Paris restaurant recommendation, please
 

My son will turn 15 in July, and we will be in Paris at the time. We would like to celebrate his birthday at a nice restaurant. These are our parameters:

-- We would like French food and ambience. The menu and the place do not have to be particularly kid-friendly, since my kids do very well with all kinds of "adult" dishes.

-- Our budget is up to 80 euros per person. Can go a bit higher if it's really worth it.

-- We are taking some nice clothes, so will be able to dress up, if necessary.

-- We are staying in the 6th but are flexible with the location, as long as it's not in the outskirts.

Thanks a lot for your help.

http://www.gayot.com/restaurants/searchresult.php

I use Gayot as a guide due to their ranking of restaurant quality, and also reviews.

Below a listing of some of the Michelin starred restaurants.

http://paris.angloinfo.com/af/797/pa...staurants.html

When you get up in perceive quality and Michelin stars, it becomes very difficult, particularly for non-French speaking folks, to obtain reservations.

There are MANY many threads on where to eat in Paris. BUT you might really consider lunch at the Eiffel Tower--Alain Ducasse's resto. I think it fits that budget.
Or again, think about lunch at one of the "biggies" to maximize your budget and enjoy a real dining experience--IF that is what you want.
Some of the Michelin starred restaurants are a little
'too too'' for my tastes. And DO NOT go to Procope.
I think a restaurant with a Paris view would be terrific for him. There are several--others can maybe supply them.

Gretchen,

There are, of course, so many threads, even here about Paris retos. That's the problem. There is so much to choose from and sort out.

I am not familiar with Procope but curious to know what it is about it that makes you reject it. Is it one of the "too too" restaurants or you had an unpleasant experience?

I agree that some of the Michelin starred ones are too much, at least, with kids, and sometimes not worth it. Will check the Eiffel Tower resto and the links from restaguy. Thank you.

I think a lot of people don't think Procope has the best food, that's all. It is one of the most well-known restaurants in Paris which is probably why it was mentioned, a lot of tourists go there.

Given this is only a 15 yr old and there are apparently younger children who will be there, also, I also think the Eiffel Tower sounds like a fun location for such an event. It's hard for me to think children would really want to dine in a fussy (ie some of the more traiditonal French restaurants' interiors) expensive restaurant no matter how great the food, but I've just never known children like that and maybe these are different.

I don't really think one can aspire to top Michelin star restaurants for up to 80 euro a person for dinner, anyway.

Christina,

Thanks for the info on Procope.

"I don't really think one can aspire to top Michelin star restaurants for up to 80 euro a person for dinner, anyway."

Of course, I know how much they cost and when to go there. I never said in my original post that I was aspiring for top Michelin with 80 euros. I just said a nice place with French food.

As for kids, you just don't know my kids. The other child is my daughter, who is 10. We dined at Asiate at Mandarin Oriental in NYC a few days ago, which is not crazy expensive but quite formal for a child. My kids loved it. They like creative appetizers and eating in beautiful plates. My daughter likes to dress appropriately and says she feels very sophisticated.

Gina, to help you wade through all the restaurant threads here, may I suggest the trip reports by denisea (go to Advanced Search and put her name in the Member field). She often stays in the 6th or nearby, loves food and describes the restaurants really well!

Or you could of course go with a tried-and-true classic like <i>Le Train Bleu</i> or <i>Grand Colbert</i>, both of which are fun and tasty. :)

Procope is indeed one of the most famous--and oldest in Paris. Benjamin Franklin ate there--and our table was right under his famous bust. The food was so so, the service absolutely awful, and then they overcharged us grossly. It was my birthday dinner with our entire family there and it was a disaster.
And as for tourists going there, it was definitely a French crowd that night, including the commissioner of police or some such, leading to even more snafus.
Another good source for restaurant recs is Pudlo's.

Our favorites are Bistro des Gastronomes and Le Reminet. Not overly formal,excellent food and service and below 80 dollars a person. Both are in the 5th bordering on the 6th ! Both walking distance from St Germain des Pres!

while not always popular with folks on this board, a 15 year old may enjoy La Taverne Du Sergent Recruteur on Rue Saint-Louis en L'ille. I can't find the web link, but it's a fun rustic sort of place, simple family style meals and folks generally having fun. Does anyone have a link?

I would dine at Les Bouquinistes.

The Countess de Billy has reported to me that Le Reminet is not as good as it used to be.

Thin

Thank you, everybody, for all the recommendations.

Thin, good to see you back, by the way. I was waiting for an opportunity to tell you that you were missed.

Did a Food TR from our visit 2 years ago -- http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...g-in-paris.cfm
Frenchies which we loved, we could not get into on our visit to Paris in July 2011. Had a friend who lives in Paris call and call, but he gave up trying to get thru to them. Too bad, it was great. Le Pamphlet sadly has closed. happy Eating!

I hesitate to suggest it but since the Sergeant Recreuter was suggested, there is Les Ancestres du Gaulois. If not for the birthday, maybe another dinner. I think the kids would really enjoy it, and our grown kids insisted that we go when we were all together--they had all been on other trips/times. The night we were there there was a choir visiting from Holland, I think, and they all sang.
It is all you can eat appetizer, plat, and dessert. Wine is cheap. Food is not gourmet. BUT it IS fun. Maybe 40E?

I wrote 2 recent food reports that include Paris. There are photos too so you can see what the food and space look like.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rip-report.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ims-report.cfm

I was thinking Kei might be nice. It's a bit formal but it sounds like your kids would be fine with that. The lower priced dinner menu is just above your budget at 90 euros but you can also go for lunch which is a great value.

For something that's more bistronomique than fine dining, take a look at Neva Cuisine. A 3 course there will set you back less than 40 euros. The chef and the pastry chef both used to work at La Grande Cascade (which might be another option but I've not dined there).

Oh and you have to scroll down a bit in the first report for a functioning photo link.

Bofinger is always a classic French experience (though plenty of tourists, too), with good food. My kids loved it when they were in their teens. And I believe you can get a discount coupon on the website.

I like St. Cirq's idea. There is one room that has a beautiful ceiling I believe--maybe ask for that?

I assume your companion is a foodie, like so many others in the era of Food TV and parents who also seek out life in dining. So my advice has an element of the showbiz, versus the Michelin star, about it. I love the idea of young people eating it up.
Paris covers all extremes. Le train bleu, atop the Gare de Lyon train station, has survived for decades by combining efficiency and spectacle. No place can beat its rococo ceilings and sweep. Asian tourists and businessmen just off the SNCF mingle for a classic, if uninspired, cuisine, led by waiters who have seen everything and still steer you through a huge cheese plate as the finale. Great fun -- once. Take photos.
On the other hand, and not too far away, La Gazzetta is a sleek bistro in an unfashionable and therefore interesing neighbourhood which despite its Italian name challenges Europian fusion and which can give your guest a lesson in the primacy of the chef. It offers a set 5-piece menu, absolutely no choices, only what the chef wants to cook that day. I haven't always liked everything but there was an incidential piece of green foam and mussels that knocked me off my chair. It might be an education in dining, an explanation of why I go to Paris each year (20 years on). And yes they will pour a taste of wine for this young adult to appreciate the cuisine. Current price at dinner 42€. More information at their website http://lagazzetta.fr/wordpress/ Unfortunatly their ambiable bosses do not watch their e-mail. They do lunch also; call for reservations at night.

http://www.auvieuxparis.fr/le-restaurant.html

quite unique vibe near Notre Dame on isle de cite, lit up very pretty at night and intimate inside

I am so thankful to you everyone for your time. I am actually planning for all 8 days that we'll spend in Paris and future trips, based on your feedback.

Thanks for the props ggreen....

Lots of great choices for nice occasions. Le Comptoir is a favorite of ours in the 6th. If you venture to the 7th, Les Cocottes or Violon d'Ingres are excellent. Also, Reed is very worthy (also in the 7th). L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon is excellent but would probably be more than 80 euros(worth it to me). Go to the one in the 6th, not the newer one near the ADT.

Newer, in the 6th, is Un Dimanche a Paris. It is modern and chic, but not cold. They are known for excellent macarons and other desserts. the restaurant is very pretty and they include chocolate in some form in many dishes. Also a good option for tea. Do go there...you can see them making the chocolats and other desserts,as well. The macarons are easily my favorite!

denisea, of course - I always enjoy traveling vicariously through your posts (even when the "travel" is right here in NYC!). And especially useful in the context of this thread. :)

Which reminds me: Gina, I hope you have a stop at Berthillon on Ile St. Louis on your agenda. I still maintain it's some of the best ice cream I've ever tasted!

Oh, yes, definitely, we will stop at Berthillon. I am doing my research to have more hits than misses this time.

Denisea:

I had dinner at Marco Polo last Friday night with Florent, Michael and another friend. Always a fun place... Other stops included lunch at Reed and Les Editeurs plus macaron purchases at Un Dimanche.

We don't often eat out in Paris anymore as it's often very expensive for poor service and not very good food, especially at dinner time. We would, however, recommend Chez L'ami Jean, which is located at 27 Rue Malar, 75007. Enjoy!

Thank you, Gina, that is very nice of you.

I don't like Berthillon ice cream as much as I like the gelato at Amorino on the Rue de Buci in the 6th.

Berthillon has changed over the years and isn't as good as it was when I was a lad.

My grandparents lived on Avenue Kleber for 30 years.

Thingorjus

I second the recommendation above for Les Bouquinistes. And if your family likes fusion cuisine, next door is Ze Kitchen Gallerie. It has a Michelin star and the most delicious French/Asian food and would be within your budget especially for lunch. Both are in the 6th near the Seine.

StCirq -- thanks for reminding me of the name -- as touristy as it is, Bofinger has nice food in a beautiful setting.

if you do visit isle St louis then check out Fromargeri Bernard Lefranc on the main central street

http://www.wherescool.com/spots/from...lefranc-paris/

We had completely indifferent service at this cheese shop, BUT..... boy did the cheese make up for it!!!!

The Brie du Melun (not meaux,"melun") and their Epoisses were out of this world delicious!!!! We dream about these years on!! wonderful rich peppery flavours, runny/goey/dreamy! and just like a huge burst of deliciousness in every bite, that actually make you go "hmmmmm, wow, hmmmmmm" on every taste!! (sounds a bit dramatic but it is that good!!)

There is a boulangerie a couple of doors down, bring a plastic knife- buy some bread, and sit on the river frontage enjoying the wonderful food!!! (oh and their is a wine shop too if you want to stretch to bringing plastic champagne glasses too for a real treat by the river!!)

Wanting to go back just thinking about it...arrh miss paris

I suggest Robert et Louise. Very Traditional neighborhood french restaurant. very casual cook on open fireplace. steaks shrimp escargot
de Feu 64 rue Veille du Temple - 75003 Paris +33 1 42 78 55 89. My boys loved this place - ask for a table near the kitchen and you can see the meat being cut and all the busyness I think your boy will find this a memorable experience

My 15 year old still pines for the chocolate ice cream from Berthillon

as a note to Robert et Louise it is in the 4th but would be a quick cab ride for you. it is in a neat area

Robert et Louise sounds fabulous!

Hi Gina,
I was in Paris last month and ate at L'Absinthe, located in the 1st. This was my favorite meal during the trip with the exception of lunch at Jules Verne at the Eiffel Tower, which has already been mentioned. By the way, the prix fix menu at JV for lunch is 88 euro on a weekday. It's more on weekends and holidays.
Website for L'Absinthe: http://www.restaurantabsinthe.com/ This is a Michel Rostang establishment, relatively new and you can easily make reservations from the website. Food was excellent, service was excellent, selection of food somewhat limited but quite adequate, ambiance was upscale French bistro. Prices were reasonable, IMO, about 50 Euro per person when ordering from the prix fixe menu, including drinks (which were additional charge).
Enjoy your trip!
Diane

Diane, Gretchen and whoever else may know,

Can people lunching at Le Jules Verne proceed to level 3 of the tower after lunch, assuming they already have tickets in hand, or they have to get down, get in the general line and go up again, step by step?

I am leaving for Paris on Monday and someone just recommended L'entrecoutre (sp?) for steak frites. I was told it's really fun as the waiters come around and keep filling up your plate with more food. (Not really sure how that would work).

If I end up going, I will report back and let you know how it is.

All good suggestions. I sat on the balcony at the Precope. I went for its history knowing the food was so-so like Chartier.
Always love Le Trian Blue. I'll add Chez Denise, Bistro D'Isle St Louis and Le Pre Verre. Au Pied au Cochon,and Petite Bofinger.

One of our favorite spots is Le Souffle, on rue du Mont Thabor across from the Tuilleries. Start with the escargots, the scallops or a basil and tomato or other souffle; then the duck with peaches, which is divine; for dessert the Gran Mariner or Peach and Apricot souffle, each served with a bottle of the liquor. Very friendly place, reservations essential.

We ate at le grand Colbert two nights ago and recommend it for ambience, impeccable service and food. I had a salad and one of the daily specials which was pollack with asparagus and fingerling potatoes all in beurre blanc. Prior to 6:30pm they offer plats but we were later so a la carte. With a bottle of Sancerre at 34e our two dinners were 99e.

Yes, you can continue up and don't need to buy tickets for the privilege. Lunch at Jules Verne is an excellent choice. Reserve online, make a note that it's a special birthday and arrive early to be sure to be seated by the window. We were there for a birthday last year. Price fix lunch was $75 per person without alcohol.