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.