Going to the opera in Paris at 1930 on Sat. 2/14.Called Bofinger Brasserie today to make a reservation for dinner at 1700, and they don't serve dinner until 1830. (One guide book said they did). Asked them for a name of a restaurant near the opera that would have dinner that early and I think she said something that started with a G. I've never been to Paris before so have no idea of which restaurant this might be. Does anyone know or do you have a suggestion? Would like to stay as near the opera as possible because we are cutting dinner pretty short. I really don't want to have a large dinner after it's over (2230) because I'm leaving very early in the morning for London.

Just go to the area and eat at one of the cafes that are around the Pl.de Bastille. No restaurant will be open at that time.
And are you saying that the opera is 5 hours long?--starts at 5PM and ends at 10:30PM. There are a lot of places--there is a Leon de Bruxelles for mussels.

My husband and I have wonderful memories of our Paris trips and visits to Bofinger. We've sent many friends over the years and they have all had such enjoyable evenings. Restaurants open late so I imagine that an early dinner may be difficult to find.
Have a great trip.
June

I have no idea, but Macéo on the rue des Petits Champs is a great place for a pre- or post-opera dinner.

Thx for the info. No, the opera starts at 1930 and ends about 2230. I was planning on eating around 1700 and then going to the opera. I may have to eat at a cafe and either forget about dinner after the opera or eat really late which I don't really like to do.

The French dine late--8:30 to 9:00 is common--and it's difficult to find a restaurant open before 7:30. Your best bet might be to find a tea salon that serves light meals until around 7:00, where you could get something like soup, salad, and dessert. Or you could have a late-afternoon tea with all the trimmings, which would last you through the evening quite nicely.

There is a Chez Clement quite close. Although this is a "chain", it is a very good one. And I'd be amazed if they aren't open that early -- I know the one near St. Michel is. I can't get beyond their wonderful rotisserie chicken. They have a pretty extensive raw bar -- great oyster selection -- and various other entrees. Nice country French atmosphere.

That's a good idea. We are going to Versailles for the day, we could eat a late lunch, have a snack before the opera and eat afterwards. I'm just used to eating dinner then going out about 2100 but I realize the Europeans dine later and most of the plays and entertainment starts around 1930.