Café Anglais
| Company type | Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality, Food service |
| Founded | 1802 |
| Defunct | 1913 |
| Fate | Closed |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
The Café Anglais (, meaning English café) was a distinguished dining establishment situated at the intersection of Boulevard des Italiens (number 13) and Rue de Marivaux in Paris, France.
History
Established in 1802, the restaurant derived its name from the Treaty of Amiens, a peace agreement between France and Britain. Originally catering to coach drivers and household staff, it transformed into a stylish hotspot under the management of Paul Chevreuil starting in 1822, becoming well-known for its roasted and grilled meat offerings. Its golden era occurred during the tenure of chef Adolphe Dugléré, drawing affluent Parisians and members of the aristocracy.
Although the exterior presented a modest white appearance, the interior was richly appointed with ornate mahogany and walnut woodwork complemented by gilded mirrors. The premises contained 22 private salons and lounges; notably, Le Grand 16 was a prestigious venue for exclusive events during the Second Empire, as documented by culinary historian Lt.-Col. Nathaniel Newnham-Davis.
Among Dugléré’s culinary innovations were dishes such as Germiny Soup, named in tribute to Comte de Germiny of the Banque de France, and Pommes Anna, dedicated to the famous courtesan Anna Deslions. He also designed the celebrated "Three Emperors Dinner" menu for the 1867 Exposition Universelle, honoring Tsar Alexander II, Kaiser Wilhelm I, and Otto von Bismarck.
The Café Anglais closed its doors in 1913, with an Art Nouveau structure subsequently erected on its site. The restaurant is mentioned in literary works by authors including Honoré de Balzac, Gustave Flaubert, Émile Zola, Guy de Maupassant, Marcel Proust, Umberto Eco, Henry James, and Karen Blixen—who portrayed Babette Hersant as the head chef at Café Anglais before her move to Denmark.