Drouant
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1880 |
| Founder | Charles Drouant |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
Key people | Émile Cotte (chef) |
| Products | French cuisine |
| Website | www |
Drouant () is a distinguished dining establishment located near the Palais Garnier in Paris's 2nd arrondissement. Established in 1880 by Charles Drouant, the restaurant has been the traditional meeting place for the Prix Goncourt jury since 1914 and for the Prix Renaudot jury since 1926. Presently, the kitchen is under the direction of chef Émile Cotte.
History
The venue began as a bar and tobacco shop when Charles Drouant opened it in 1880. Its fame increased notably due to fresh oysters delivered by Drouant's brother-in-law from Brittany. Management transitioned to Charles’s son, Jean Drouant, in 1914, followed by Jean’s nephew (also named Jean) who ran it from 1946 until 1976. This last Jean sold the establishment to Robert Pascal, a bougnat from Aveyron with forty years of experience at Drouant. Between 1986 and 2006, ownership changed hands several times. During Louis Gondard’s tenure as chef, the restaurant was awarded one Michelin star in 1988 and elevated to two stars by 2005.
In 2006, Antoine Westermann, an Alsatian chef with three Michelin stars and a relative of the Drouant family, took over as both chef and owner, renaming it Drouant par Antoine Westermann.
The Gardinier brothers from Gardinier & Fils purchased the restaurant in 2018.
Cuisine
Since 2018, Émile Cotte has been at the helm of the kitchen, emphasizing French cuisine that highlights seasonal produce.
Interior design
The upper levels contain private lounges, while the ground floor showcases a bright interior crafted by architect Pascal Desprez, drawing inspiration from Neoclassical design principles.
To commemorate the centenary of the Prix Goncourt in 2014, quotations from each of the ten jury members were inscribed on the walls inside.
Prix Goncourt and Prix Renaudot
The jury for the Prix Goncourt has gathered monthly in Drouant's first-floor salon Goncourt since October 31, 1914, selecting the annual winner every November.
Since 1926, the Prix Renaudot jury has met separately in the salon Renaudot within the restaurant.
Presence in popular media
A scene from Gérard Oury's 1965 film The Sucker was shot on location at Drouant.