Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Dining in Paris with 4-year-old

Ruth has probably already managed to dine in Paris with her 4 year old, but after spending three days in Paris with my 4 year old, I wanted to offer a few survival tips to anyone else who might find this useful. 1. Book an EARLY table. Most restaurants seem to start taking reservations at 7:00 or 7:30. We started our dinner between 7:30 and 8:00 each night. The waiters had time to help us (including throwing together an impromptu pasta dish, etc. for our daughter) and did not make us feel the least bit unwelcome. Most diners at that time of the evening seemed to be business people, not people in for an intimate, life-changing dinner (of course my perceptions could be wrong). 2. Dress appropriately. We erred on the formal side, and I made a point of dressing our daughter in something "fancy" with party shoes, etc. It's the same rationale as getting upgraded on a plane -- look the part, and people will treat you accordingly. 3. Bring diversions. We came equipped with paper and crayons, stringing beads, etc. This may sound horrifying to adults dining without children, but it is really not so invasive if you are at another table. And it makes a world of difference for parents trying to have a conversation and a glass of wine! 4. Feed your child in advance. If you can stop by a boulangerie during your afternoon wanderings, pick up a baguette or pain au lait with ham, cheese, chicken, etc., and stave your child's hunger pangs. 5. DON'T WORRY and enjoy yourself! Two of the restaurants where we dined were listed by Travel & Leisure as places to get the best versions of certain traditional French dishes. We did not limit ourselves to child-focused options, and we did not eat once at McDonald's!