Eat Out Versailles

This post is part of my series on Versailles, France.

After your visit to the Château de Versailles, you will likely feel famished. Intense tourism calls for a satisfying meal in a relaxed setting. A brief stroll from the Château, the Brasserie du Théâtre Montansier serves homemade food made with fresh products. A family-owned business, father-son team Stéphane and Dorian Platrier offer a warm welcome, exquisite food, and fair prices.

The restaurant serves traditional brasserie fare in an Art Deco setting: steak, sauerkraut, salmon, and tripe. My friend Stéphane and I began our lunch with champagne—pourquoi pas? I ordered snails, followed by the plat du jour: pork tenderloin served over pureed root vegetables. The generous portions left me full, and the red wine left me a little sleepy, but I stretched this pleasant lunch with crème brûlée, followed by an espresso.

My meal was top-notch, as was Stéphane’s company. I also appreciated the clean beauty of the space: mirrored walls, leather benches, and white table linens. Our lunch was refined without being stuffy. The service was attentive and unrushed. The Brasserie du Théâtre Montansier is a bonne adresse that’s not to be missed!

Brasserie du Théâtre Montansier
15 rue des Réservoirs
78000 Versailles
Open Wednesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner
Open Sunday for lunch
Reserve online

Allison’s Tips

For quick access to the Brasserie du Théâtre Montansier, exit the Château property through the gate closest to the Royal Chapel, the tallest building on the property, in the northwest corner of the Royal Courtyard. Take the rue des Réservoirs to the restaurant, a leisurely 5-10 minute walk.

As you make your way to the restaurant, take a moment to notice number 7 rue des Réservoirs. This building is known as l’Hôtel Pompadour and as l’Hôtel des Réservoirs. Constructed in 1752, Louis XV’s mistress Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764) received guests here. After her death, the Pompadour’s casket was transported to the residence and displayed for two days. From 1856-1922, it served as a high-end hotel and restaurant. It currently houses government offices.

As you approach the brasserie, you’ll pass the Théâtre Montansier at number 13. King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinnette were present at its inauguration in 1777.

Inspirations

Ore restaurant

Madame de Pompadour.com

Versailles : côté ville, côté jardins, Alexandre Maral

Visiting the Château of Versailles can make for a long day: lines, crowds, and so much sumptuous history to take in! For sanity’s sake, why not break up the day with a calm, delectable lunch?

Located on the grounds of the Château, Chef Alain Ducasse’s ORE serves carefully prepared, high-end café fare in a light, airy setting. Ore means mouth in Latin and also plays on the French word for gold (or). The gold décor and sunburst tableware speak to the historic setting, and the menus correspond to the seasons. On my last visit I ordered a perfect spring vegetable tartelette resting on a green pea purée, followed by a verbena and raspberry soufflé. Disconnected from the effervescent commotion of the Château, my friends and I enjoyed classic French cuisine graced with touches of modernity, all in a discreet, elegant setting.

At ORE, The service is attentive and efficient, the food beautifully plated and delicious. After a quiet, relaxed lunch, you will be ready to continue your visit of the Château.

Allison’s Tips
ORE teams up with the Château of Versailles to offer breakfast or lunch followed by direct access (no lines!) to the Château and its grounds. Reserve for breakfast + direct access (40€) or lunch + direct access (60€). The set menus vary according to the season.

Make a reservation for breakfast (starting at 12€), lunch (starting at 16€), or afternoon tea (35€)

Make a reservation for evening dinners, offered on select dates throughout the summer

Reserve ORE for a private evening function by calling +33 1 30 84 12 97

Access: ORE is on the second floor of the Pavillon Dufour at the Château of Versailles. From the security checkpoint on the Place d’Armes, enter the Cour d’Honner and hang left as you approach the Cour Royal and the Pavillon Dufour. From the gardens, follow the signs to the Cour des Princes and access the Pavillon Dufour from the Cour des Princes courtyard.