Any suggestions for a venue which would be good for Christmas lunch in Paris? We don't want "fine dining" as the rest of the trip is breaking the bank. We would like a friendly bistro atmosphere where our two teenagers will feel at ease. We are staying near the Pompidou Centre but location is not really an issue. This is a great site - I've already picked up so much practical info. for our trip. Thanks in advance.

topping

judy,

we were in Paris last Christmas and rented an apartment close to Pompidou Center. We had a simple yet good lunch
at Jo Goldenberg in the Marais. There were very few restaurants open at that
time. we enjoyed Jo Goldenberg and had
some music as well.

We were in Paris Christmas 2003 and it was a little tough to find places that were open. We had brunch at "Le Pain Quotidien" -- there are quite a few of those around town. Then we had a light supper at Cafe Delmas on the Left Bank in the Contrescarpe area. We like both those places for a casual meal.

Do be aware that Christmas Eve is a big "dining out" evening for the French. It might be a good idea to try to reserve ahead for that night.

As, well, maybe other ethnic restaurants are open...others will answer, but Indian, Thai, Chinese, etc., as well as kosher

I think I recall reading or hearing somewhere that Brasserie Bofinger is open every day of the year. If that's the case, that would be a marvelous place for Christmas lunch.

StCirq's is an excellent suggestion! Would like to add that Au Pied de Cochon near Les Halles is open year-round as well. Haven't been there but I did really enjoy my dinner at Bofinger!

<b>Bofinger</b>
<font color="blue">http://neo05.com/groupeflo/flobrasseries/#</font>
(for the moment this one is &quot;indisponible&quot; until July 11th)
In the meantime, you can comfort yourself with <u>Reserve the Best</u>'s website:
<font color="blue">http://www.reservethebest.com/_en_/restaurant.php?Id=53</font>

<b>Au Pied de Cochon</b>
<font color="blue">http://www.blanc.net/cochon/index.html</font>
<u>Reserve the Best's website</u>:
<font color="blue">http://www.reservethebest.com/_en_/restaurant.php?Id=67</font>

Thanks everyone for your suggestions - they all looked great. I have booked lunch at Brasserie Bofinger (couldn't resist that ceiling) and hope to be able to report on it in the new year.