Le Dôme

In 1980, Le Dôme—one of the legendary pre-war addresses of Montparnasse—reopened, transformed by Slavik.

In the press, one could read, for example: “The chic brasserie where fish is king! A Belle Époque bar-tabac, then a piano bar and traditional brasserie, before becoming a chic brasserie specializing in fish. Beautiful marquetry, perfect lighting, mezzanines everywhere, nooks and crannies. A real success! Regulars today: politicians, journalists, writers.”

There is now a hushed, luxurious atmosphere in this brasserie, whose walls are clad in dark and light precious woods, polished and varnished, reflected in a lacquered ceiling, and whose spaces unfold in tiers.

Slavik installed framed photographs in burl wood of those who were once patrons of this Montparnasse landmark.

The furniture, designed by Slavik for the Barraud house, includes Thonet armchairs upholstered in studded leather, Chesterfield-style leather banquettes, and marquetry tables with a central turned-wood pedestal. The metalwork is in polished brass.

The windows on Rue Delambre are closed off with stained glass designed by Slavik, complemented by faux stained glass painted by Cassius on the fishmonger’s side.

The original interior light fittings have disappeared. The décor remained intact until 2016. Today it is only partially in place. Wall lights, pendant lights, and ceiling wallpapers have unfortunately been added, and the banquette leather has been replaced with faux fur in variegated tones.

The superb façade designed by Slavik and executed by Patrice Tatard’s Samso company is dazzling in the evening as one approaches the Raspail–Montparnasse boulevard intersection.