The 6 Oldest Restaurants in the World

The restaurant Zum Franziskaner was founded by German monks in 1421. It has since become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Zum Franziskaner is renowned for its traditional beer brewing methods, still practiced to this day. It is considered both a sailor's tavern and a fine dining establishment.

Visitors are guaranteed a memorable culinary experience at this historic venue. Sampling the carefully brewed beers is a must-do for anyone visiting. Despite being a 20th-century establishment, Zum Franziskaner has maintained the same authentic Scandinavian flavors since it first opened its doors in 1421. The restaurant serves traditional Scandinavian dishes such as sausages, pork, venison, and a wide selection of Germanic wines.

La Tour d'Argent – Paris, France (1582): With a royal flair, this iconic restaurant has been a favorite of King Henri IV. Awarded Michelin stars, it is renowned for its signature duck dishes, with ducks raised on the restaurant’s own farm. Guests can also indulge in exquisite pâté and delicious fish dishes.

Owned by Frédéric Delair in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, La Tour d'Argent started the tradition of issuing numbered certificates to diners who ordered the restaurant's specialty. The Wright brothers dined here in 1906, and in 1912, the Terrail family took ownership. First run by André Terrail, it was later managed by his son Claude, who passed away in 2006, and is now run by André’s son. Michelin Guide awarded the restaurant three stars until 1996, when it dropped to two stars, and then to one star in 2006.

The restaurant’s wine cellar is a historic treasure, containing some of the finest wines that survived World War II. With over 450,000 bottles and 15,000 varieties of rare wines, it is valued at an astounding 25 million Euros. Interestingly, the restaurant inspired the animated film Ratatouille.

The restaurant Sobrino de Botín was founded in 1725 by Jean Botín and his wife. It was later passed down to Botín’s grandson and is now owned by the González family. Despite its modest size, the chefs and staff at Sobrino de Botín have worked tirelessly over the years to preserve its authentic flavors and atmosphere.

Through the years, Sobrino de Botín has maintained the ambiance of a traditional Spanish tavern. The restaurant has four floors and three dining rooms: the Bodega (cellar), Castilla, and Felipe IV. There's something about Sobrino de Botín that makes visitors feel at home, whether it’s the warm oak wood decor or the friendly hospitality of the staff.

As guests move through the dining rooms and climb the narrow stairs, they feel as though they are entering one of the city’s most secret and historic spaces. In addition to keeping its original recipes intact, the restaurant also maintains a constant flame in its oven, which has never gone out.

Stiftskeller St. Peter is considered the world’s oldest restaurant, boasting over 1,200 years of history. Established in 803 BC, it is nestled within the Archabbey of St. Peter in Salzburg, Austria. Despite centuries of renovations, Stiftskeller has preserved its Baroque architectural charm.

The interior, with its ancient stone designs, blends historical authenticity with modern elements. Over the years, the restaurant has catered to many royal families, dignitaries, and prominent figures. In addition to its exquisite menu, Stiftskeller is renowned for its weekly Mozart dinners, featuring performances by some of Salzburg's finest musicians. If you ever visit Austria, don’t miss this exceptional dining experience.

Throughout the centuries, Stiftskeller has undergone several expansions and refurbishments but has kept its distinct architectural style. Some of its Baroque dining rooms, complete with antique chandeliers, have hosted countless royal families, high-ranking officials, and famous business figures.

Bianyifang is the first restaurant in Beijing to specialize in Peking duck, opening its doors in 1416 in the Qianmen district. Originally a small workshop for ducks and chickens, the restaurant has since undergone several renovations, but it still retains much of its Ming Dynasty charm.

During the Ming Dynasty, the popularity of Peking duck spread among the elite and even inspired poetic works. Today, Bianyifang has expanded with multiple branches, but the original location in Qianmen remains the most iconic. Due to its fame, many other restaurants have adopted the Bianyifang name, though few have lasted as long as the original.

To maintain its distinguished reputation, Bianyifang has kept its exclusive, traditional recipe for Peking duck, its elegant dining style, and, most importantly, its rich historical legacy. It is considered the oldest Peking duck restaurant in the world.

Honke Owariya, founded in 1465, originally began as a traditional Kyoto-style confectionery shop. Over the centuries, it has become a beloved spot, known for its soba noodles and soba-based sweets. It has served a range of dignitaries, including monks, shoguns, and even emperors, making it a culinary landmark in the region.

Today, members of the royal family still visit this historical gem whenever they are in Kyoto. In its serene setting, with distinctive wooden architecture, Owariya offers an authentic Kyoto experience. The restaurant specializes in delicious, simple, and wholesome dishes, while its sweets continue to be a crowd favorite, available from candy stalls outside.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by a charming garden, followed by tatami mat rooms (zashiki) and tokonoma alcoves, where traditional art and flower arrangements enhance the atmosphere, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and beauty.