendly, climate-controlled, and offers vegetarian/vegan options. Bilingual staff are praised for their warm and attentive service.
Practical info: metro Odéon (lines 4 & 10); reservations recommended; cellar or full private hire available; equipped with sound system and Wi‑Fi; accepts AmEx and meal vouchers.
Share on