Michel_Paris had a good meal at the Bistrot du 7eme. We didn't (May 3), sadly, because it was very close to our apartment and we might have eaten there again. The food was dry and overcooked and the service supercilious (waiter) and hurried (waitress). There were two French women in a room full of tourists, although the men next to me made for very interesting eavesdropping -- a former East German and a Swede talking in their common language, English, about the collapse of communism and the refusal of Western Leftists to recognize it!

I just returned from Paris. I haven't posted a trip report yet, but here are the restaurants that I have on my list.

Cafe Vergnano
@ the intersection of rue Cler and Champ de Mars. Nice Italian restaurant, open all day. It's part of a chain, but still good. Had an excellent veal dish and their tomato sauce tasted fresh made. Great ice cream desserts.

La Litote (24 rue Bosquet)
Excellent food. If you are a vegetarian you will love it. If you aren't a vegetarian it could probably convert you. It is not a vegetarian restaurant. First course was a grilled vegetable salad with arugula ice cream (also had a taste of their wasabi ice cream). I ate here twice.

L'Ami Jean (27 rue Malar)
Really good food, friendly atmosphere. Very popular, get reservations early. Had the veal with vegetables, very yummy.

Cafe Max (7, Avenue La Motte Picquet)
Small restaurant. Recommended by the owner of Hotel Valadon. Loved the food and the atmosphere. Had duck with a red wine sauce and polenta. The polenta was nice and crisp on the outside and soft and moist on the inside

Cafe Constant
Great two-course lunch for 16 euro. First course was cream of lentil soup with pieces of foie gras and second course was beef with scalloped potatoes.

Leo de Lion (23, Rue Duvivier)
The mashed potatoes were the creamiest I have ever had. The lamb was perfectly seasoned.

Auberge Bressane (16, Avenue La Motte Picquet)
Great food, friendly atmosphere and the largest servings I have ever seen. I ordered a salad and I swear the bowl was endless. The bread they served was the best bread I've ever been served in a restaurant. I ordered the coq au vin and there was enough food for 2-3 people. I got 3 large pieces of chicken in a delicious red wine sauce and a platter full of noodles.

Guilty Pleasure: the Chinese food cafes in the area.

Restaurants on my list, but haven't tried yet:

Pasco Restaurant
La Maupertu Restaurant
Le Florimond Restaurant
Pizza Tina
Tribeca

For bread and pastries:
Pain d'Epis (63 ave. Bosquet)
Line out the door first thing in the morning. Very good rolls, croissants. My favoritea are the pain aux raisin and escargot chocolat.

Don't remember the name of the place, but it is located at the intersection of rue Cler and du Champ de Mars. You can't miss it, it is right on the corner and also busy.

>>NOT the Café du Marché!!!>>

I agree with St. Cirq about Café du Marché! I have not stepped into the kitchen, but the bathroom was unbelievably filthy. We've never been back.

Sandy

I second Margaret's suggestion of Bistrot du Breteuil. We went last year and enjoyed it just as much this year. The moment you sit down the waiter hands you a Kir Royale, with a dish of olives. The price is now 34 euros, but still very good value for appetizer, plat, dessert, a bottle of wine for 2 people, and coffee. We enjoyed the walk from Les Invalides.

Sandy

bookmark

Gaya - 44, rue de Bac -- right next to Deyrolle ( the famous and weird taxidermy place)

bookmarking for my trip to Paris in October. Thanks for all the suggestions.
Judy

Pasco!

I also like the Ferme St. Simon (which is in the 6th... right.?) If you feel like blowing the budget, breaking the bank, etc. the Atelier de Joel Robuchon is on the edge of the 7th (Montalambert(sp?) just off Rue du Bac.

We don't often venture far into the 7th, prefering some place within walking distance in the 6th or a short metro ride into the 5th, but have had dinner 3 times at Bistrot du Breteuil.the price cannot be beat , the selection has been excellent, and don't believe that only tourists go there. The last 2 times I've had lovely dogs staring up at me and I think they must be regulars!

Another place in the 7th..but just IN the 7th.. is Bistrot du Paris..either on rue de Lille or rue de Verneuil..sorry , having brain lapse.Beautifeul room and food and service excellent!

Gee, the several times I've eaten at Bistrot du Breteuil I've never heard English spoken. Maybe because we usually reserve for 9pm?

We just got back and stayed in the 7th. I suggest:

Restaurants:
Les Fables de La Fontaine
131 rue St. Dominque
01 44 18 37 55
beyond rave—reservations a must
lunch 105 Euros and worth every cent!

L’auberge Bressane
16 avenue de la Monte Piquet
www.auberge-bressame.com
01 47 05 98 37
excellent food and service—dinner—100 Euros

Ditto Le Florimond. Had a wonderful meal there.

Also, agree that you should avoid Cafe Du Marche!

Paule

Thanks everyone for the great recommendations - am gonna' try as many of them as I can. Can't wait to get to Paris - only about 3 more weeks.

My friend said she loved Le Florimond! I've been to Bistro de Breteuil two times and love it there. Also been to Le P'tit Torquet!

Monica

We thought Le Maupertu was over-rated. The meal we had there wasn't anything special. I know Le Florimond gets good reviews, but we don't care for most of their menu...lamb, sweetbreads, veal.

We've enjoyed dining several times at Lei, which is next door to Le Florimond. Modern Italian. Their fresh squeezed blood orange juice is heavenly. Nice service, very attractive modern decor. No RS guidebooks in sight there, which is neither good nor bad, just an observation.

we have stayed in the 7th for our last 3 trips and love it. however, dont limit your dining experiences to the 7th. there is nothing better than eating a great meal and then walking home (even from the marais where it took us 1 1/2 hrs). our favorite in the 7th is chez eux for the cassoulet. le epi dupin is also good. our favorite dining is le tropquet in the 15th - about a 20-30 minute walk from the 7th.

1. Try L'Epi Dupin, rue Dupin.
2. Don't miss Au Bon Marche for food shopping...
3. I echo the Thoumieux rec.

Bon voyage et bonne bouffe!

Bookmarking: will be staying in the 7th in October. thanks!

D'Chez Eux - 2, avenue Lowendal !!
We love this place and never had a bad experience.
It has been fun looking through this list..seems all of our favorites are on here too..
There is a place on rue de Grenelle called Sud or something like that..fabulous but I can never remember the name..close to Rue Cler.
and we also are among the many who like Le Petit Trouquet..