PRICE RANGE$$ ATTIRE Casual HOURS Lunch noon-2pm daily, Dinner 7-11pm nightly CUISINE Traditional French
The restaurant takes its name from the transformation of an old French word "cheze" of latin origin, casa meaning isolated house. The first construction of this building dates from 1610 and was located on the samall patch called "the little Louvre" near Grenelle. Between 1652 and 1680 the house has been raised.It is the one which still exists. Through recorded salesof the building we are certain that already in 1680 a certain Georges Rameau was selling wines in this very spot. With the wines, some food was being served and has been served since.
Thus we can affirm that this is the oldest restaurant in Paris according to records. The iron gate on the front door dates from this era. Ours is actually classified as a historical monument which prohibits us from altering appearance.
In the beginning of the XX th century, artists and actors gathered here after show-time. Cabaret stars from Montmartre traveled to La Petite Chaise to be ssketched by Toulouse Lautrec. The tenor Alvarez and the baritone Noté loved to be seen in the upstairs cornerswith the bosomed ladies of their choice. Sometimes, some very "close" relationships continued after the dessert. Singers would pour out their hearts witkh love ballads under the restaurant windows. Great Collette was once invited by the "Crapouillot's crew (periodic) for her literary talent only... Politicians, such as François Mitterand, came from nearby Poly-Sci and cabinet members from the nearby National Assembly.
Today the scene is still mixed with artists, politicians, actors, writers...