Friendly Paris Wine Bar & Bistro Near Palais Royal
- 13 Rue des Petits Champs ,
- 75001 Paris
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Since its founding in 1980, Willi’s Wine Bar has become somewhat of a Parisian institution, but in a low-key manner. It’s consistent in all the best ways and is warm and inviting even on the dreariest of days.
When you walk in you’ll see the wooden wine bar, which feels typically French. The space is light and full of color, however, something that you don’t always find in Paris bars or restaurants.
Look up at the ceiling and you’ll discover vignettes from the famous Willi’s Wine Bar Bottle Art. Since 1983 Willi’s has created a poster each year. They mostly work with a different artist each year (with a few exceptions), and each design is unique.
The posters are an unmistakable part of the Willi’s fabric and like the wine and food, it’s hard to pick a favorite. Many of the posters are available online through Willi’s Bottle Art Shop.
Willi’s Wine Bar started with wine, and the core of the list is (and always has been) Rhône Valley-centric, although there is a diverse selection. Willi’s is a place where you need not be intimidated to ask questions or advice. They’re friendly and happy to help in both French and English. The wine list changes frequently, so you never know exactly what you’re going to get, although you can be sure it’ll be excellent.
Just as unique as the wines is the Food by François. Chef François Yon has been the Chef at Willi’s Wine Bar for three decades during which he’s perfected his bistrot-style food. Dishes are simple yet innovative and are all shareable, which is the perfect excuse to try as many as possible.
We recently enjoyed two wonderful takes on the traditional croque monsieur, a fall-inspired pintade with mushrooms, as well as one of Yon’s signatures, the Vitello Tonnato. We truly couldn’t pick a favorite.
At the top of the menu it says tout est bon, et tout est fait maison (everything is good and everything is homemade), and it’s true. Service was speedy and the dishes arrived straight from the kitchen. The menu changes daily so you can be sure you’re getting the best of the season.
After trying Willi’s Wine Bar you’ll want to return again and again. It’s the perfect spot in Paris for an afternoon or evening of wine tasting and is even better accompanied by a casual, delicious meal. They also have La Salle Colette, a private dining room that can accommodate groups of up to 20 people for a special Parisian food and wine experience.
Willi’s Wine Bar is open every day from noon to midnight, serving food 12–2:30pm and 7–10pm.
Learn all about French wines by taking a wine tasting class in Paris.
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