No. I don't think so. If alex2 is considering Laperouse that seems like a more expensive choice or about the same cost as L'Ambroisie and Taillevent. But I have never eaten at any deluxe restaurants before, just going by what the guidebooks.

'...by what the guidebooks seem to 'say'.'

Thanks for your opinions.
I have to say that I considered Laperouse and L'Ambroisie before knowing their prices.
Now, I've changed my mind. So I accept your suggestions about good and nice restaurants at better prices.

I enjoyed my dinner at Flora in January of this year. It's on av. George V across the street from the hotel.

Subsequently, I found out that Dusoulier and Pim had dinner there (they both have well-read food blogs). The review was surprisingly lukewarm.

The friend I ate with subsequently went back. He still liked it.

I ate at Mon Vieil Ami in July. It's an Antoine Westermann outpost in Paris (he's a 3 * chef from Alsace). Pim likes this one.

I liked it, but I liked Flora more.

To my surprise, most of the tables were foreign. My friend and I sat next to a couple from Seattle. On our other side were four Asian tourists (Japan? Korea?).

This one is on L'Ile St-Louis.

Dinner with a glass of wine about 80-90 euros at both places.

We ordered the menu in both.

Neither has a Michelin star.

A French friend has recommended Laperouse, and I've never been. Supposedly it's a storied place, the sort where the rich used to take their mistresses. But I don't know if that's just his florid way of telling stories.

I've not been the other three either.

Review of Flora:

http://chocolateandzucchini.com/arch..._viceversa.php

(As I said, I was surprised.)

Mon Vieil Ami

http://chezpim.typepad.com/blogs/200..._at_mon_v.html

(Site seems down at the moment.)

Hi alex,

What is your budget?

You can have lunch at Taillevent for 70E pp plus wine.

((I))

The Taillevent lunch menu I'm pretty sure would be considered to be a bargain. Sounds good to me. I read that Alain Senderens closed Lucas Carton and reopened a brasserie that costs about 100 euro/pp instead of 400 euro/pp at his former restaurant.

ira,

My budget is maximum 70 € pp

There is a very complimentary article in the Winter 2005 issue of Town and Country Travel. It says that it's the least expensive of the Paris Michelin 3 stars and the kind manager makes sure to visit ALL the tables, not just those of the rich and famous and regular.

Taillevent, that is!

Hi alex,

For 70E pp, you can lunch at Taillevent (no wine).

Other suggestions:

Le Train Bleu - just about your budget.

See http://www.le-train-bleu.com/

The smoking area is behind the main room, is smaller and less crowded. You don't have to smoke.

La Mediteranee, 2 Place Odeon.
Excellent seafood in a very nice room.

According to the magazine, the owner, M. Vrinat, answers all emailed reservations requests. I have enquired about eating lunch there for an upcoming trip next year. I received an email about two days later from M. Vrinat and he seems very nice as how the article describes him. For sure he does that for goodwill but he seems genuinely interested that one has a favorable dining experience at his restaurant.

pushed the wrong button.

Le Petite Zinc
(http://www.petit-zinc.com/)
Belle Epoque restaurant in the Art Nouveau style.

See my trip report for details:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34676645

((I))

May I suggest lunch? We had lunch at La Coupole and enjoyed the food and the atmosphere for a large brasserie. It was not crowded at all. (This was in August and late for lunch.)
If you are a carnivore, we really enjoyed a special dinner at L'Ambassade Auvergne. The potatoes (whipped with cheese and butter) and mousse are wonderful!

Thanks for all your suggestions.
Can you give me more information about Taillevent (type of restaurant, location, suggestions, website,...).
Ira, Le Train Bleu looks very nice. What about the food quality? (I coudn't enter to Petit Zinc website. Is it petit or petite?)
What do you know about Bofinger?

Hi alex,

From my trip report:

Le Train Bleu does bring back the feeling of the old days, when passengers taking the long-distance, overnight trains stopped for supper before boarding (if you overlook the men not wearing jackets at dinner). Service is swift (mostly) and smooth, food is very good, ambiance is unabashedly Belle Epoque.

The Petit Zinc is at
http://www.petit-zinc.com/

Taillevent is one of the premier restaurants of Paris.

http://www.taillevent.com/

You can take a tour of Bofinger at http://www.bofingerparis.com/

It is not in the same class as Taillevent, and not the experience of Le Train Bleu, but certainly a reasonable place at a good price.

((I))

Thanks again Ira