Elainee

We will be in Paris for special birthdays (DH and me). DD, her DH and my lovely grandaughters (ages 9 and 12) will join us. We have all been to Paris before but now we want to eat in special restaurant that will be comfortable for all. A two or three star is fine but not the most expensive. Since we can have only one dinner like this...which one???? Please help!!

StCirq

I probably sound like a broken record, but I always think Bofinger is perfect for an occasion like this. Very typically French brasserie - big and bustling with good food and friendly service, and good for families.

You can get a 10% discount coupon online, too.

TPAYT

One of our favorites. We'll be in Paris in 2 wks. and we will go there.

StCirq---Looked on Bofinger site, couldn't find coupon. Appreciate your help.

StCirq

TPAYT, try this:

http://www.flobrasseries.com/spectacles/en/

Elainee

Bofinger sounds great but for this one night we are looking more upscale. Just not $300 per person. Will go a la carte as kids would not want fixed menu and that is usually served for whole table. Guy Savoy ???? Other ideas...someplace pretty.

jeanemay

We have had many wonderful celebrations at Taillevent. There may be a prix fixe menu within your budget. We have always been made to feel very special there, and the staff are very much aware of the dinner guests. Of course, the food is wonderful. Lunch is also a great time to go. If you do choose this restaurant, email your request for a reservation and be sure to confirm within 24 hours...

HappyTrvlr

We had a wonderful "Big Birthday" celebration in Paris with our family, including children, at Les Bouquinistes. They were very accomodating with the childrens' meals. www.lesbouquinistes.com

grandmere

Le Train Bleu is in a gorgeous, Belle Epoque setting that evokes gracious living of a century ago. The food is good but not cutting edge.

www.le-train-bleu.com

Le Grand Vefour, a Michelin 3 star, is another beautiful place; food would be, of course, more innovative (and greatly more expensive) than Le Train Bleu.

I would think that your granddaughters would really enjoy LTB.

klondike

I've always wanted to try le Train Bleu and so we took our two sons there last month. It was a wonderful evening and I don't regret having tried it, but I would try Taillevent (speaking as an adult) before I went to Le Train Bleu again.

We had the tasting menu for 96 euros, which includes champagne throughout the meal, but I found the meal somewhat uneven ...Roast loin of lamb with goat cheese ravioli was very tasty, foie gras was oddly rubbery and and chocolate served with the coffee at the end was somewhat "waxy". Dessert was very good. Service was excellent until the end when the main server seemed to take a break as the restaurant thinned and the "trainee" was left to take care of us. Just these minor disappointments. Though our dinner took over 2 1/2 hours, they do have the Menu Réjane for 48 euros that is all inclusive that with two less courses would take less time--so I don't think the girls would get bored. The menu TGV for 48 euros is guaranteed in 45 minutes but the menu is limited and drinks aren't included. The setting was WOW, however, and I'm glad to have experienced it. My sons loved the setting...which is part of what you're paying for, as far as I'm concerned.

ira

Hi E,

> A two or three star is fine but not the most expensive.<

Taillevent is, in my opinion, the best place for your splurge.

They have a 70E pp fixed price lunch. Wine is extra.

Dinner is about 3x that price.

ira

PS,

You might want to consider a private room at www.laperouse.fr/restaurant/

sarabeth

Yes, Taillevent is fantastic...but a little sophisticated for the girls. Les Bouq. is very friendly, less stuffy and we have always had great food and fun there.

ira

Hi S,

>Yes, Taillevent is fantastic...but a little sophisticated for the girls. <

From my experience there, I think that they will be treated like little princesses, and will thoroughly enjoy themselves.

However, your post did cause me to consider:

They might be spoiled for the rest of their lives.

cherrybomb

I'd double check the children at a high-end restaurant thing before just booking. I know no one likes to hear that, but...

I'll be the bad person and say it, and I'm not the only one who thinks it which is why you are getting recs. of the likes of Bofinger. If I am spending $$ for a high end experience, I don't want to have children there, it does distract other patrons who may be trying to have a "romantic" dinner, a business lunch or the like.

Ira's suggestion of Laperouse is a fine one considering you are with your granddaughters. The private room would be something of interest and be special.

gruezi

The children are 9 and 12 year old girls and at that age should be fine anywhere. (Unless these are very spoiled girls already, and not in the way Ira means.)

I have 2 girls and I could take them just about anywhere by about 6 or 7.

A lot depends on their experiences and the parents and since this is their 2nd trip to Paris they are probably more sophisticated than the average kid at TGIFs. Elainee has stated the girls are "lovely" not rambunctious.

cherrybomb

Gruezi: re-read the second paragraph again, it is not about whether they are "well-mannered," "sophisticated," or "behaved" as deemed by the parent, rather being mindful of fellow patrons who don't expect to be dining with children when dropping a few hundred a person on a meal. I did add the caveat that I am being the bad guy by saying it.

That said, I seconded Laperouse. It is quite lovely, more appropriate, and would be a special experience to have as a young girl/tweenager to be dining in a opulent secret/private room.

gruezi

Cherrybomb -

I'm sorry I missed your point.

I still can't imagine 2 well-behaved young ladies with grandma and grandpa detracting from my romantic or business meal, no matter how much I paid to eat it, or how formal the dining room.

Kids running along the banquette yelling is a whole 'nuther story.

In fact, IMO, some of the most annoying people to sit next to are business people over-drinking and doing business loudly in a beautiful and expensive French (or whatever) restaurant.

Many times my husband and I have planned a quiet romantic night and then been seated next to a table of six business men. We've learned to ask to be on the other side of the dining room.

I'll take the two girls over that anytime.

gruezi

cherrybomb

For many people it does. It takes the adult out of the evening, especially for people on vacation from their kids if only for an evening.

I do agree, anyone being loud enough to hear, whether paying on business expense or otherwise, is irritating.

Either way people will do as they will regardless of my opinion, or anyone else's for that matter. Different strokes and the like.

Underhill

You might consider the lovely old bistro Au Petit Marguery, in the 13th. The atmosphere always feels to us like a party, and the food is terrific. We've seen many birthday celebrations going on while we were dining, sometimes with older children--and they seemed to be really enjoying themselves along with the adults.

jamesacarroll

I always like a grand view for a big occasion so would suggest Le Ciel on the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower with a view over Paris to the Eiffel:

http://www.linternaute.com/restauran...-de-paris.html

But for a classic experience try:

Restaurant Le Meurice ($$$)
228 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, 01 44 58 10 10 (Metro: Tuileries)
The décor of this highly acclaimed restaurant will transport you to Louis XV’s Versailles, while its fare will transport you directly to heaven. Fortunately there is the “dejeuner en liberté” formula at 75€ for those who want to experience haute French cuisine on a budget.

This is in Le Meurice Hotel right across the street from the Tuileries. Reservations required.

http://www.meuricehotel.fr/restaurants_bars/index.html

Better photos..........

http://images.google.fr/images?q=le%...a=N&tab=wi

But the photos don't do it justice. It is a fantastic space that looks right out on the Rue de Rivoli.

It is also right next to Angelina's which has White Hot Chocolate that is nearly a meal in its self for a great dessert treat that might be perfect for two small princesses.

For a magnificent lunch location and good food try the Restaurant at the Musee du Orsay:

http://www.musee-orsay.fr/fr/visites...urant.html?S=1


http://www.theflews.com/Paris/Week11...0d%27Orsay.JPG


But again the photos do not do it justice, It is nearly like eating in one of the halls at the Louvre.

Looks like it is open for dinner on Thursdays as well.

Enjoy what ever your choice might be and be sure to put up a post to let us know where you ended up and how it was for everyone.

Bon appetit