macdogmom

Thats a great list! I meant to post it and forgot. I follow David L on various social media platforms (and have really enjoyed his books) and I think it’s a solid list. Most of the restaurants are on the right bank and if you’re staying in the fifth walking to the 4th, 3rd and 11th is a quick jaunt across the bridge. We ate at Kubri, Bistro Des Tournelles, Breizh cafe and Parcelles (highly recommend!) last May and have eaten at Frenchies wine bar (full of Americans), Bistro Paul Bert, Au Passage and Le Servan.

shelemm

The problem I have with most guides (of any kind) is that locals have been eating the food in Paris for a very long time, and they are easily bored by many traditional offerings. Whereas most inexperienced tourists to Paris really should become familiar with traditional offerings before diving into modern cuisine. You don't learn anything from modern places, and the experience is usually impersonal.

Someone once said of bistrot cuisine: "the oldest pots make the best dishes." I will tell people to go to places that offer food you are unfamiliar with. It's part of the learning experience of travel. French onion soup will be better in the US. Same for steak au poivre. Better to go for harengs pommes à l'huile!

Regional restaurants in Paris have a lot to offer that you can't find in French restaurants in other countries. So the food of Auvergne or Aveyron can be a true surprise. For the locals, not so much. It's not always a question of eating at the best places, but eating something distinctive.

This is why I am against the 'hunt and peck' approach. You learn nothing by looking at menus in windows. When I find myself doing that, I know I'm doing it wrong.

Alice9

Thanks, AJPeabody, I'll take a look at your trip reports and recheck these recommendations. We have a restaurant we've gone to since... since I can't remember when, and will likely go just for nostalgia's sake.
Alice

Alice9

shelemm, this is sound advice. I generally avoid the normal guidebooks, I was very interested in the hungryonion site, I'd never heard of it before.
And Paqngo, I don't know why I didn't think about David Lebovitz, I see his advice all the time - good advice!
Thanks, Alice

Alice9

Thanks, TPAYT, I will definitely look at your report, and thanks for the suggestions, the apartment you stayed in isn't too far away.
Alice

kerouac

It is impossible for me to eat "expensive" food against my will since by law all menus are posted outside of every restaurant. And don't forget that there is no extra service charge or tip to pay. You pay exactly the amount indicated on the menu.

aliced

When we were last in France (Fall of 2022) I did extensive research on restaurants, wine bars, rooftop bars, for every city where we were travelling (Bruges, Brussels, Paris & Nice). I prepared it by arrondissement for Paris, and although we waledk 6-12 miles per day, upon returning to our hotel (Hotel des Jardins du Luxembourg) we usually have no desire nor stamina to trek across town for dinner. I noted days closed, as we were to arrive on a Sunday afternoon. Well, I found the document on our Excel spreadsheet. You have gotten great info above, but would be happy to send this list along to you should you desire. I have printed out restaurants w Metro Stops, days/hours, and specialties

One of our very favorite meals upon Sunday arrival was at Augustin Marchand d'Vins, (Wine Bar, super tiny, with only a few tables occupied all by young locals, and then there was us two!). One chef plus the proprietor. We picked it because of reviews and its location, a short walk thru Rue du Commerce St. Andre (ancient hidden passage in St. Germain). My sources for my list were several: David Leibovitz, Gayot Guide (online), Paris by Mouth (online), WSJ feature articles, Paris50, Michelin and several travel magazine excerpts featuring Paris food.

Another fave that week was: Les Papilles, which is small and must be reserved well in advance, we had dined there twice before, but now it is hugely popular. One menu served to all, three-four courses, excellent & very reasonable. It is ranked #26 on Paris50, and in the 5th on Rue Gay-Lussac, closed Sun & Mon. These two stand out as most memorable on this trip. (And while L'Ange 20 placed #14 on that list, in the 4th on Rue Tournelles, we never got there -- next time!)

I would say look at your nights, and if they include a Sunday & Monday, check restaurant website and make reservations now! Believe I made reservations thru the establishment or by La Fourchette. Have fun, Alice9

Aliced

Alice9

aliced, we think alike! I like to eat close-ish to the hotel after a long day. I am already checking out what's open on Sunday/Monday. I would love your your list, thanks for the offer. We arrive on a Sunday as well. And thanks as well for the additional sources.

One question - how far in advance can I make a reservation?

Thanks so much,
Alice

macdogmom

A lot of places take online reservations now. Before Covid you had to call or get lucky if the restaurant was on La Fourchette. When we went back to Paris after 4 years of Covid induced no traveling I was pleasantly surprised by how much easier it was getting reservations. Go online to the restaurants you are interested in and see if you can reserve and what the time frame is. Paris by mouth used to have a great (free) website with restaurants they recommended separated out by arrondissement. I think you have to pay now but might be worth it for a month. We also like to eat close by for dinner because our trips were always for a conference my husband went to and spent all day working, so dinner had to be at 7 or 7:30 and walkable. That’s why we always stayed in the 3rd because it was full of our favorite places to eat.

Went to Les Papilles a few times awhile ago. It’s basic but decent but full of other Americans so if you don’t mind that…

Alice9

Thanks so much, macdogmom, I hadn't thought about HOW I was going to make reservations, online is excellent. I will get busy on this.
Alice