Paris Splurge Lunch choice
 

I, a solo male diner, am deciding between lunch at either Jules Verne or Le Grand Vefour(again) in 4 weeks. Best fixe prix menu main factor followed by ambiance are the priorities. Jules V may be over run with tourists for my liking. Any other suggestions appreciated.

Taillevent

http://www.taillevent.com/english/index.html

I'd suggest Le Grand Vefour of the two.
It is in a lovely location near the Palais Royale and the Louvre.

I loved our Breton lobster at La Mascotte.(near Sacre Coeur). Get it with the herb sauce. They will run about $50 euros each and it is divine.

Another vote for lunch at Taillevent.

((I))

Grand Vefour and Taillevent are wonderful choices.
If you'd like a view of the gardens in the Rond Point of the Champs Elysees, I've had lovely meals in the past at both Ledoyen and at Laurent, though not recently. I didn't think think they were quite at the food level of Taillevent or GV for dinner, but they were still quite exalted, and could be especially lovely for lunch.

I'm also about to go to Paris. Interested in lunch at Taillevent. What should one expect to pay for a prix fixe lunch there?

But the view is really worth it. And believe it or not, French people do go to Jules Verne.

I think it's interesting about the comment on being overrun with tourists. One day at lunch we passed by Le Grand Vefour and took a good peak. The entire crowd except maybe two tables was Japanese -- the other two clearly Americans. In other words, there were no locals there at all.

Taillevent is OK.
But if you want the best, you'd go to Lucas Carton. About 75Euro Lunch Menu.

Prix Fixe lunch at Taillevent is about 70E.

Le Grand Vefour would be my choice between the 2 mentioned. Favorite others have also been mentioned. There are many good, lovely places. We all have our favorites and I have many to select from each day when in Paris. I usually make my list of places to dine for each trip....my "every trip" group and many new ones to try...then you have the new openings and the musical chairs of chefs...never a dull moment in the dining scene around Paris! You can also hit an "off" day or a menu that is not with your personal favorites..c'est la vie!! Enjoy......

Oh, I'm drawing a blank, what's the name of the restaurant inside the Bois de Boulogne that is supposed to be just lovely?
2ski is going as a single, but still the restaurant setting is supposed to be quite romantic. Your lunch may become quite romantic too if you're lucky.
:)

Elaine,

I think you may be talking about Pre Catalan? I've heard rave reviews of that place...everyone has been telling me to have lunch there. If the weather is good...

Yes, Pre Catalan, it just wouldn't come to me
thanks

Thanks for the suggestions - I have been to Taillevent and it was excellent food and service even as a single, so how does it compare with PreCatalan for a fixed price lunch?

Another vote for Lucas Carton.....
Pre Catalan is a beautiful spot on a nice day by in my opinion the food though very good, is not in a league with Lucas Carton.

I had a beautiful lunch at the Pre Catalan, and for a drink and ice cream one day, in the Bois at the Grand Cascade.

Lucas Carton is in a league of it's own. Our lunch there was exquisite and unforgettable.

Tough reservation, though.

Hi Ski:

For a solo splurge for lunch, my favorite place is Au Trou Gascon: rue Taine (Metro: Daumesnil) in the 12th Arrond. Alain Dutournier has earned 1 Michelin star for his Southwestern French cooking. Cassoulet and Magret de Canard are superb.. Also, check out ZAGAT Paris restaurants..

Regards..
Luis

So many choices and so many things to do and so little time...... Another vote for Lucas Carton although you cannot go wrong with Taillevent, Grand Vefour or Le Cinq, among others. I also like Au Trou Gascon but have not been there in many years. ATG is however a 1 star and not in the same league as those above. Dutournier now also has another restaurant called Carre Des Feuillants which has garnered many good reviews. Joel Robuchon also has a new restaurant whose name escapes me that should be good. Unfortunately I have not tried it yet so can give no personal recomendation. Jules V is good but a 1 star with a great view. All the fixed price menus for JV and the 3 star restaurants should be in the same ballpark in terms of price. ATG should be less. Have not eaten at any of these places by myself alone and do not know if the experience would be different dining solo. If you have eaten at Vefour once I would try someplace else and pick your second choice of JV or somewhere else.