Special Dinner in Paris
 

My husband and I will be in Paris for about 5 days in September. We are trying to dine on a budget, so most meals we'll be ducking into cafes and such. But we would like to have one special dinner where we splurge and go somewhere really nice, classic French food, atmosphere, all that jazz. Unfortunately our 'splurge' is probably not the same as some others - maybe 50 euros per person? We are staying at the Westin (in the 1st), so I'd prefer it to be close to there if possible. Any suggestions??

Thanks!

La Fontaine de Mars in the 7eme might fill the bill. You can do dinner there with a decent bottle of wine for 50 euro apiece - just choose the wine carefully.

Here is a fun thread that might help you ...

Dome du Marais (sp) gets lots of good recommendations..

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34843448

Oh, and maybe someone who's eaten there more recently than I have could confirm that you could eat at Le Train Bleu for that price.

And there's always Bofinger (you can get a discount coupon online).

Fables de la Fontaine, just across from La Fontaine de Mars, is a very special 1* restaurant which is very reasonable and quite excellent!

Try Au Petit Marguery, in the 13th. Classic bistro, upbeat atmosphere, helpful waiters...and terrific food. The prix fixe menu is around 40€.

Thanks for the suggestions! Wow, Le Train Bleu looks beautiful on its website! Is the food good?

Bofinger's menu looks pretty limited (3 choices for entrees??) - is it more extensive in person?

Bofinger's menu is extensive! Maybe the discount is for only a few selections?

If you want close to the Westin, have a look at Maceo's http://www.maceorestaurant.com/Home-eng.htm

Elegant rooms and bar, excellent food, moderate prices.

It's next door to Willi's Wine Bar. And, there's a fun bar around the corner, L'Entracte.

A stroll through the Jardin du Palais Royal to Place Colette, Place Andre Malraux, the pyramid at the Louvre...is beautiful at night.

>Le Train Bleu looks beautiful on its website! Is the food good?<

It's OK.

((I))

ttt

You don't have to dine (who has time?) at all those places with gorgeous interiors to have a look.

We happened by Le Train Bleu between lunch and dinner one day and wandered in. We were graciously seated in the lounge, served coffee, and permitted to walk all over taking photos (there were no diners, only the staff setting up for dinner).

So, we also wandered into Bofinger one day. The staff here is very proud of the decor. Again, we were offered seats in the waiting area (lovely) and asked if we wanted wine or another beverage (we didn't stay).

Well, the food is definitely more important than the atmosphere, but it would be great if a place had fantastic food AND was beautiful too.

We had a wonderful dinner at Le Bistrot d'Henri for less than 100 euros with 3 courses and wine. Its not fancy, but was nice and we were the only tourists there (it was recommended by dh's co-worker who is from Paris). The chocolate mousse was the best we've ever had.

Le Bistrot d'Henri, 16 rue Princesse 75006, 01 46 33 51 12

I concur with Ninkette that Le Bistrot d'Henri has very nice food and fits your budget. We've eaten there twice and would go again.

Depends on what your idea of "romantic" is, though. The decoration, as I remember it, is more "country" with rich dark wooden chairs and benches, one of the walls is stonework (?) and it is very small. You can see the top 1/3 of the chef as he cooks behind a high counter/divider. Reserve a window table -The big windows are at table level and are wide open in nicer weather, giving you the feel of being at a café (and fresh air). We've only eaten at lunch and I found it charmingly cozy and unpretentious. If it were candle lit in the evening (don't know that it is) it could qualify as romantic in my book, but not intimate romantic ( you know that velvety, hushed romantic). I dont' remember them having a menu...it's hadnwritten on the chalk board-so it's what's from the day's market. Staff speak a little English and is very accomodating.

FYI: Rue Princesse is a mecca of good eateries

In your price range I highly recommend Bistrot L'Oulette at 38 Rue des Tournelles in the Marais very close to the Place Des Vosges . Open only Monday to Friday and quiet early in the week . Otherwise book from Wednesday onwards. A fixed price 2 or 3 course meal of 30 or 37 euros selecting from the a la carte menu .It is small , has a charming and very helpful Maitre d; who speaks English .Lovely wine list with wines by the glass or bottle . We ate the 3 course , had a champagne , glass of wine and vintage Armangnac and coffee for about 50 euro each .Went back again it was so nice . Order the duck confit . Worth the trip from the Westin .