Histoire Ancienne

Histoire Ancienne is a classic French bistro and an "institution du bien manger" located in the heart of Calais. The house emphasizes respect for products and values and invites locals and visitors to rediscover classic bistro gastronomy made from quality ingredients. The restaurant has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2010, one toque from Gault & Millau since 2012 and the Maître‑Restaurateur distinction from 2008 to 2020. The dining room occupies a carefully maintained art‑déco setting with a Lautrec‑style fresco, old‑fashioned sweet jars, a zinc bar and curated vintage objects, creating a warm, carefully styled bistro atmosphere. The kitchen offers classic bistro fare expressed in a sage, slightly canaille yet bourgeois tradition. Dishes are homemade, fresh and seasonal, and the team champions authentic, honest cooking without tricks. The restaurant publishes seasonal menus and special event menus for occasions such as Saint‑Valentin and the holidays. Chef Patrick Comte, a Ferrandi graduate, opened his first gastronomic establishment in 1990 and took over Histoire Ancienne in 1996, choosing to concentrate on a bistrotière approach that blends a roguish canaille touch with bourgeois chic. Specialities include the Brandade du Nord—featured in a France 3 report—alongside the cuisine du jour, homemade bistro classics and bistrotière dishes with a canaille touch.