We'll be staying at the Hilton next to the Eifel Tower....any good recommendations for lunchs and dinner within easy walking distance? It's our first time in Paris. Thanks! Marcie

Au Bon Accueil, at 14 rue de Montessuy is an excellent bistro with great food, nice atmosphere and reasonably priced. they have a daily menu based on what's available at the market that day -- very fresh. if you get a table on the sidewalk, you can look up at the Eiffel Tower while you eat. You'll need reservations. <BR> <BR>Another one of my favorites is Thoumieux's on the rue de St. Dominique (i forgot the street number, but it's ). An older place with a little more faded charm but a really good menu at reasonable prices and great service.

I suggest you try La Cantine des Gourmets at 113 av. de La Bourdonnais which runs parallel to the Champs de Mars. A second choice is the Jules Verne which is located at the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tour itself. It is quite excellent and the view...! Both of these recommendations are listed also in the Michelin Red Guide with phone numbers. Book the Jules Verne as much in advance as you can. Now, if you would only take the Metro to the Sevres-Babylone station, a very short ride, then you could dine at the Le Recamier, a personal favorite due to its charming belle epoque motif, excellent service, and super boeuf bourguignone. Getting off the Metro, the restaurant is less than 100 yds away. Rue Recamier is a very short street off Rue de Sevres itself. Excellent neighborhood. <BR> <BR>Sounds like you might be uneasy about the Metro and getting around in Paris. If so I wouldn't mind giving you some info that might help you there. It's very easy, very cheap, and the very best way to move about the city without concern. Just notify me direct at my email address. <BR>

So you are staying at Hilton and lunching within walkingdistance. Im shore you would have a nice time but remember that you have not been in Paris. <BR> <BR>Ole

I used to live across the street from the Tower and for some reason it is an extraordinary neighborhood for Asian food-so I will give you my favorite 4 not to be missed: <BR> <BR>An Ave Suffren further away from the Hilton and away from the river is a chinese/thai restaurant called Foc Ly-it is at 71, Ave. de Suffren <BR> <BR>Closer to the Hilton on a little street just behind Suffren to the west on a street called re de la Federation (it could be avenue but I think rue) is a thai restaurant that is one of the best in Paris-I can't remember the name-but there are two restaurants almost together-one chinese/thai the other is this extrordinary thai only and it is the one to the south (further away from the river-it has kind of ornate doors and looks kind of "closed up", but don't let that scare you!) <BR> <BR>And finally near the mussee d'Orsay is Tan Dinh at 60 rue de Verneuil/metro solferino. They have nouvelle Vietnamese that is incredible. <BR> <BR>I realize these aren't the standard French choices, but this neighborhood seems to be especially strong ethnic-so thought you should know about some of the other hidden gems! <BR>Jeanne

Here's another vote for Thoumieux: we had dinner there in June, while soccer fans were flowing into the city (and filling up the Champs de Mars.) Thoumieux is a very traditional French setting -- red velvet benches, dark wood, bustling ambiance. Take a phrase book that translates menu items: they serve some traditional items that you might want to know about before you order! As I recall, they have both prix fixe and a la carte menus. We really enjoyed it. <BR> <BR>The Access guide will help you to locate other restaurants in the area. Bon voyage!

Try La Fontaine de Mars at 129 rue Saint-Dominique. It is classic French bistro. Good food at a good price. The wine to have is their own bottling of Cahors [red]. The tables outside are fun if it is warm enough. I'd reserve though as it is a busy neighborhood choice. Phone: 47-05-46-44 [as of 1992] <BR>