romantic restaurant in Paris?
 

I'll be in Paris for my birthday in June, and am looking for a recommendation for a romantic restaurant that features really fine, inventive food. I'm not looking to break the bank -- something not as expensive as L'Arpege or Taillevent. But not cheap either: moderate to moderate/expensive.
Primary goal is food, but a romantic ambiance would be a great plus. We're staying in St Germain, but any location is fine.

Thanks!
Teresa

Unless you're looking for Haute Cuisine, resplendent surroundings, more staff than patrons, our favorites have been Chez Julien, Le Reminet, Atelier Maitre Albert, Le Petit Zinc, Vagenende, La Ferme St-Simon, Chardenoux. All are in or near St-Germaine.

For creative, pricey but not outrageous, "inventive", food, Au Violon d'Ingres in the 7th is tops, though not all that romantic (minimalist decor, lively - loud).

Though, for your birthday, if you can get in, Le Grand Vefour is an experience worth every penny. You can always go for the prix fixe lunch...

After dinner: drinks on the terrace at Chez Francis (opposite Alma metro stop) with a stroll "home" along the Seine and across Pont Alexandre III, drinks at Closerie de Lilas (for the piano player and the history there), wander about Place du Tertre and, especially, the side streets for appealing music and head inside. And, there's always terrific music at Les Trois Maillets (56 rue Galande).

Another really fine experience (not cheap, not outrageous) with "inventive" offerings is Cafe de L'Esplanade. Just go there sometime during your visit. Have dinner inside, and drinks/coffee on the terrace afterward.

For inventive & not too expensive, I'd do L'Epi Dupin in the 7th.

Not inventive but romantic (not too expensive either) is Bofinger - they serve typical, good brasserie food and the cupola is beautiful.

For a really special meal but not inventive is my new fave, Le Vieux Bistro by Notre Dame. They serve superb bistro food - boeuf bourguignon, escargot, tarte tatin, profiteroles - mmm. In the evening they have candlelit service in an intimate setting and the staff is wonderful. I had lunch there 3 weeks ago, stayed for 3 hours and just really enjoyed myself.

My old favorite restaurant is Chez Julien, in the 4th, corner of 1 rue Pont Louis Philippe and 62 rue de lyHotel de Ville.. Closed Sundays. These days it will cost at leat 60 euro each, not counting wine but you can spend less if you order the fixed-price menu. It is simple but pretty, lace curtains,etc, with very good food. Not very dressy, but not jeans.

oops, just realized that djkbooks also mentioned Chez Julien

l'Excuse is in an old house in the Marais a hop from the Seine--a very romantic spot both inside and out. They have one table which is particularly suited to romance--side by side banquette type. Ask in advance for it. Cuisine is modern french, very creative. Plan to spend about $150 for 2 including a nice bottle of a wine.

Elaine, thanks to you I believe, Chez Julien is now one of my favorites as well. Your estimate of 60 euro each without wine seemed high so just checked my journals for this past stay when we had a wonderful dinner. I recorded the total price (including about a 10% extra tip) as 135 euro for the two of us, and that including a very nice bottle of St. Emilion. We each had three courses, and don't think either of us ordered the fixed price, but maybe I'm wrong.
My meal: Tagliatelle basilic, filet of beef with cepes and roasted potatoes, lemon mouse on rasberries and cointreau.
My partner's meal: escargot profiteroles, Coquilles St. Jacques with julienned vegetables, strawberries Romanoff.

Thanks for all the great recommendations. I'll try them during my 5 days in Paris!

Teresa

HI Patrick,
No, I'm sure you are closer on target.
I was last in Paris two years ago (sigh) and it cost us about 50 e each, but we only had a glass of wine each.
I might have added too much on for wine or inflation.
Anyway, glad you liked it.