Are restaurants that offer communal tables easy to find in Paris? I'm travelling solo and am completely comfortable dining alone but I also like the idea of sitting down with a group of others.

Well, Chartier is pretty much communal tables. Can think of plenty where the tables are pretty close to each other, but not exactly communal. Maybe that place where they serve winein baby bottles? Someone will know the name.

Hi V,

>I'm travelling solo ...I also like the idea of sitting down with a group of others.<

In most Parisian restaurants you will be sitting so close to people on each side of you, that it might as well be a communal table.

If the folks next to you don't open a conversation, despite the fact that you aren't reading a book and appear interested in what's going on, use the British ploy of saying, "Im sorry, but I couldn't help overhearing...." and introduce yourself.

Enjoy your visit.

I'm sure there are some communal table type places (I've personally not eaten in any) but ira is totally right. In many (most probably) cafes/bistros you will practically be sitting on top of the folks at the next table.

Au Coin de Malte, 21 rue Oberkampf (11th). Family style cooking, very small, only open from 8:00 - 9:30 pm, simple, good cooking, 3-course prix-fixe meal for 11 Euros. There's one communal table, and I'm sure they would seat you there if you're alone.

I agree with many others -- tables are often close in Paris, so socializing is not hard.

If you must: the chain, Le Pain Quotidien, has communal tables at its branches. I think of it mostly as a breakfast and lunch place (good bakery; sandwiches and quiches, etc.,) but it meets the communal crieria.

Two I've eaten at are:

Polidor
41, rue Monsieur-le-Prince, in the 5th
(no credit cards accepted)

Trumilou
84, quai de l'Hotel-de-Ville, in the 4th

If you have breakfast in the hotel they will often put singles at the same talbe (with your OK naturally). So - at least you know the person can afford to stay somewhere decent - you're not getting a pig in a poke.

I've had some interesting conversations this way (since I often add 2/3 days after a business ttrip -usually alone) and have found people to spend the day with or even have dinner - once a couple from Argentina, another time a pilot from Quantas.

Correction to my previous post: Polidor is in the 6th, not the 5th.

HI NYT
>once a couple from Argentina, another time a pilot from Quantas.<

Would you recommend visiting Qantas?

Is Summer or winter best?

L'Atelier Joel Robuchon has counter dining if you want to splash out.

Glad for all the tips. I'm going solo and hate eating alone.

I was alone at Bofinger and a couple sitting next to me had their waiter bring glasses for me to taste the wines they were drinking.