I can't call it a dilemma, because I have too many choices for that. I have spent way too much time on Chowhound, and I certainly know what their favorites are. I have been to Bistro Paul Bert (not worth the schlep for the dinner I had) and to Fish, twice. Don't want to go back there.

I am trying to keep the dinner bill at 40 euro per person or less, but it won't kill us to spend more.

Right now, these are the places I'm thinking about:

Sunday: La Gaigne. Good reviews and VERY close to our apartment after flying a long way.

Wednesday: our splurge. We are having the lunch menu at La Table de Joel Rubochon, at 55 euro each. My olan is to gather a few things to have at home after the ballet that night at 7:30.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday:
The list, and I could really use some help for these days, and for Sunday.
La Ferrandaise
Itineraires*
Petit pointoise*
La Cerisaie
L’Auberge Bressane
Christophe
La Régalade,
Chez l'Ami Jean,
l'AOC

I have heard that Chez L'Ami Jean and La Regalade are very crowded. As much as I like good food, I also like comfort.

After the two broken feet and dealing with my incredibly elderly parents, I want the trip to be as easy and comfortable as possible. I would eliminate places from my list if folks had less than friendly service or were uncomfortable in some way.

We leave on Feb. 7. I will reserve most places shortly. Already have the reservation at Robuchon.

Thanks for any help offered.

You might want to try Jadis, 208 rue de la Croix-Nivert, in the 15th. Metro either Porte de Versailles or Boucicaut. New, trendo, but far enough off the beaten track. Very reasonable, but who knows how long that will last.

Therese, I have read about Jadis. Thank you for the recommendation. Can you tell me what you had? I assume it was good.

My starter was a cauliflower cream soup with a garnish of caviar (which was, curiously, served cold on that chilly January day), my main was more or less the restaurant's signature dish of various "insolites" (including sweetbreads, etc. as well as the even more unusual cockscombs, which I liked less than the rest of the dish), and dessert was ile flottante, except that it wasn't, the island being comprised of a fairly dense pistachio cake surrounded by creme anglaise. All of it very well executed and all very good even if I was a bit wistful over the ile flottante not being as expected.

My daughter and I loved Chez l'Ami Jean, but yes, it was crowded. That was part of the fun for us. The food was fabulous, the service a bit slow. We didn't care because we were having such a good time, as was everyone around us. I wouldn't call it relaxing, however.

tuscanlifeedit:
We tend to look for eateries never mentioned before, or, certainly off the beaten track - as you say, comfort in uncrowded surroundings is also important!

We heading to Paris in May and I have been sifting through some old posts which I printed out.

One reccommendation was:

Le Square Trousseau, 1 Rue Antoine Vollon, 12eme - metro, Ledru Rollin.

Vintage decor has large windows, colomns, crown mouldings, etched glass panels, lace curtains & beautiful ceiling fixtures. Daily blackboard menu with lunch formula @ around 25euros, which means dinner will be at least 10euros more.
The poster had wonderful cream of pumpkin soup with bits of foie gras and a perfect baguette. Then, a smoked salmon and herbed goat cheese "croque monsieur" which was awesome and Rumpsteak Forestiere with haricots verts, roasted potatoes for her partner.

Worth a try don't you think?

For a bit more, you can eat at Le Villaret, where I have never had anything except delicious food.

Hi Tus,

We very much liked La Ferrandaise.

Also see my trip report for other recommendations:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35136218

There are so many, many restaurants to recommend...will only cause you more confusion..here are some, not in any order of preference:

All 4 Constants: Violon d'Ingres, Fables de la Fontaine, Cafe Constant and Les Cocottes, Au Gourmand, l'Epigramme, 153 Grenelle, La Cuisine. Chez les Anges, Le Florimond. Au Bon Accueil, Pasco...these are just a few..

Enjoy..

Joan

Fairly new; but getting much acclaim. Ribouldingue, Rue St Julien de Pavvre. Excellent traditional fare, with an emphasis on the old favorite dishes of Paris. Good value on both food and the superb wine list. Last time, there were not any tourists, but packed with the local younger crowd.

I haven't been there yet, but Itinéraires is so popular right now that you should reserve ASAP if that is your choice.

Oh boy!

I think La Ferrandaise in now a for sure.

The rest is making my head spin!

Any recs in the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th?

Chez Michel - http://www.frommers.com/destinations/paris/D41217.html
and Le Baratin in the Belleville area would be my two recommendations.