2 Paris Restaurants
 

Has anyone eaten at either of these restaurants--Chez Clement Marbeuf or Chez Clement Opera. On their website they look vary charming, informal, good menu and reasonable prices. <BR>Thank you for your help.

Haven't eaten there but will quote from my Zagat Paris restaurant guide <BR>(ratings contributed by restaurant-goers, not professsional critics): <BR>"opinions are all over the map when it comes to this bistro chain, but the fact that so many people have been there is telling; most find them ok if 'nothing special' with 'amusing' faux-farmhouse decor...'passable' food and 'good value' prices...it all depends on the branch you visit." <BR>Which I guess doesn't help you all that much with those particular locations.

No, but I've eaten at Chez Clement in Montparnassee, so I presume they are about the same. It's a nice mid-level restaurant, I'd say your assessment is about right. The decor is attractive, they are informal (they are used to tourists and are informal, you probably can wear tennis shoes there and get seated, think I saw that on American tourists when I dined there, you definitely don't have to "dress up"). They have a pretty good variety of dishes and quality is acceptable, what you'd expect--nothing to write home about but nothing terrible. It's a fine place to drop in for dinner when you don't want to look around or after a long day, but I would not regard it as a special dining experience or go out of my way to go there, although you could do worse at that price range. It's a little nicer dining room and experience than many cafes at that price.

I have eaten at three different ones and am really pretty fond of them. Yes, the decor is very nice (perhaps best described as "an American's version of what an upscale Provence farmhouse should look like"). They have wonderful oysters -- quite a variety of them -- at better than average prices. Their roast chicken is absolutely wonderful. I find them an exceptional value. Maybe not the most "authentic" dining experience in Paris, but certainly very good. By the way, although I'd expect them to be quite touristy, I always seem to be surrounded by local business people for lunch, which is when I usually go. While having lunch at the Marbeuf one, one day, dozens of local business people came by, some leaving because there was quite a wait for a table, and many staying and waiting, so obviously they think it is quite good. There is one near Bastille, also very popular with locals, and the one on Champs Elysee has quite a large area out on the sidewalk, which is probably the most "touristy" of their locations.

Thanks for the info from all of you. It is exactly the kind of input I was looking for.

Help!Help me decide.My choices are Chez Catherine(9th),Le Petit Marguery(13th) or Chardenoux(11th).Has anybody been to these restaurants and what do you think?I only have 1 night.Thanks