I know I can research this topic to find restaurant suggestions and believe me, I have. However, I am somewhat overwhelmed as I am being sort of picky i guess. I am looking for nice atmosphere, good service, wonderful food and preferably in the 3rd or 4th but willing to travel a bit if it's worth it. We are staying in the 4th and I prefer walking home after dinner. I don't want to spend more than $250 for two people ( including dessert, bottle of wine, tip, etc) and I would like a place I can make a reservation. Any suggestions will be much appreciated!

Perhaps le Grand Colbert? It's in the 2nd Arr.; Where they filmed part of "As Good As It Gets"; we enjoyed it!

You don't say what kind of food you prefer, but here's a charmer on Ile St. Louis. Le Tastevin is family run and a little old-fashioned but we thought the food was well-prepared and the joyful hospitality welcome. It will come in below your budget and strolling nearby before or after the meal is great fun. They open at 7:30, take reservations and are open Sundays.

I was thinking about Le Tastevin as it sounds like what I am looking for. Glad you suggested it. For this particular meal, I prefer traditional French cuisine

susiebgood, thanks for your suggestion also

Le Pamphlet has fantastic food and you could have a very nice meal for $250. It's at 38 Rue Debelleyme 75003 and u can make reservations.

We love le Grand Colbert - have eaten there every time we visit Paris (even before it was in the movie). Great food and wonderful atmosphere. You can call for a reservation. Willi's Wine Bar is nearby - we enjoyed that restaurant very much as well.

And when you've exhausted all that rich cuisine, there's always Goldenberg's and the As du Falafel.

we liked Grand Colbert too -- the movie was "Something's Got to Give" with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. It loooked nice in the movie so we checked it out to see if it was real.

Hmm, you can try Le Reconfort (in the 3eme)

I'll second Le Pamphlet. We visit it every trip

Goldenberg no longer exists, StCirq.

I'll also recommend "Le Pamphlet." In addition, I'll mention a tiny place in the 4th -- "Le Gaigne." (You can reserve on line: http://restaurantlegaigne.fr/15.html .) But beware: A few months ago Mark Bittman of the New York Times listed it as his favorite of four highlighted "evolving style" bistros. I suspect it's necessary to reserve in advance now . . . . -- Jake

Whaaaaa? What happened to it, kerouac?

Joe retired. One of my favorite experiences was sitting eating lunch there with his boxer sitting on the bench next to me..I swear she acted just like a person and would glance and me sideways from the corner of her eyes; it was so hard to eat and try to not laugh. Golberg's (s chopped liver and potato latkes were to die for! (sigh)

Thanks for the great suggestions. It seems like Le Tastevin is more traditional ( in food and decor) and Le Pamphlet and Le Gaigne are more contemporary, is this accurate?

Le Pamphlet is fairly contemporary. One of my favorites.

So glad to hear others recommend Le Tastevin as I have being going there at least once almost every year since it opened in about 1985. Madame still runs the place with great charm. It's a very old building and the decor complements its age. Food is wonderful; best Chablis I have had ever.