We are off to Paris for first visit in late September. What is a famous restaurant not to be missed that is worth all the expensive food? Any favorite bistros or cafes to try?

What do you mean by 'expensive'? My idea of expensive may not match yours

You can eat at the Eiffel Tower, the Jules Verne...but reservations need to be made asap. View ++ (window table), food good

http://www.restaurants-toureiffel.com/

I assume Tour D'Argent is out for dinner, but others will suggest that sometimes going for lunch is a good way to get the experience, yet not require a bank loan.

http://www.latourdargent.com/

Liked Bistrot du 7iem, Petit Zinc, Chex Benoit, La Jacobine, Rotisserie du Beaujolais, Berasslerie de L'ile , Reine Blanche, Rotonde de la Muette...

I've done well by using the Michelin Red Guide and going to non-starred restaurants nearest my hotel. Places like Chez Henri/Moulin a Vent, Chez Rene, Moissonnier,etc..


http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/web/Res...k0ek5URXdOdz09

Chez Francis, Train Bleu, Atelier Maitre Albert, Bouquinistes, Petit Pontoise, Rotisserie d'en Face, Fish, Comptoir du Relais, Pamphlet, Dome, etc..

You really need to state a budget. And then there is always the issue that what is "worth it" to some people would not be to others (like me, no expensive restaurant would ever be worth it to me, regardless of how great the meal was, I just don't value that kind of thing, spending excessive money on food). To me, that would be anything over maybe 75 euro could never be worth it. I've never spent that much, in fact, but I could see if it were some grand thing, I possibly could.

But at least if you say that expensive to you means you will spend 100-200 euro for dinner, who knows a place that would be worth it.

I've heard the lunch deal at La Tour d'Argent may be the way to go there if you want to experience that.

Agree that a budget is really necessary. And do you prefer traditional French cuisine. Nouvelle? Fusion? Any particular like or dislikes?

Sorry -

JUles Verne has ovely iews. You could go to their website to get an idea of menus and prices - to see if this is what you are looking for.

Ciel de Paris also is nice resto with a view. Also link to Les Ombres on the page:

http://www.cieldeparis.com/

Chez Francis "had me' at their view

http://www.chezfrancis-restaurant.com/

Both links have menus and pricing.

Pre Verre
Le Timbre
Les Papilles

For lunch, the cafe at the Jacquetmart-Andre Musee is nice (and always packed).

P_P

Hi ky,

>What is a famous restaurant not to be missed that is worth all the expensive food?<

There are a number of them.

What's your budget
100E pp
200E pp
500E pp
1000E pp

I think L'Tour D'Argent has slipped a lot in the past few years...not what it once was.

For me, the favorite splurge is L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon. You sit around a beautiful bar with an open kitchen. Great service and heavenly food. They do an amazing degustation menu but you can order off the menu, as well. No view, but it doesn't matter to me.

For flat out insane luxury, Le Cinq! I prefer L'Atelier but Le Cinq is memorable!

Less expensive but more casual and terrific food, we still talk about our meals at Le Comptoir du Relais st Germain.

And, for the souffle lover in me (and you should get a souffle in Paris, right?)...Le Souffle, small place...not cheap but no where near the bill you get at L'Atelier or Le Cinq. We also had a lovely, indulgent bruch at Les Ambassadeurs at Hotel de Crillon. Gorgeous dining room and hotel.

What a helpful list of reponses-- you have made a fodorite out of me! kygogirl says thanks for the fantastic suggestions and is anybody watching Craig Ferguson this week?

You don't have to spend a lot of money to find good food in Paris.

Most people who post here could never afford a place like Les Ambassadeurs unless it was a special splurge like a 25th wedding anniversary. Or you are on an expense account.

P_P

I am with the Peppington. A LOT of good food in Paris without having to sign over the kid--or is it to be a name dropping point.
To me, if you don't really really KNOW the fine restaurants in Paris and their reputations and their foods, then it isn't really worth it. You could go and absolutely HATE the food.
That said, the Jules Verne has the added attraction of the view, but a reservation this close would be pretty impossible I imagine.
There is also the "stuffiness" factor of some of the fine dining places also. If you love those kinds of places, then you'll have a number to choose from.

For view you can't beat either Jules Verne or La Tour D'Argent.

For all around ambiance in a stunning room L'espadon at the Ritz or Le Grand Vefour have gastronomy to match the setting. They may however be just a bit too formal for many. (If going to L'espadon and budget is out the window, a cocktail pre-dinner a The Bar Vendome and post dinner at The Hemingway Bar will add to the evening. If you really have room in the budget I might suggest staying for at least one night and taking advantage of their incredible pool area.)

For the best combination of food and service I think I would go to Taillevent. I think their level of service stops just short of cutting your food for you.

The only one I will never go back to is La Tour D'Argent. The waiter went out of his way to be rude and insulting.