I recommend Le Fumoir on Admiral Coligny at Rivoli, (east end of the Louvre). Really a pleasant experience. The bar in front handles its "happy hour" with finesse (lots of beautiful people - and others who want to date the beautiful people - apparently.). Othewise, the menu is simple but superb.

I would second the recommendation for Chez L'Ami Jean (7th arr.) and highly recommend Les Bouquinistes (or Bookinistes), along the Seine on Left Bank; a bistro of Guy Savoy (Michelin two star), not a long walk from Place Vendome really, where food is very reasonable, but wine can run high. Excellent, fantastic dinner at perhaps 27 euros each. Spring for the shared dessert tray for 20 euros (individual desserts are each 11 or 12) and sample 8 which were fantastic. Worth every cent. We just got back 2 wks ago. On a prior trip dined happily at Chez Pauline in the 1st, which was very good, but its not inexpensive, not much in Paris was! BE SURE to lunch at Angelina on Rue Rivoli and have the Chocolat L'Africain, their "hot chocolate" so to speak. It is an old Paris institution, beautiful tea room, and a definite must on any visit, opposite Tuileries. Pick up lunches at Fauchon and picnic for lunch to save money for dinners. Enjoy!

Sounds amazing. We'll be sure to try your suggestions. Thanks for all the great info. Keep it coming.

I have been reading your restaurant responses and appreciate the input. I'm wondering about women dining alone. Any comments? I don't want to stuck in a corner. Are single diners frequent and treated respectfully? I am traveling alone and would like to have a few good but reasonable meals in nice restaurants.

@susan17, I've been in Paris solo a few times, and my dining experiences have been pleasant. I was well satisfied with my seating. Some restaurants have sat me right in the center of things, and others placed me a bit out of way but not stuck off in a corner and ignored.

<<I'm wondering about women dining alone. Any comments? I don't want to stuck in a corner. Are single diners frequent and treated respectfully?>>

I went to Paris solo for 12 days last May and was very treated well everywhere. Single diners are definitely frequent all over. I was never once "stuck in a corner". Most often you will be asked "here or over there?". Whenever I requested a window table, etc., I was always accomodated. If the place has lots of empty tables not covered with "Reserve" signs, take a look around and ask for your preferred table. Note that if you ask for "non-smoking", all bets are off in many places (as that is the best way to get stuck in a corner). Lately, there is way less and less smoking in restaurants in Paris.

I kind of skimmed through these responses so forgive me if this has already been mentioned. But we had a late breakfast/early lunch at Le Massena at 85 Rue de Rivoli. It's a cafe and was very inexpensive. But we thought the food was very good.

^^^

Bookmarking. Thanks for the references. Heading to Paris June 4.

bkm

Susan - yes. I traveled alone the week of the US Thanksgiving...at Le Fumoir they made sure I had a window seat so that I had the view for company. AND the maitre'd treated me like a daughter (in fact - he and I are close to the same age).
Don't worry about being a woman alone, I believe those days are long gone. Nowadays lots of women travel alone for business and pleasure.

Topping for sxc

For lunch, Le Souffle on R. du Mont Thabor.

Included in my report from Fall 2006 is lots of information on good eating in Paris; scroll down past San Sebastian and the Dordogne to reach the Paris portion:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34894706

bookmarking