While in Paris we'll be attending a ballet performance at the Opera Garnier. We're looking for a place close by for a light dinner after the ballet. Don't want anything too heavy -either on the stomach or the wallet. Suggestions greatly appreciated!

La Rôtisserie Monsigny at 1, rue Monsigny, in the second arrondissement is near and very good. It is owned by Jacques Cagna so you can be assured of quality. It is open every day. The menu prix fixe is about 200 FF without drinks. Telephone is 01 42 96 16 61. Enjoy both the ballet (admire Chagall's ceiling painting) and the dinner. <BR>

Right at Place de l'Opera is the famous Cafe de la Paix. There are three sections, each with different menus. The main dining room inside is spectacularly gorgeous - you'd swear you were sitting in a Renoir painting. The staircase and the restrooms upstairs and worth a look also. A few doors down (in the other direction) is Le Grand Cafe Capucines (#4 Blvd Capucines), which is also very beautiful, and your server won't look askance if you order only one course. Both are moderately priced. It's best to make reservations.

Hi Steve; We would also endorse the Le Grand Cafe Capucines as a fine restaurant.We were in Paris two years ago and promised ourselves that we would try something different every night. Well we ended up eating there three times!!!! Enjoy your stay in Paris.....Paul J

In Paris, having dinner after 22h30/23h00 in a central neighborhood is no big deal, so you'll have the choice between dozens of cafés and restaurants. In this neighborhood, I like to go to Clément (bd des Capucines at place de l'Opéra), just opposite the Opera house, a reliable restaurant from a well-established chain, open very late.