Where MUST we eat in Paris? We will be there August 11-18, so I understand many restaurants will be closed. We eat everything.

Hi leonora,

How much are you planningto spend?

And what part of Paris are you staying in--not that you can't easily get anywhere. But it would help to know.

We're staying in Montparnasse, and we will spend up to $250 for one big splurge meal. More than that and I stop being able to enjoy the food. I really wanted to go to Taillevant, but I understand it is closed in August.

Hi,

Try the Jules Verne atop the Eiffel Tower.

Reservations at
Tel: 33 1 45 55 61 44
Fax: 33 1 47 05 29 41

Especially since you're staying in the neighborhood (it's worth a very long trip as well), I highly recommend at least one meal at Le Cameleon, at 6 Rue de Chevreuse - 1/2 block north of Blvd. Montparnasse. Not sure about August: Call ahead.

Le Cameleon, 6 Rue de Chevreuse, Paris 6, tel: 43-20-63-43.

Don't fear, there will be plenty of wonderful food even in August. I would suggest ordering "Cheap Eats Paris" there will be lots of good suggestions there - not all the resturants are "cheap" - she has splurges too - the book is really more value for the money than just cheap. Between that book and this board, we are never disappointed with our meals in Paris. Bon appetite!

If you've the time, go peek at "reservethebest.com"... you can check restaurants by arrond. and I notice that they mention their schedules (most of the time)...there was one in the 15th Le Chaumiere...that sounded great! (seafood)

Based on recommendations on this board, we ate our "splurge meal" at Jamin. It was fabulous! One of my most perfect meals - it ended with two wonderful desserts and chocolates with my Mariage Frere tea (but it was also two years ago, and things can change so quickly....)

"Cheap Eats" is now published as "Great Eats."

Possibilities for August: La Rotisserie du Beaujolais, Le Dôme (if you like fish), Le Pré Catalan (out in the Bois de Boulogne; it would be delightful during the summer).

Tan Dinh on the Rue Verneuil for the best French/Vietnamese (really short, accessible menu) and a fantastic wine list.

I find the Zagat guide to Paris restaurants a useful resource, thumbnail reviews, websites, faxes, and phone numbers, special categories like "open on Sundays" and other useful info