I am taking my spouse to a romantic get-away to PARIS for our anniversary.
What is the BEST restaurant in Paris?
We would like to go some where upscale and romantic restaurant to for our anniversary? We would like someplace where you need to dress up a bit and is elegant. Want this to be a memorable experience. A place with vegetarian options would be a PLUS!

After/before dinner, any ideas on where to go for? Opera? Theatre?

Les Ambassadeurs restaurant is one of the most beautiful and elegant--you could certainly feel at home dressing up there, and the flower arrangements are stunning. The food is very good, too.

I took my wife to Jules Verne. It's in the Eiffle Tower a little over half way up. Jackets are mandatory for men. The food was wonderful. But beware, they require 3 months advance reservations.

..wont comment on restaurant but will on ?theater or opera question..i think a truly romantic dinner in a lovely restaurant will be your evening..i dont think id tack anything on it..however, i do remember a wonderfully evening that ended with champagne on the way home..if the weather is lovely a walk back to your hotel might be entertainment enough....although i said i wouldnt mention a restauant i will because of its romantic setting as well as food..it is on the place de voges, tres cher, clinton had dinner there,and needs to be booked months in advance..i just cant remember the name as i didnt book it..just had a lovely romantic evening!!! perhaps is even mentioned above..im sure if you are interested someone on the board will know the name!!!!

..remembered..L'ambroisie

Thanks. These ideas are great.

Any other suggestions?

Underhill, Les Ambassadeurs looks verrrry nice. Leaning towards it but they only seem to server 3-4 options for meals, do you know if any chance, the would have some vegetarian selectioins? I am not a big meat eater

Armand at the Palais Royale is elegant and romantic.

Le Grand Vefour in Palais Royal.

In Montmartre, "Le Beauvilliers" The china, silver, crystal, lots of Fresh flowers, dimly lit. There is also a lush terrace should you prefer to sit outdoors.

For pure elegance, I would say that Taillevent is very hard to beat.

However, for a more affordable dinner, StCirq mentioned one of our favorite spots. The menu at Armand is only 41 euros, a real bargain given the quality of the cuisine. And the proprieter, Jean-Pierre, is one of the most charming hosts in Paris.

The signature first course is a ?Crepe Monsieur?...a corn crepe served with warm foie gras and a sauce infused with sherry vinegar...just delicious. On the dessert list the creme brulle is a good choice...served warm as it should be.

There is a description and a picture on reservethebest.com

If price is no object, why not La Tour d'Argent, with its classic view of Notre Dame and the Seine?

I think all the above suggestions are excellent. My favorite for very special occasions is Taillevent which always ranks at the top of fine restaurants year after year. If you are serious about vegetarian, then the most elegant place anywhere that serves mainly vegetarian is Arpege.

How far in advance do you need to reserve for Armand??

Thanks!

Many Paris restaurants will prepare at least a vegetarian entrée. If Les Ambassadeurs appeals to you, ask when you reserve your table.

Lasserre, a michelin **, has to be considered; when they retract the roof during dinner, and you see the stars....it is magical. Tables widely spaced, impecable service in a beautiful and formal environment, hard to beat! Worth the price for a special evening. JP

Lasserre would be my second choice after Les Ambassadeurs--the presentations are wonderful, and the ceiling opened to the sky is unique.

As mentioned above, Arpege for mostly vegetarian haute cuisine and Le Grand Vefour for beautiful Belle Epoque ambience.

My husband and I always reserve a top restaurant for one night. We truly enjoyed La Tour D'Argent (The oldest restauant in Paris 1582) 01 43 54 23 31. I requested a table by the window so we were able to look out at the Eiffel Tower and other beautiful sights. The table is yours for the evening so I would make this your only plan for that night.
We also went to Lassure on our last trip. It was also very nice with the ceiling opening at around 9:30.

Both of these restaurants are expensive. Our meals were around $400 for two which included wine.

We also reserved a dinner cruise in advance on Bateaux Mouche. We love seeing the Seine river at night. Be sure to request the front of the boat and reserve early. It cost around $300 and of course is touristty but we are tourists. (Food is of course not the same)

All three require dressing up. Most men wore suits and women wore dinner dresses or suits.



Good Luck