Paris solo Michelin 3 star dining
 

This time in Paris I want to treat myself to lunch at Taillevent/Le Grand Vefour on my trip in late May. How will a single, male customer be treated (well-dressed and speaking some Fr) I realize most patrons will not be there on their own. Thanks.

You will probably be shunted off to the worse table in the place, back by the toilets or close to the kitchen door, you will be ignored by the waiters, you will be stared at by the other diners, and when you try to use your limited French the staff will sneer and snicker. You will be better off going to McDonalds and having a cheeseburger.

Hi Ig<BR>Ignore the above, as a joke it isn't especially funny and as advice it ain't true.<BR>I have traveled to several cities on my own, including Paris, and I've been treated beautifully in both casual and formal restaurants, including some of the top ones. Should you by some chance be offered a poor table by someone, simply smile and ask for another, as you would anywhere. Sometimes tables for one are not the best because they are squeezed into odd spaces and I don't blame the restaurateurs for not wanting to waste an empty seat, but on the other hand, I will not let myself be sit next to a swinging kitchen door, for example.<BR>You will not find a dining table next to a toilet.

Don't know about Paris, but I have dined alone at haute cuisine temples in NY and Chicago and the service has been even more attentive than when I'm with my husband.<BR><BR>Well, actually it might help if you were a fabulous babe in a red dress.<BR><BR>Seriously, don't be shy. Have Dinner!<BR>

I was given very good service as a solo diner in Paris. Engage your waiter/waitress in conversation, ask their advice on dishes, specialties, wines, etc. I learned a lot from the staff and feel that they appreciated interest in their opinions and the local cuisine. The staff at Les Bouchons de Francois Clerc (Latin Quarter) were especially informative. <BR><BR>Remember that good service doesn't for Parisians doesn't mean a boisterous TGI Fridays-type who serves your meal and acts like they're your best friend. Service is much more formal, but the people can still be engaging and helpful.

I had an unforgetable solo lunch at Taillevent about a year ago. I was given a lovely table, looking out on the rest of the room. The service and food were just impeccable. If I drained a glass, it was refilled w/in 15 seconds EVERY TIME. I actually used a watch. A haute cuisine meal in Paris has no equal. Enjoy!

I just made a lunch reservation at Tailevent for July. I had never considered going alone before, but after reading posts recently on this site I decided I'd be fine. Paris has always been one city where I've felt comfortable dining alone. So for this trip I'm going to splurge for a great lunch. Thanks Claire, I feel even better about my restaurant choice.

I just made a lunch reservation at Tailevent for July. I had never considered going alone before, but after reading posts recently on this site I decided I'd be fine. Paris has always been one city where I've felt comfortable dining alone. So for this trip I'm going to splurge for a great lunch. Thanks Claire, I feel even better about my restaurant choice. If I may, how much did your lunch cost?

I just traveled solo to Paris and never had any issue with dining alone. I always seemed to get a great seat and good service. Don't worry about it.

Betsy, I had dinner at Taillevent recently and have to say that is was the best dining experience ever! You will absolutely have a fantastic lunch. The service is unbelivable. Since you will be by yourself you might ask them to show you around to the different rooms. It is a great place!

Betsy: You did the right thing, but it will set you back about $200. About that much bought me a glass of champagne, a half bottle of wine, a snifter of armagnac, an espresso, appetizer/main course/cheese course/dessert (the most heavenly souffle I've ever tasted). It was well worth it. Bon appetit!