lynny

I'm planning a trip for my family, 9 people in total, and I'm trying to pin down some eating options in Paris. We have kids aged 8 to 14. I'm thinking we'd probably stick to brasseries or cafes for meals. I'm not expecting anything too fancy, just basic cafe food, steak frites, etc. Can anyone recommend places that work for such a large group? Thank you.

richardsonsnm

nine people shouldn't make the slightest difference wherever you go.

StCirq

Bofinger is great for a group.

Christina

I think a Chez Clement would probably be a good choice, there are several around Paris. There's a nice one on bd Montparnasse right near the Vavin metro stop. They have a website if you want to check out the menu.

AnthonyGA

The food court at the Carrousel du Louvre shopping center is an excellent option for groups with children. Everyone can pick what he wants, there's lots of room, and prices are reasonable. And one need not talk in hushed voices or worry about which fork to use.

La Coupole and Bofinger are nice, large brasseries. Both belong to the same conglomerate now but they are still good restaurants.

tod

What about Leon de Bruxelles? (excuse spelling if incorrect). Besides the popular mussels, they serve steaks as well I'm told.

Gretchen

Nine people DOES make a difference. YOu can't reliably just walk up to a cafe and expect to be seated. There are lots of places, but you still might consider strolling by in the afternoon and making a reservation.
Leon is a good idea--and you probably can just walk in there. They do have other dishes than mussels. When
we were travelling with 8 we made reservations for the evening meal. In the 7th there is La Terrasse, a nice brasserie right at the Ecole Militaire Metro. And not far is the Bistrot du 7eme, 59 Latour-Mauborg. It is inexpensive for the formule. Another fun and inexpensive place was Au Piano Muet on rue Mouffetard (I think pl. Monge metro would be close). With a little planning ahead you can have good meals at good prices and not worry about getting a seat. At Bofinger and La Coupole you might need to make a reservation also. They would be less expensive at lunch time. And of course, you can eat about anywhere with reservations so start a list from here. Enjoy!!

lynny

Thank you for your help! We will be staying in the first at Hotel Britannique near the Louvre, but of course sight seeing everywhere! I appreciate the not worrying about hushed voices aspect as well. I don't expect to be obnoxious, but I am aware that the French are much quieter!

tod

Gretchen - About La Terrasse. The food this past October was simply awful. In fact it was our worst meal in Paris in the two weeks we were there. I was so embarrassed as it was a first night in Paris for my friends.
Our hotel Duquesne recommended Bistro 'B' a little further along. Fodorites are always singing the praises of Bistro 7 eme but I haven't tried it yet.

Gretchen

That's too bad about Terrasse. We have been for a real dinner only once but stop by for snacks and drinks often.

Gretchen

I'll comment about the hushed voices. We were 8--two parents and 6 adult children/spouses. We enjoy ourselves and I was sort of prepared to tell everyone to "keep it down" but in the places we found ourselves, the waiters seemed to enjoy our enjoyment of one another. And sons would chat up the waiters a good bit.

AnthonyGA

Nine people isn't much outside the narrow windows during which the French eat their meals. If you arrive when everyone else does, it may be a problem. At big places like Bofinger and La Coupole, there isn't likely to be more than a brief wait. At the food courts or McDonald's, there isn't likely to be much of a wait at all.