Foodie going to Paris for the first time! Can anyone recommend some of their favorite places to eat that are great, off the beaten path, where the French eat and fairly inexpensive? Also, if you were to splurge on one expensive, fabulous meal, where would it be in Paris?

Can you be a bit more specific as to the price range? "fairly inexpensive", "expensive fabulous". Also, would you be interested in a great prix fixe even if it's not off the beaten path?

In addition to the "range", there are probably 20 threads on here already with a thousand suggestions. You might try a search, and then ask more about some that look interesting.

What part of Paris will you be in? The first time I went to Paris we would take the metro all over the city for dinner - now I just stay in our neighborhood - almost everywhere in Paris there are good places nearby. Also in my Gourmet magazine I have seen a new book advertised "Hungry for Paris, 102 Best Restaurants" - you might want to check that out. My favorites are mostly from the book Cheap Eats is Pars - not sure it is still in print. Aslo many rec's from the site if you do a search.

For fairly inexpensive, I'm thinking under $20. Expensive, and I know it can go high there, I'm thinking $100 per person excluding wine and drinks.

A great prix fixe would be great!

Staying in Marais.

Thanks! I have Cheap Eats in Paris on my to buy list. Haven't heard of the other one. Will get that too. I pretty much just want to go to the Louvre, spend a day at Versailles and eat. Already have my list of chocolate and pastry places to visit!

Check out the Sept issue of Gourmet.

I have many favorites but they don't come in under 20Euro. Though you might try the 10.50 Euro lunch at FISH on the rue de Seine.

If you are staying in the Marais try Chez Marianne for lunch. We liked it and apparently most of the neighborhood liked it also. Across the street is the falafel place but it is closed on Saturday. I think the street is Rue de Rossiers.

If you can understand French you might also like to look at the cityvox.fr website.