CARBO

My wife and I will be visiting Paris next week for the first time and I was curious if reservations would be needed for most restraunts? Also, can you recommend a great place for lunch near the Opera. We arrive at 920 at airport and once we get checked in to hotel, we'll be ready for a great meal to start the adventures. Thanks in advance, you all give such great advice.

CARBO

Just wanted to bust myself for the spelling of restaurant in my question......You'll have to excuse me since I went to same spelling class as Dan Quale. Is it quale or qwhale...ha.

Josie

My advice is to to make reservations (especially for dinner) if you decide on a restaurant that you really want to try. While I don't have a place to suggest near Opera, I will recommend my favorite restaurant near the Eiffel Tower. The book "Cheap Eats in Paris" calls Le P'tit Troquet the "perfect, romantic little Parisian restaurant." The fixed price dinner is usually the best value and the house wine is delightful. They are open for lunch and dinner and are located at 28 rue de l'Exposition in the 7th Arr. You should call for reservations (01.47.05.80.39 - closed on Sunday). My husband & I will be returning to Paris in July & will again visit our favorite little bistro. Bon Voyage.

Kathy

Carbo, <BR> <BR>This is getting into prime tourist time and if there are restaurants you want to definitely go to, you should make a reservation. For instance, Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower, is booked months ahead of time. OTOH, if you are strolling a neighborhood and spot a restaurant/menu that looks appealing you can often make a reservation for the same evening. I always like to make a couple of reservations ahead of time and leave a few evenings open. Usually your concierge will be glad to make reservations for you, even if you fax ahead of time your requirements. <BR> <BR>Kathy

Donna

On our last trip to Paris, we had no problem reserving the same day for dinner, and for weekends when we called several days in advance. Typically, we found appealing places while "wandering around" or perusing our notes. But, you just never know. It all depends, I think, on where you plan to dine. If you have particular places in mind, most tour guides indicate "reservations advised", "reservations essential", etc., for very popular places (probably because they are listed in so many tour guides). Also, for some reason, in Paris, restaurants really appreciate reservations, even if you call on your way over. We had no problem making reservations by phone in rudimentary French or English. If you ask, "Parlez vous Anglais?" and the phone seems to go dead - they probably ran off to find someone who does. So, hang on. As for lunch near l'Opera - we loved Cafe de la Paix to the left of the main entrance of Opera Garnier. I read that the main dining room was like "sitting in a Renoir painting". Very good description. The food was magnificent and the service was only a little "stiff". Perhaps because we were wearing our Reebok walkers, but who knows. Another gorgeous place to the right is Grand Cafe des Capucines (on the blvd of the same name). Very large menu, and no one cares if you order just a salad or appetizer there. Note, however, that there are many, many choices within several blocks in any direction. Sometimes it's best just to wander around, peek inside, peruse the menu, and ask for a table if a place looks appealing.

Paul J

Hi Carbo; We also dined several times(dinner without reservations) at the La Grand Cafe Capucines.It's a beautiful place.It was quite late, but they served us champagne while we waited. It's a large busy place. Don't be disappointed if you're seated on the second level. It's reasonably priced for Paris. Try the salmon!! I really think you'll enjoy it. Lunch should be just as good.... Paul J