Since I know these threads are sometimes challenging, I will do my best to describe what I am looking for. We will be taking our first trip to Paris the first week of March. I would like to try to have one "memorable" meal-- not that a lot of the street food we have had in Europe has not been memorable, and I look forward to Parisian picnics, but I am looking for restaurant recommendations. Does not need to be Michelin quality. I would prefer a place that is ok in casual clothes (khakis and a shirt, not coats and ties). Would prefer it be less than 100 euros for 2. I would probably prefer to try classic French (comfort food is always loved) rather than some new fusion styles. The only other comment is that DH is allergic to shellfish, though that can ususally be avoided at most restaurants. And we speak only basic travellers french, but will have a menu translator with us to help.
So, after all of that, any recommendations/experiences?
THANKS!!!!!

Are you willing to travel by Metro to an out-of-the-way, but safe neighborhood? Several years ago we had a terrific meal at Les Allobroges in the 20th. Amazing lamb is the dish I most remember. That, and the price, which was about 50 Euro for two with wine. Excellent value. 71, rue des Grands Champs. Metro Maraichers.

The two that I remember the most are
Le Repaire du Cartouche, in the 11th

and L'Avant Gout (mmm, what an amuse bouche! I looooved it), in the 13th. Not open Sat/Sun/Mon. Used to have an 11E lunch--if they still do, it'd be worth it just to hop over and dine for one of you unmemorable meals because it's an excellent value.

Le Repaire du Cartouche is more traditional, but may exceed your budget--depending on wine. Nice wine list, though. Tempting.

You would definitely need to reserve ahead for either, perhaps more than a few days ahead for L'Avant Gout.

Google either/both to find reviews, etc. Both have been reviewed at chowhound and/or egullet.

However, I have had many great meals in Paris, so don't worry too much.

Oh, we also enjoyed L'Oulette in the 12th, but it's a bit stodgier/more expensive and it's not terribly conveniently located for Metro. I think they are sister restaurant to Baracane, which you should try if you're in the area.

www.l-oulette.com/

My recommendation would be the Bistro de Breteuil, in the 7th. For about 35 Euros you get a Kir Royale, 3 courses (with about a dozen choices for each), a bottle of wine, and after-dinner coffee. The food is excellent and the ambiance very Parisian. We really liked it.

For casual French, I recommend the following. It is a quite small, fairly well known restauran located in the Louvre area. The leg of lamb was to die for. Meals are 22 to 30 euros per person.

L'Epi d'Or
Rue Jean Jacques Rousseau, Paris 75001
Phone: 011 33 1 42 36 38 12

Another recommendation

On the southern edge of the city and a walk of several blocks from the metro station, but sounds like just what you want, and not to be missed: La Regalade, 49 avenue Jean Moulin in the 14th arrondissement. Phone 01.45.45.68.58, fax 01.45.40.96.74. It's closed Saturday and Sunday. Reserve in plenty of time for a classic, copious meal.

Here's my favorite restaurant in Paris so far.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2

Why settle for just one memorable meal? I would also have a lunch at Melac, a venerable wine bar on rue Leon Frot in the 11th arrondissement, hearty comfort food from the Auvergne, great for a chilly March day, about 50 euros for two with wine.

Au Rendez-vous de la Marine, 14 quai de Loire in the 19th (metro Stalingrad) is a totally charming traditional small restaurant, right next to the bassin de la Villette, where you can watch the small ferry boat taking moviegoers back and forth between the two art cinema multiplexes on each side of the water.
If you want something a little more chic and sophisticated, the Moroccan restaurant Ziryab on top of the Institut du Monde Arabe, overlooking Notre Dame, has some good hearty dishes and fine wine to go with them.

I agree with Underhill. Bistro de Breteuil is THE place. Great price, great atmosphere, many locals. They have an English menu, so no worries! The fixed price menu is amazing . . . you start with a Kir Royal (champagne cocktail), followed by an appetizer, then the main meal, and dessert. A bottle of wine is also included in the price. The food was very, very good. Our favorite meal in Paris so far. I had duck foie gras, veal with candied lemons, and profiteroles. I have a copy of the menu, if you wish to know more of what they serve. leighuf @ yahoo.com

Le Petit Marguery, 9, bd. de Port-Royal, 13th, 01 43 31 58 59. Loved this place on my last trip.

Le Petit Prince de Paris, 12, rue de Lanneau, 5th, 01 43 54 77 26. Well under your price of 100 euros for two, and great food, including duck many ways.

Le Pamphlet, 38, rue Debelleyme, 3rd, 01 42 72 39 24. I had a fantastic dinner here three years ago and remember thinking it was the best value I had had so far in Paris.

Just noticed they all begin with the letter P. This is not because I opened Zagats at random to that page, but maybe I should work my way through the alphabet.

Well, you know, these French like to smoke, and even their dogs do:

Au chien qui fume, or The smoking Dog at Les Halles area. Google for their homepage with their menues offered.

Hi J,

>..DH is allergic to shellfish, ...<

The Choucroute Garni (sauerkraut topped with bacon, ham, pork loin, 2 kinds of sausages and potatoes) at the Brasserie Lipp (http://www.brasserie-lipp.fr/).

Vagenende (http://www.vagenende.fr/) another Belle Epoque restaurant with décor that leans to the Art Deco rather than Art Nouveau. We each had the 23E menu.

La Mediteranee on Pl Odeon. This is a very nice room, done with murals of the Mediterannean by Jean Cocteau. They have menus at 29E (3 course) and 25E (2 course).

Have a nice visit.

FYI: Le Petit Marguery turned into AU Petit Marguery about 2 years back. But still as good as ever under the new ownership.

My husband and I found the perfect little hidden gem on the last night of our honeymoon- Le Temps des Cerises, on rue Lepic in Montmartre. It was delicious, reasonably priced, and had a perfectly "Parisian" atmosphere. They make particularly good crepes.

While Googling the location, I found a travel article that described it better than I could:

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articl...8/ai_107125057

Enjoy

Wow, thank you all!!! I never expected so many responses-- now I have some fun homework to do.
I was a little concerned reading some other restaurant info that we would have to dress up for dinner, and as we like to travel light, I hate to have to pack extra clothes just for dinner. Love the ideas of a fabulous lunch too (hey--it might be cold, what better way to warm up!!!)
Thanks, and I will be sure to report back

Hi J,
>I was a little concerned reading some other restaurant info that we would have to dress up for dinner, and as we like to travel light, I hate to have to pack extra clothes just for dinner.<

If your husband wears a sports jacket on the plane and puts a tie in his pocket, you will still be travelling light and won't have to limit your choices.

Jonesie,
One of my favorite restaurants in all the world is in Paris and it's Chez Maitre Paul at 12 rue Monsieur le Prince (Odeon Metro stop). The dish I always have (been there three times in my life so far) is the Chicken in Yellow Wine, made with lots of cream, garlic, and wine -- the epitome of French cooking. I can almost taste it now!
It isn't too expensive, maybe $45 each at the most with wine, etc. The staff is polite to those who at least try to speak French -- a 'bonsoir' and 'merci' would probably be enough (unlike the group of young Americans next to us who actually shouted, veerrryy slllooowwllly "Do you have any bread and cheese?" - oh gawd, no wonder why Americans get such a bad rap sometimes, but I digress....).
Enjoy! It's a fabulous little restaurant that I'm sure you'll enjoy. "Google" it if you want more feedback.

I'll also put in my vote for Le Petit Prince which was recommended by Nikki. It is a charming restaurant with delicious French comfort food and helpful wait staff. We went there twice during our 5 day stay in Paris.