katemarie0072

My soon to be husband and I are spending Christmas in Paris for our honeymoom! We are more than excited for this trip of a lifetime, and are overwhelmed but the choices of things to do. We are really trying to make this a special trip for both of us. We are looking for the best place to have Christmas Eve dinner and New Years Eve dinner. More local, less touristy spots. It doesn't have to be the cheapest, or the most ritzy! Help!

denisea

You need to get on bith reservations ASAP. Christmass Eve is when most French have their holiday celebrations. Things really start shutting down in the afternoon, so you will have fewer options for dining.

Not sure of your budget but we love L'Aterlier de Joel Robuchon for Christmas Eve (late lunch and they do close up around 3:30-4:00pm.
We also had a great dinner at Le Train Bleu several years ago on Christmas Eve...beautiful restaurant! We had a late lunch at Allard last year that we really enjoyed. I am not sure when they close on Christmas Eve.

Many areas where there are more non- Christian communities you will find more restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You could also check Cafe Marly. I know they are open on Christmas Day, not sure about Christmas Eve.

I can't really help on New Years Eve but book it quickly. If you are staying in a hotel, enlist the Concierge's help.

fuzzbucket

Most restaurants have special set holiday menus, which are more expensive than their usual fare, and often include alcohol (but not always). New Year's Eve dinner will be more expensive than Christmas Eve.

The local, non-touristy places will generally close for Christmas and usually NYE, so the people who work there can celebrate at home with their families.


If you want a festive atmosphere, all of the big name brasseries will be open, and in general, their prices are much more affordable than a restaurant run by a famous chef. Lots of locals go to the brasseries for their traditional celebration. You can Google to have a look at the decor and menus - often, the decor alone is worth a visit.

Le Chardenoux, Cafe Constant, Les Cocottes de Christian Constant, Le Violon d'Ingres are good choices and will be open. You will have to call for reservations for Le Chardenoux and Le Violon, but the others don't accept reservations.

You could also have a look at ParisByMouth's website, which should soon have a list of good restaurants that will be open on Christmas and NY Eve. Might also start looking around on TheFork, to see what's open and what the menus will be.

Sassafrass

Franked, you have advertised apartment-hotels-Europe on every single thread you have posted on. It is obvious now, you just joined to do that. Too bad as you seem to know a lot. Sorry though, no advertising.

katemarie0072

Thank you all for the great tips, I will definitely get moving on the reservations! The brasseries sound like a great option! Thanks again!