2 days/nights in paris- where should we dine?
 

We will be in Paris in April (first time)with our 9 year old. We are looking for some wonderful dining suggestions for both and lunch and dinner. A chef friend suggested Pottoka for dinner one night (thoughts?) , but i need a few more suggestions. We love good food. We don't need 5 star, but don't avoid it either. Would probably not want anything too formal since our daughter will be with us, but don't want ultra-casual either (for dinner). (Fench fare please!)Any suggestions are appreciated!

Overlooking the Seine in the 5th, Rotisserie du Beaujolais for an excellent meal and Parisian experience.

Yes, Pottoka will be a good bet! It's French Basque and casual (www.pottoka.fr)

You can also check out La Fontaine de Mars, which is just around the corner form Pottoka (www.fontainedemars.com/index.html).

Hi, these 2 in the 3rd are great - Iperiber is a spanish one, very good food, they exchanged the bottle of wine we had ordered because he saw we didn't like it - wine was good, but we didn't like ... doesn't frequently happen.
Massara offers fabulous pizzas - seems the pizzaiolo was nr one in his category at some contest.

Iperiber rue Montmorency 3e
Massara rue turbigo 70 3e

enjoy.

Restaurants don´t open until 7:30, maybe 7. I have found that too late for most children of 9. Cafés serve meals earlier.

Pottoka is good but it is not traditional French at all. You will also need to book several days in advance.

You won´t find any 5 star restaurants in France. Michelin ranks from 1 to 3 stars and places which have earned a star may not be the best place to take a young child. These restaurants also tend to be closed on weekends.

For excellent meals, I like (book 2-4 days in advance):

Les Papilles in the 5th
http://www.lespapillesparis.fr/

Chez Dumonet in the 6th
01 45 48 52 40

Les Botanists in the 7th.
http://lesbotanistes.com/

Bistro Paul Bert in the 11th.
01 43 72 24 01

La Florimond, Fontaine de Mars, Au Piano Muet (fun raclette and grill at the table), La Grenouille (kitschy froggy stuff).
Children can eat at 7 or later--ask any doctors' families. We saw 2 families at Auberge du Mars (I think) eating at 9PM--their 4 children at a table beside the 4 adults. VERY cute to see.

Three suggestions:

Brasserie Bofinger - the dining room is so beautiful and food is good. http://www.bofingerparis.com/en/

Restaurant de la Tour - small, family run restaurant. You will likely need a reservation since it is small. Very pretty room and reasonable, good food. Near the Eiffel Tower: http://www.restaurant-delatour.fr/?ref=logo

Chez Francis - for the BEST view of the Eiffel Tower while you eat! Serves continuous. Food is good. Across the street from the Bateau Mouches : http://www.chezfrancis-restaurant.com/

Bookmarking

Le 6 Paul Bert, excellent food but in an informal enough atmosphere to bring a kid. Photos and more info only blog

http://www.somuchmoretosee.com/2013/...rth-visit.html

Second for Les Papilles, Chez Francis & Bofinger. But my favorite is Guy Savoy's Bouquinistes along the Seine in 6th.

Also, Conde Nast Traveler February issue lists Top 50 Paris bistros by arrondissement. Where will you be staying?

I actually love Chez Francis but it is currently closed for remodeling. Don't know if it will be open by April. Best view in the world.

Some of my favorites; Le Tournebievre (in the 5th with a view of Notre Dame and great great food). Le Terrasse in the 7th for excellent moulles et frit. 7 eme Vin, in the 7th for tiny very local French food. L'Ami Jean in the 7th for hearty local fare. This trip we will be trying Le Chat Ivre, a wine bar/restaurant in the Bastille area for after Opera dinner. May not be best for a 9 year old.