We are going to Paris for the first time in a couple of weeks. We will only be there for three days. We are lovers of great food and wine and would love some recommendations for "non-tourist" places to eat and drink well for a reasonable price. Thanks.

depends on where your staying.my wife and I went last year in october and we stayed away from any tourist traps. one of our best experiences was at one of the several resaurantslocated next to the underground shopping mall within walking distance of the Louvre.they brought out a Mousse' that you could bathe a small child in for dessert. write us for more info if you wish. <BR>Bon Appetit!

Yes, Paris is only too full of tourist traps - and that includes many of the 'famous' establishments that rely purely on their historical reputations. Three wonderful restaurants we have discovered on recent visits are: <BR>Au Bascou - a true bistro, small, cosy and informal, with cooking of a very high standard (though starters and desserts were more impressive than main courses). <BR>Le Violon d'Ingres - a superb restaurant, elegant yet warm and friendly, serving food and wines of a very high standard - this is not an inexpensive restaurant, but the meal is worthy of the prices. Advance booking essential. <BR>Le Balzar - near the Sorbonne, a true brasserie, with 1930's decor, a warm atmosphere and homely, genuine French dishes. <BR>Details for all these restaurants can be found on Zagat's website, which we have found to be quite reliable.

The real hot spots might already be booked (esp. for evenings). I recommend to go to www.parisavenue.fr. Go the English version then. The site is sponsored by the daily newspaper "Le Figaro". You can then find restaurants by area, etc.). As it is sponsored by a local newspaper, it's also made for the Parisians, so not really touristic. I am in Switzerland, but go to Paris regularly. I like to get inputs by parisavenue. I would compare it with "nytoday.com" (by NY Times. I love that site as well. What area do you stay in? Anyway, look out for small charming looking places out of the large streets and you will discover nice places. When coming across a nice place during the day, stop and see what their menu and interior look like. If you judge the place and the staff friendly, book for the evening or next day. If you stay in the 5th, 6th, 7th or 14th arr. you will find a lot of charming places. However, I would say that for a correct dinner you should count with FF 150 to 200.- (wine excl.)for a three course meal. You can still ask the hotel concierge about places close to your hotel explaining exactly what you are looking for. They will also make reservation for you. Usually the give good advice and you will be welcomed warmly when arriving at the restaurant. Bon voyage.

You don't mention where you are staying in Paris, but here are several restaurants we ate at in October, 2000: <BR> <BR>la butte Chaillot, 110 bis, avenue Kleber, tel: 01 47 27 88 88 -- two level dining room, excellent food, smart, sophisticated international patrons, 16th ee <BR> <BR>Boeuf Sur Le Toit, 34, rue du Colisee, Tel: 01 53 93 65 55, large brasserie, noisy with laughing conversations, excellent food, lots of locals, tourists and business folk, 8th ee <BR> <BR>Brasserie Lorraine, 2, place des Ternes, Tel: 01 56 21 22 00. Alsacian (sp) food, great fun loving brasserie atmosphere, Ternes metro, 8 ee. <BR> <BR>

For a great meal,wonderful atmosphere,moderate price,check out Chardenoux in the 11th.

It might be full of tourists (half of whon are from France), but there is no better lunch spot than the restaurant at the Musee d'Orsay. And there is no better museum in the world - - for lovers of FRENCH art than the M d'O - - the Louvre included. The Louvre has the best art of the world; the M d'O has the best world of France. <BR> <BR>Pan a trip thee to give yourself an hour or more before lunch - - and perhaps that much again after lunch. The room is incredibly beautiful, the food good, affordable, and not even a tiny bit "too weird" (yet thoroughly French), and the service is excellent. I have no higher recommendation for any destination in all of France (until they start serving meals in the cathedral Notre Dame de Chartres). <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

My husband and I are looking foward to our trip to Paris.We have heard so much about the great food.We need many suggestions.We have read reviews on web sites but would rather read comments from actual folks who have visited the restaurants .We also would like recommendations for Bistros with traditional food and decor. <BR> <BR>Thank You!!!

These are my favorite 3 restaurants in Paris! (For others that I enjoyed, see my travel page at http://www.luvtotravel.homestead.com/home.html): <BR> <BR>L'EPI DUPIN, 11, rue Dupin, 75006 Paris, Phone: 01 42 22 64 56. This is near the metro Severes Babylone, then a 1 block walk to rue Dupin. We met friends of mine for dinner and this is my second favorite restaurant in Paris. Judy and I had a delicious calamari appetizer, which had roasted red peppers, onions, and sauteed in a sweet sauce. Next we had a shreaded veal sausage in the shape of a burger and pasta with a cream sauce. For dessert, I had their cholocate cake with pistachios and chocolate sauce. Definitely for the chocolate lovers. My friends bought the wine. Total for Judy and me $48. <BR> <BR>CHEZ MAITRE PAUL, 12, rue Monsieur-Le-Prince, Phone: 01 43 54 74 59. This restaurant is around the corner from our hotel (Grand Hotel des Balcons). Make sure you have reservations for this place. I enjoyed their puff pastry filled with juliened vegetables and shrimp with a lobster sauce; baked chicken and mushrooms in a cream and cheese sauce; wild rice; and creme brulee for dessert. $51. <BR> <BR>LE BISTROT DE BRETEUIL, 3, Place de Breteuil, Paris, Phone: 01-45-67-07-27. This was my favorite restaurant in Paris again! We met some friends for dinner on 17 October 2000 and had a great dinner. Like last year, we started with a Kir. I had their delicious escargot, followed by their rack lamb with scalloped potatoes. For dessert, I had their creme brulee. Delicious! We also had white wine with our meal. Total bill $36.34. This was an excellent meal at an excellent price. <BR> <BR> <BR>

Thanks for these Monica! I'll be at the Balcons in May, so maybe I'll try some of your recommendations -- they sound great.

Need bistro recommendations.Moderate price, traditional french food,not packed with tourists.Thanks.

Chez Catherine

I hear mixed reviews about La Fermette Marbeuf. Looking for a mix of "history" and decently priced food. Has anyone had any experience here? <BR>Thanks

We enjoyed the restored art nouveau dining room at La Fermette Marbeuf, but found the food mediocre, if moderately priced, with the presentation leaving a lot to be desired. If you go there, be sure to reserve a table in the "Jardin d'Hiver". The other rooms have no decor to speak of. My recommendation would be to stop at the bar for a drink and have a look at the Jardin d'Hiver room, then dine elsewhere.

Thanks Donna for the suggestion at the bar. Your review of the food about sums up what I've heard. <BR> <BR>Thanks again