Paris restaurants and MUST DINE places around ~ please help
Feb 28th, 2012, 06:42 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Paris restaurants and MUST DINE places around ~ please help
Hello all 
My husband and I are traveling to Europe for the first time this summer. We will be there in July. We're spending 7days in Paris and 7 days in Rome. I was hoping for some Paris restaurant suggestions. We really want to experience wonderful food and since we've never there been before, a friend suggested knowing where to eat a head of time versus 'winging it' as she said they did. If anyone can offer any insight, books or places they recommend we'd greatly appreciate it! We will be staying at the Hotel Duquesne Eiffel. Thanks again everyone!
Renee
My husband and I are traveling to Europe for the first time this summer. We will be there in July. We're spending 7days in Paris and 7 days in Rome. I was hoping for some Paris restaurant suggestions. We really want to experience wonderful food and since we've never there been before, a friend suggested knowing where to eat a head of time versus 'winging it' as she said they did. If anyone can offer any insight, books or places they recommend we'd greatly appreciate it! We will be staying at the Hotel Duquesne Eiffel. Thanks again everyone!
Renee
Feb 28th, 2012, 06:53 AM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What is your budget?
You can wing it, unless you want to go to star'ed restos. I have also booked for an evening while walking by a resto.
Rotisserie du Beaujolais, Left Bank, near Ile St Louis, along Seine
On Ile St Louis: Brasserie de L'ile (lunch), Ilot Vache, Reine Blanche
Le Petit Zinc, Left Bank, off blvd St Germain
Chez Rene, Left Bank
Chez Henri/Moulin a Vent, Left Bank
Chez Clement, rue St Andre des Arts, left Bank
La Jacobine, rue St Andre des Arts, left Bank
Balzar, Left Bank
You can wing it, unless you want to go to star'ed restos. I have also booked for an evening while walking by a resto.
Rotisserie du Beaujolais, Left Bank, near Ile St Louis, along Seine
On Ile St Louis: Brasserie de L'ile (lunch), Ilot Vache, Reine Blanche
Le Petit Zinc, Left Bank, off blvd St Germain
Chez Rene, Left Bank
Chez Henri/Moulin a Vent, Left Bank
Chez Clement, rue St Andre des Arts, left Bank
La Jacobine, rue St Andre des Arts, left Bank
Balzar, Left Bank
Feb 28th, 2012, 07:19 AM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We spent 8 nights in Paris recently focusing mostly on food. I posted thoughts, photos and prices in my trip report http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rip-report.cfm
We've winged it on previous trips but we've also had some pretty mediocre meals.
We've winged it on previous trips but we've also had some pretty mediocre meals.
Feb 28th, 2012, 07:28 AM
#4
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I keep an on-going list of restos to go to. A search here will give you a lot of names that get repeated a lot.
Time Out, Michelin Red and Pudlo are a few guidebooks that are good.
My strategy on meals is breakfast at local cafe (not hotel): coffee, OJ, croissant. Lunch is usually a take out sandwich, drink, sweet..sitting outside and watching the world go by. Or...a crepe. Dinner is where splurge bit more.
Restos will post their menus outside, so you will have a chance to see what they are serving. There are also prix-fixes, which are meal deals, and can be good value.
Dinner, at a resto, is usually 7:30 or later.
Time Out, Michelin Red and Pudlo are a few guidebooks that are good.
My strategy on meals is breakfast at local cafe (not hotel): coffee, OJ, croissant. Lunch is usually a take out sandwich, drink, sweet..sitting outside and watching the world go by. Or...a crepe. Dinner is where splurge bit more.
Restos will post their menus outside, so you will have a chance to see what they are serving. There are also prix-fixes, which are meal deals, and can be good value.
Dinner, at a resto, is usually 7:30 or later.
Feb 28th, 2012, 07:41 AM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone! We are hoping to splurge a little more on dinner. Our breakfast is included in our hotel price. I'm sure lunch will be something small so we can afford a nicer dinner. I'm not sure what dinners cost in Europe but my husband and I have spent $150- $200 USD on meals before that were fabulous in the U.S.! Now, we won't do this every night in Europe but if there are some must-eat-at places we want to know about them!
Feb 28th, 2012, 08:16 AM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are probably 1,000 or more threads here on restaurants in Paris - do a search for them and specify the 7ème. I stay at the Duquesne with some frequency and like to dine at Le Florimond, Punjab, La Fontaine de Mars, Auberge de Bressane, Café Constant, the Thai restaurant just down the street, Pizza Tina, Bistro de Breteuil - the area is full of great restaurants. I really don't think you need to plan it all out in great detail.
Feb 28th, 2012, 08:37 AM
#7
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would never suggest to anyone who is genuinely interested in food to simply <i>wing it</i> in Paris. Not necessarily for cafés or brasseries but for restaurants, I always know where I plan on dinning in advance and I always reserve. Just how far in advance I reserve is a function of the general popularity of the restaurant; from one month in advance to one hour in advance but I never walk into a restaurant without a reservation.
For restaurant suggestions I use the Michelin Red Guide as well as several on line resources:
http://mmmm.free.fr/ (in French only but very easy to use)
http://www.bestrestaurantsparis.com/
An easy way to make reservations and learn about special offers:
www.lafourchette.com (in French only)
www.thefork.com (English version of above site)
An interesting restaurant you might want to try: Hidden Kitchen
http://www.hkmenus.com/
And for a brief yet admittedly subjective outline on how to dine like a local in Paris:
http://lejeudeboules.com/2009/05/04/19/
For restaurant suggestions I use the Michelin Red Guide as well as several on line resources:
http://mmmm.free.fr/ (in French only but very easy to use)
http://www.bestrestaurantsparis.com/
An easy way to make reservations and learn about special offers:
www.lafourchette.com (in French only)
www.thefork.com (English version of above site)
An interesting restaurant you might want to try: Hidden Kitchen
http://www.hkmenus.com/
And for a brief yet admittedly subjective outline on how to dine like a local in Paris:
http://lejeudeboules.com/2009/05/04/19/
Feb 28th, 2012, 08:53 AM
#8
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Feb 28th, 2012, 09:12 AM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with everything Sarastro said about reserving and you can always cancel if your plans change. The problem I have with La Fourchette/The Fork is that it has a fairly limited number of restaurants. And unfortunately Hidden Kitchen is no longer since they opened Verjus, their new wine bar and restaurant. I plan to check out the wine bar next month. I'm not sure about the restaurant as I've been reading some mixed reviews. You can dine well for dinner for under $200. You should also consider reversing your strategy and having a splurge lunch or two and a light dinner/snack that evening. Lunches can often be a relative bargain allowing you to try places you might not otherwise afford at dinner.
Feb 28th, 2012, 09:16 AM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Feb 28th, 2012, 09:36 AM
#11
and for a splurge that you will remember all your life:
http://www.fourseasons.com/paris/din...rants/le_cinq/
the lunch-time prix-fixe menu is about €85 pp.
if you each have a glass of champagne each, a bottle of the cheapest [but very good] wine and coffee, you will spend approx, twice that altogether.
http://www.fourseasons.com/paris/din...rants/le_cinq/
the lunch-time prix-fixe menu is about €85 pp.
if you each have a glass of champagne each, a bottle of the cheapest [but very good] wine and coffee, you will spend approx, twice that altogether.
Feb 28th, 2012, 04:59 PM
#12
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, I am just going to list my favs and let you decide what works for your budget, style, etc...
Reed is a new place in the 7th, small but not too crowded, charming. Our favorite from last trip.
Also Cafe Constant, les cocottes and Violon D'Ingres in the 7th.
L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon is an all time favorite.
L'Souffle in the 3rd ( I think, it is near the Chanel boutique on rue Cambon) if you love souffles. We do.
Citrus Etoille in the 8th near the Arc de Triomphe.
Le Comptoir in the 6th (fantastic beef cheeks and lobster bisque).
Le Cinq for outright decadence. Annhig may have it right to go for lunch...we did a 9 course Christmas dinner that was very indulgent, expensive and worth the experience.
Reed is a new place in the 7th, small but not too crowded, charming. Our favorite from last trip.
Also Cafe Constant, les cocottes and Violon D'Ingres in the 7th.
L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon is an all time favorite.
L'Souffle in the 3rd ( I think, it is near the Chanel boutique on rue Cambon) if you love souffles. We do.
Citrus Etoille in the 8th near the Arc de Triomphe.
Le Comptoir in the 6th (fantastic beef cheeks and lobster bisque).
Le Cinq for outright decadence. Annhig may have it right to go for lunch...we did a 9 course Christmas dinner that was very indulgent, expensive and worth the experience.
Mar 2nd, 2012, 01:55 PM
#13
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hidden Kitchen is closed. They've opened a restaurant: Verjus which is getting very good reviews.
I would never wing it in Paris. There are so many mediocre to terrible places that tourists can wander into and the really great places are popular and need to be reserved. It's worth it to do some research on various websites, particularly those that are completely food focused like Chowhound or Paris by Mouth, and reserve ahead at least some of your meals.
I agree that Le Cinq for lunch is a splurge well worth the 87E. Also, in the 7th a favorite of mine is Chez L'Ami Jean. Basque inspired hopping bistro. Fun place and fantastic food.
I would never wing it in Paris. There are so many mediocre to terrible places that tourists can wander into and the really great places are popular and need to be reserved. It's worth it to do some research on various websites, particularly those that are completely food focused like Chowhound or Paris by Mouth, and reserve ahead at least some of your meals.
I agree that Le Cinq for lunch is a splurge well worth the 87E. Also, in the 7th a favorite of mine is Chez L'Ami Jean. Basque inspired hopping bistro. Fun place and fantastic food.
Mar 2nd, 2012, 02:50 PM
#14
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Chez L'Ami Jean is a favorite of my husband's. I like it too, but it wasn't my favorite in November.
I liked Regalade St Honore
Le Fines Guelles... a wine bar with a few tables and wonderful food
Bistro des Gourmandise
any of the above are probably spelled incorrectly, as I am rushing, and my very favorite was
Josephine, Chez Dumonet
I put in several hours making this list, using the sites mentioned above, and it was so worth it. We are like kings.
I liked Regalade St Honore
Le Fines Guelles... a wine bar with a few tables and wonderful food
Bistro des Gourmandise
any of the above are probably spelled incorrectly, as I am rushing, and my very favorite was
Josephine, Chez Dumonet
I put in several hours making this list, using the sites mentioned above, and it was so worth it. We are like kings.
Mar 2nd, 2012, 03:28 PM
#15
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
After 7 trips to Paris (with #8 coming up in May), our trips are now centered around food and wine, lol
Here are some of our favourites over the years:
Au Vieux Comptoir ~ great bistro in the 1st, no menu, just a la carte French classics ~ count on about 100 euros for 3 courses and wine (you can ask the lovely waitress to match each course with wine by the glass)
Chez l'Ami Jean ~ as per above. Get the 55 euro Chef's choice menu.
Spring ~ now that Chef Daniel Rose is in the 1st instead of the wilds of the 9th, it's more expensive, but still great adventurous dining. No choice meal prepared with what is freshest that day. Lunch is now a better value than dinner.
Josephine, Chez Dumonet ~ OMG, the foie gras appetizer. Count on about 150 euros for huge portions and a bottle of wine. We split appetizers and dessert and each ordered our own main. Still too much (delicious) food.
Le Baratin ~ tiny place in Belleville, lots of wine by the glass and a bargain 3 course lunch deal at 18 euros.
Les Papilles ~ in the 5th, again no choice menu, 4 courses for 33 euros and you can choose your wine from the hundreds of bottles on the wall at cost + 7 euro corkage fee
Pizza Momo ~ very casual pizza/pasta place on rue Rivoli near St Paul church in the Marais. Good terrace and easy meal when you just want something simple (and cheap). Great pizzas made in the ancient wood-burning stove.
Le Petit Troquet ~ in the 7th. Tiny restaurant with cut decor and menu at 32 euros (it's been a few years since we went, it may be more now).
La Fontaine de Mars ~ again in the 7th, classic French Bistro with traditional fare. About 120 euros for dinner including wine
Fables de la Fontaine ~ opposite La Fontaine de Mars ~ Christian Constant's seafood restaurant. Fresh, delicious, inventive ~ we went for my birthday a few years ago, had champagne to start, 3 courses with a bottle of wine and coffee ~ about 170 euros.
Au Passage ~ very casual wine bar in the 11th. 3 course lunch and small plates at dinner. The chef worked with Daniel Rose at Spring before opening this place.
Frenchies ~ if you can get the reservation. If not, try his new bar a vin across the street.
La Grande Cascade ~ Bois de Boulogne. We celebrated my hubby's 50 birthday there in 2010. 85 euro menu includes 3 courses, 2 glasses of wine, mineral water, coffee and little treats. Beautiful grand restaurant with fantastic service. Nice place for a splurge.
That's probably enough for now!
Jo
Here are some of our favourites over the years:
Au Vieux Comptoir ~ great bistro in the 1st, no menu, just a la carte French classics ~ count on about 100 euros for 3 courses and wine (you can ask the lovely waitress to match each course with wine by the glass)
Chez l'Ami Jean ~ as per above. Get the 55 euro Chef's choice menu.
Spring ~ now that Chef Daniel Rose is in the 1st instead of the wilds of the 9th, it's more expensive, but still great adventurous dining. No choice meal prepared with what is freshest that day. Lunch is now a better value than dinner.
Josephine, Chez Dumonet ~ OMG, the foie gras appetizer. Count on about 150 euros for huge portions and a bottle of wine. We split appetizers and dessert and each ordered our own main. Still too much (delicious) food.
Le Baratin ~ tiny place in Belleville, lots of wine by the glass and a bargain 3 course lunch deal at 18 euros.
Les Papilles ~ in the 5th, again no choice menu, 4 courses for 33 euros and you can choose your wine from the hundreds of bottles on the wall at cost + 7 euro corkage fee
Pizza Momo ~ very casual pizza/pasta place on rue Rivoli near St Paul church in the Marais. Good terrace and easy meal when you just want something simple (and cheap). Great pizzas made in the ancient wood-burning stove.
Le Petit Troquet ~ in the 7th. Tiny restaurant with cut decor and menu at 32 euros (it's been a few years since we went, it may be more now).
La Fontaine de Mars ~ again in the 7th, classic French Bistro with traditional fare. About 120 euros for dinner including wine
Fables de la Fontaine ~ opposite La Fontaine de Mars ~ Christian Constant's seafood restaurant. Fresh, delicious, inventive ~ we went for my birthday a few years ago, had champagne to start, 3 courses with a bottle of wine and coffee ~ about 170 euros.
Au Passage ~ very casual wine bar in the 11th. 3 course lunch and small plates at dinner. The chef worked with Daniel Rose at Spring before opening this place.
Frenchies ~ if you can get the reservation. If not, try his new bar a vin across the street.
La Grande Cascade ~ Bois de Boulogne. We celebrated my hubby's 50 birthday there in 2010. 85 euro menu includes 3 courses, 2 glasses of wine, mineral water, coffee and little treats. Beautiful grand restaurant with fantastic service. Nice place for a splurge.
That's probably enough for now!
Jo
Mar 2nd, 2012, 04:14 PM
#16
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Really upscale restaurants will be more in the range of #350 to $400 for dinner with wine for 2 people. However, there are plenty of places you can get an excellent dinner for $1150 to $200 - or even less if you choose carefully and don;t go for expensive wines.
Mar 2nd, 2012, 04:44 PM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We travel frequently to Paris (not frequently enough, of course) and the following are among our favorites:
Cafe Constant, Fontaine de Mars, Florimond, L'Epi Dupin, Fish, Regalade, Regalade St. Honore, and Ze Kitchen Gallerie. Most of these are on the Left Bank which is where we stay. Most are also moderately priced but have delicious food.
Cafe Constant, Fontaine de Mars, Florimond, L'Epi Dupin, Fish, Regalade, Regalade St. Honore, and Ze Kitchen Gallerie. Most of these are on the Left Bank which is where we stay. Most are also moderately priced but have delicious food.
Mar 2nd, 2012, 06:13 PM
#20
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I wanted to add that for our trip in November I had some criteria I applied when making the list:
No difficult reservations; I wasn't feeling well and wanted things to be fairly hassle free.
Fairly uncrowded rooms (didn't happen; most were tight).
Hoping to eat for 100 USD for the two of us. We went over nearly every night, but not by too much. I don't drink, but my husband usually had a glass or two of wine.
Christophe was also on our list, but we cancelled and ate at the Christmas Market at the bottom of the Champs. We went to the Steins exhibit, and were enjoying the market too much to leave early.
We have eaten at Christophe in the past, and liked it a lot.
I've been to several of the moderately priced places on the lists here, and this was my favorite trip as far as restaurant dining went.
No difficult reservations; I wasn't feeling well and wanted things to be fairly hassle free.
Fairly uncrowded rooms (didn't happen; most were tight).
Hoping to eat for 100 USD for the two of us. We went over nearly every night, but not by too much. I don't drink, but my husband usually had a glass or two of wine.
Christophe was also on our list, but we cancelled and ate at the Christmas Market at the bottom of the Champs. We went to the Steins exhibit, and were enjoying the market too much to leave early.
We have eaten at Christophe in the past, and liked it a lot.
I've been to several of the moderately priced places on the lists here, and this was my favorite trip as far as restaurant dining went.
