A friend of mine is going to Paris in October and would like some recommendations on restaurants. From budget to first class would be great. He is staying in the 7th district. I thought I would pass along some of your favorites. Thanks for your help.

My personal travel web page has restaurant information: http://sites.netscape.net/monicapileggi/homepage <BR> <BR>

Paul, as long as we're on the subject of other websites, here's a plug for one I enjoy: www.chowhound.com. Reviews by food lovers, a searchable web site. Also, have you done a Forum search here on Fodor's? If you do a search using the keywords "Paris" and "restaurant", you are likely to find a huge number of hits that meet your criteria. Be prepared to be overwhelmed. BTW, I will put in a plug for a place we loved, Le Tire-Bouchon on rue des Entrepreneurs (not to be confused with other restaurants by the same name.) I posted about it previously. Also, tell your friend to look for a copy of Gustafson's "Cheap Eats" book. The places aren't really that cheap, but many Fodorites swear by her recommendations.

Helen: Thanks for the www.chowhound.com. It's got some good stuff! <BR> <BR>Carol Lehrman <BR>

Restaurant in Paris? Hmm. Well, I could tell you I've eaten at Taillevent and that it was delicious. But, some of my best meals were walking through the arrondisements, sticking my head in the restaurant door, and deciding if I liked the French feeling inside. Not very scientific - but it worked everytime! Some of my best meals were definitely at places that you don't read about in books! Experiment. Feel Paris.

Le Trumilou in the 4th at 84, quai de l'Hotel de Ville. Casual, mostly locals, reasonable-must have the duck with prunes and pommes frites! <BR> <BR>Au Petit Marguerey in the 13th at 9, blvd. du Port Royal. More upscale, yet relaxed, outstanding food and wine-known for their wild game and cheese tray. <BR> <BR>

<BR>Just got back from a stay in the 7th (which is wonderful, by the way). I strongly recommend the small, family run "Le 6 Bosquet" on Avenue Bosquet. Also, for something a bit more upclass, try "La Bordonnais de la Cantine des Gourmets" (I know, its a mouthful) - the food and service were wonderful.

In the 7th, try the "Cote du 7eme" on the Rue Surcouf. I's right next to the Nuit de St. Jean, which was closed for August. Great Art Deco interior, wonderful food and service. Dress conservatively for best service. The "formule" was around 180FF but for some reason my Visa debit card wouldn't work there - take some cash along just in case.

Check out www.timeout.com. Their newest Paris magazine issue is all about best eats around the city. It's an awesome resource. <BR> <BR>Mike

Just returned from Paris. Here are my thoughts: <BR> <BR>JULIEN (16,rue du Faubourg-Saint Denis) <BR>fabulous food and exquisite decor (art nouveau) Not so great neighborhood but fabulous dining experience. Very reasonable. Great service. Known as the "poor man's Maxim's". Well, we tried both and no comparison. Julien was Magnifique! <BR> <BR>JULES VERNE (2nd level of Eiffel Tower) <BR>You would think too touristy but it was wonderful. Beautiful decor and food was fabulous. We had lunch (less expensive) but must be magnificent for dinner with the lights and sites of Paris all around you. Great service. <BR> <BR>BUDDHA BAR (8 rue Boissy d'Anglas) "The" <BR>place to go and be seen at the moment. Jazz type bar and restaurant near Hotel Crillion. French, Asian and Californian cusine. Restaurant and bar. did not eat there. Went for drinks. Packed with people and definited the place to be. <BR> <BR>MAXIM'S (3 rue Royale) We celebrated a friend's birthday here with table for 8. <BR>Food was good. Great female pianist and singer. SERVICE WAS THE WORST!!! Spent megabucks for the worst service on EARTH. You would have thought the place was packed and it wasn't. Waiters were stumbling all over the place, dropping food, etc. We've had better service at McDonld's. Pierre Cardin bot this place. Wish I had his email address. <BR>WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT....

One more recommendation: <BR> <BR>La Coupole (102 Blvd du Montparnasse) <BR>very interesting and artsy decor. Lobster Newberg to "DIE FOR". Good service. Quite large restaurant. Ballroom was not open the night we had dinner. Great food and good value.

<BR>LES OLIVADES <BR>45 ave de segeur <BR> <BR>[not sure of the spelling, but it's in the 7th a few blocks south of Les Invalides] <BR> <BR>This is a charming provencal restaurant. Decoration is delightful, the food is authentic and the wait staff will warn you if an item is "fort" in taste. [perhaps too strong for US palates]. We had a full course meal, a bottle of wine for about $95. for 2 people. It was our "splurge" and we didn't regret it.