Brasserie Excelsior is a grand Art Nouveau brasserie that opened in 1911 on the rue Henri Poincaré in Nancy, directly adjacent to the city's main railway station. Nancy is celebrated as one of the principal centres of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe — the École de Nancy movement of the early 20th century produced decorative arts of extraordinary quality — and the Excelsior embodies this heritage in a restaurant context more vividly than almost any other building in the city. The interior features gilded mosaic panels in the manner of Mucha, wrought-iron lamp standards, mahogany and marquetry woodwork, and a coffered ceiling lit by warm amber glass. The cooking is classic French brasserie on a generous scale: a plateau de fruits de mer showcases oysters, langoustines, and shellfish arranged on tiered ice; the côte de bœuf pour deux arrives on a butcher's block with marrow bone and sauce béarnaise; and the Paris-Brest maison closes the meal with the hazelnut praline choux ring in a faithful rendition of the classic recipe. Mains cost €18 to €35. The brasserie is open daily from 08:00 to midnight, making it the most consistently available quality restaurant near Nancy station. Reservations are recommended for dinner but not strictly necessary for lunch.
Signature dishes
- Plateau de fruits de mer
- Côte de bœuf pour deux
- Paris-Brest maison
Good to know
- Known for
- Grand Art Nouveau brasserie (1911) adjacent to Nancy station; gilded decor, Mucha-inspired mosaics, and buzzing local atmosphere
- Hours
- Daily 08:00–00:00
- Reservations
- Recommended for dinner
Location
50 rue Henri Poincaré, 54000 Nancy
48.6916, 6.1830 View on map
Highlights
- One of France's finest intact 1911 Art Nouveau interiors: Mucha-inspired mosaics, gilded woodwork, amber glass
- Plateau de fruits de mer on tiered ice — the most theatrical presentation in any Nancy restaurant
- Open daily 08:00–midnight, making it the most flexible quality option near Nancy station
- Côte de bœuf pour deux: served on a butcher's block with marrow bone and sauce béarnaise
- Part of the Brasserie Flo group; operated to a consistent standard across decades
Tips for visiting
- Arrive for a pre-train breakfast or post-train dinner — the adjacent station and all-day hours make timing flexible
- The plateau de fruits de mer is best ordered for two or more at dinner; it requires 15–20 minutes after ordering
- Lunch is the quietest and most comfortable time to appreciate the interior without crowds
- A glass of Alsace Crémant or Muscadet pairs well with the shellfish plateau
- Reservations for dinner are recommended on weekends; weekday lunch rarely requires advance booking
When to visit
Year-round; the interior is most spectacular in the evening under the original amber lighting. The shellfish plateau is best in autumn and winter when oyster season is at its peak.
Accessibility
The brasserie is on the ground floor with street-level access from the rue Henri Poincaré, adjacent to Nancy station. The interior is on a single level. Standard French brasserie table spacing; contact the restaurant to arrange accessible seating.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Brasserie Excelsior architecturally significant?
The 1911 interior is one of the most completely preserved Art Nouveau brasserie interiors in France. The Mucha-inspired mosaic panels, gilded woodwork, and amber glass ceiling are the work of craftsmen from the École de Nancy movement, which placed the city at the centre of European Art Nouveau.
Is the restaurant suitable for a quick meal near the station?
Yes — the location directly adjacent to Nancy station and the all-day opening (08:00–midnight) makes it ideal for a meal before or after a train. The service pace can be adjusted for time-constrained visitors.
What is the price range?
Mains run €18 to €35. The côte de bœuf pour deux is at the upper end. A complete meal with wine costs approximately €50–€75 per person.
Is advance booking required?
Recommended for weekend dinner. The brasserie's large capacity means weekday lunch is almost always possible as a walk-in. Reservations can be made by phone or via online booking.
Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible?
The brasserie has ground-floor access from the rue Henri Poincaré. The interior is on a single level with standard brasserie table spacing. Visitors with mobility requirements should contact the restaurant to confirm.