Œuf Mayo in Paris: 19 Places Where the Humble Egg Shines
Œuf mayo, a hard-boiled egg under a blanket of mayonnaise, is the cheapest starter on any Paris bistro menu and a small local obsession. It's also where lazy kitchens get caught: chalky yolks with a gray ring, mayonnaise straight from the jar.
We checked the guides, the critics and the reviews, good and not-so-good, and kept 19 places for the best œuf mayo in Paris, from buzzing bouillons to bistros where it's a signature. Build the rest of the meal with our steak frites or coq au vin picks, or browse our traditional restaurants.
A sprawling Belle Époque-inspired brasserie in the heart of Pigalle, serving authentic French classics at remarkably accessible prices since 2017.
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A legendary Parisian bouillon where traditional French cuisine meets Belle Époque grandeur, serving affordable classics in a stunning 450-seat brasserie near République.
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Chef Antoine Westermann's modern bistrot in Montmartre celebrates heritage poultry breeds with accessible pricing and exceptional craftsmanship.
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A beloved neighborhood bistro near Place Vendôme serving authentic French terroir products and legendary sandwiches from morning until late night.
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The accessible sibling of legendary Tour d'Argent, serving timeless French bistro classics and signature roasted duck on a picturesque quai overlooking Notre-Dame.
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A nostalgic Art Deco bistrot between Place des Vosges and Bastille, serving generous French classics with exceptional natural wines.
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A beloved Parisian institution serving authentic French bistrot classics in a charming vintage setting near the Eiffel Tower for nearly three decades.
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A modern bistro where Christopher Edwards' medal-winning culinary expertise meets an exceptional 500-bottle natural wine collection in the heart of Paris's 11th arrondissement.
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A modern brasserie in Le Sentier serving elevated French classics with Écotable-certified sustainable practices and homemade specialties from morning to midnight.
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A legendary Parisian institution where Art Nouveau splendor meets affordable French bistro classics in a bustling, timeless atmosphere.
A timeless Parisian brasserie serving traditional French cuisine with seasonal products and natural wines in a stunning Art Deco setting near Bastille.
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A vibrant retro brasserie near Gare du Nord serving 100% homemade seasonal French classics with Collège Culinaire de France and Écotable certifications for sustainable gastronomy.
A beloved neighborhood bistrot serving timeless French classics and exceptional wines in the charming Saint-Georges quarter since its opening.
A joyful French bistrot where vice-champion œufs mayonnaise meets an exceptional natural wine selection in a convivial, no-frills atmosphere.
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A historic Belle Époque bouillon serving traditional French cuisine at remarkably affordable prices in a stunning Monument Historique setting.
A charming neighborhood bistrot serving traditional French fare with quality charcuterie and an exceptional wine selection in a warm, convivial setting.
A Belle Époque-inspired brasserie in Neuilly-sur-Seine celebrating French culinary classics and fresh seafood with an Écotable commitment to sustainable dining.
A convivial wine bar in Montorgueil serving artisanal tapas and seasonal dishes alongside an extensive wine selection.
A warm neighborhood bistrot serving traditional French comfort food with a 12/20 Gault&Millau rating, where Chef Clément Barbot celebrates timeless classics in a convivial 1970s-inspired setting.
Where to eat the best œuf mayo in Paris
It looks like nothing, which is why it's a good test of a kitchen. The eggs should be cooked just enough for the yolk to set while staying tender and bright yellow, then halved and covered with a thick, homemade mayonnaise sharp with mustard. Some places add crunchy lettuce, herbs or a few pickles. If the yolk is dry or the mayonnaise tastes of nothing, the rest of the menu probably won't shine either. Each place page below lists the dishes regulars order after the eggs.
The bouillon starter
At the bouillons, œuf mayo is the classic opener at a tiny price. Bouillon Pigalle serves it before bœuf bourguignon or onion soup; book online and avoid the pre-Moulin Rouge rush. Bouillon République, a 450-seat Belle Époque hall near République, pairs it with oysters and choucroute; arrive at noon if you haven't booked. Bouillon Chartier and Chartier Montparnasse keep the tradition alive too. See our cheap restaurants and onion soup picks.
Brasseries and bistros that make it a signature
In Le Sentier, Brasserie Dubillot serves homemade classics from morning to midnight, with œufs mayonnaise next to pâté en croûte and saucisse purée; it holds some tables for walk-ins. Near Place Vendôme, Le Petit Vendôme puts them on a terroir menu between a jambon sur l'os sandwich and escargots. In Montmartre, Le Coq & Fils serves its roast chicken with œuf mayo on the side. Near the Eiffel Tower, La Fontaine de Mars puts it at the top of its must-try list. Le Bon Georges, Brasserie Bellanger and Grande Brasserie are on the list too. For more, see our affordable restaurants and lively restaurants.
With a view
La Rôtisserie d'Argent, the Tour d'Argent's bistro sibling, lists œuf mayonnaise among its must-tries; from May, book a terrace table with a view of the Seine and Notre-Dame. Browse our restaurants with a terrace for more outdoor tables.
Where to look
The 2nd has the most œuf mayo on this list, followed by the 10th and the 18th. Staying near the Grands Boulevards? Start with the 2nd arrondissement. Many places are mid-priced, so this is one of the easiest dishes to enjoy on any budget. Open the map and find your nearest egg.