Maison dorée (Paris)
| Company type | Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality, Dining |
| Founded | 1841 |
| Founder | Louis Verdier |
| Defunct | 1902 |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
| Products | Fine dining, French cuisine |
The Maison Dorée—translated as the "Gilded House"—was a distinguished dining establishment located at 20 Boulevard des Italiens in Paris.
Beginnings
Originally, the location was occupied by Mme de Ferrières' hôtel particulier, which had connections to influential personalities such as Madame Tallien, a notable social figure during the French Directory period (1795–99).
Subsequently, Café Hardy was founded at the corner of Boulevard de Gand (present-day Boulevard des Italiens) and rue Cerutti (now rue Laffitte). It gained prominence under Napoleon’s Empire for its exquisite cuisine, including truffle-filled omelettes, and became one of Paris’s priciest eateries. The press of the time remarked: "One must be wealthy to eat at Hardy and daring to dine at Riche," emphasizing its exclusive patronage.
In 1836, the property was purchased at a premium by the Hamel brothers, proprietors of the well-known café de Chartres (later known as Le Grand Véfour) located in the Palais-Royal. The structure underwent significant rebuilding in 1839.
Maison Dorée
The edifice known today as Maison Dorée was designed by architect and developer Victor Lemaire in 1839 and opened its doors in 1841 under Louis Verdier, later managed by his sons Ernest and Charles. Initially called the "Restaurant of the Cité," it soon earned the nickname "Maison Dorée" due to its opulent gilded interior.
The restaurant was divided into two parts: one entrance on the boulevard for general customers and a separate, more exclusive access on rue Laffitte featuring elegant private rooms called "Cabinets" intended for wealthy clientele. Cabinet 6 was specifically reserved for aristocrats and affluent patrons. Its vast wine cellar contained approximately 80,000 bottles, making it a favored venue among Parisian high society.
Among its distinguished guests were the future King Edward VII, art collector Richard Seymour-Conway, 4th Marquess of Hertford, and Baron de Saint-Cricq. Renowned authors like Balzac and Marcel Proust mentioned Maison Dorée in their literary works, highlighting its cultural importance.
The famous dish tournedos Rossini is credited to chef Casimir Moisson of Maison Dorée, created especially for composer Gioachino Rossini, who frequented the restaurant regularly.
Several newspapers maintained editorial offices above the dining rooms; notably in 1853, Alexandre Dumas moved his publication Le Mousquetaire to this location.
Additionally, the building served as the venue for the final Impressionist exhibition on 15 May 1886, concluding an influential artistic movement that began on boulevard des Capucines in 1874.
The end
The Maison Dorée ceased operations in 1902. Subsequently, the building was repurposed into commercial shops and office spaces. By 1909, a portion had been converted into a post office.
In 1970, Banque Nationale de Paris—whose headquarters were nearby—acquired and refurbished the building under architect Pierre Dufau. Responding to appeals from French Culture Minister Maurice Druon and preservation advocates, the historic facade was preserved. Behind this retained exterior, Dufau completely redesigned the interior, pioneering an architectural method later known as facadism, which sparked debate within architectural circles.