On place du Marché in Dijon, Speakeasy has a name that might suggest an illicit bar hidden behind a secret door. In fact, the venue has been openly operating since 2015, right beside Les Halles. Its originality lies mainly in its décor and atmosphere: modernised Napoleon III style, decorative ironwork, imposing chandeliers, upholstered armchairs, embroidery and Second Empire furniture, all accompanied by jazzy music.
This distinction is worth making clear: if you are looking for a genuine Prohibition-style hidden bar, that is not the concept. If, however, you enjoy highly styled restaurants with a subdued atmosphere and carefully designed interiors, this venue makes more sense.
Burgundian cooking with a twist
The menu remains rooted in Burgundy, with homemade food and some more contemporary influences. The official website mentions œuf en meurette, bœuf bourguignon and époisses, as well as more international dishes such as chicken spring rolls and certain wok dishes.
2026 price guide:
- "Midi Speed" set menu, Monday to Friday: €15 for main course + dessert;
- evening starter + main course + dessert menu: €28.50;
- large salads around €15.50;
- several main courses between €18 and €20;
- homemade desserts around €8.50 to €9.
The restaurant also serves a Burgundian Spritz made with crème de cassis, Suze and crémant de Bourgogne: a fitting little local touch.
The detail that matters: the terrace faces Les Halles
Speakeasy has a raised terrace overlooking Dijon's market halls. It is probably the best spot during the day or in mild weather, as you can enjoy both the bustle of place du Marché and the architecture of the covered market.
Inside, the appeal is different: people come primarily for the elaborate décor and chic brasserie atmosphere. Depending on what you want, the best table is therefore not necessarily the same.
A thoroughly Burgundian wine list
The website lists around a hundred wines, mainly from small Burgundy estates. This is significant in Dijon: for someone keen to extend a day exploring Burgundy wines without leaving the city centre, the wine list may be almost as interesting as the food menu.
The restaurant also serves cocktails, local beers and crémants. If you are choosing between several wines, asking for a recommendation to match your dish is probably more useful than picking a bottle at random.
What to know before visiting in 2026
- Address: 14 rue Quentin, 21000 Dijon, place du Marché, immediately beside Les Halles.
- Advertised opening 7 days a week, currently around 11:30–14:30 and 18:30–22:30.
- Online booking available through the official website.
- Capacity listed by the tourist office: around 90 covers excluding the terrace.
- Pets welcome according to Dijon Bourgogne Tourisme.
- The tourist office lists menu prices around €14.50 to €28.50.
Why Speakeasy belongs in "Unusual restaurants"
The classification is justified more by the theatrical décor and atmosphere than by the name. Speakeasy is not a genuine clandestine speakeasy, and it is better not to encourage that misunderstanding. Its appeal is a richly decorated, almost timeless Burgundian brasserie opposite Les Halles, in a reimagined Second Empire setting.
For anyone seeking an original restaurant in Dijon, it is therefore a place to choose for the ambience and decoration as much as the food - with one simple tip: knowing the actual concept beforehand avoids expecting a secret door or hidden bar that does not exist.
