I'm looking for suggestions about where to go for one of the special, traditional, multi-course, restaurant meals that Paris is famous for. This will be my husband's first trip to Paris, and I'd really like to share the experience with him of enjoying a series of well-prepared dishes, accompanied by just the right glass of wine.

Our budget appears to be geared more towards lunch then dinner. A good friend has recommended Taillevant's and their prix-fix 70E lunch would be at the upper end of our budget (maybe even a bit high) especially with wine. I'd be willing to pay that, if need be, for a truly special experience. I know its a personal decision, but I'd appreciate hearing other folks opinions on Taillevant and/or other suggestions for our splurge.

Just some added background - we'll be in Paris Saturday night through Wednesday morning. We'll probably eat two of our other meals at Le Petit Troquet one evening (I've eaten there before and enjoyed it) and Le Viognier (sp.?)which is in the 5th Arr. and was also recommended by a friend.

I'd appreciate any thoughts and suggestions!

Sorry about the double posting - our wireless internet is acting up and I couldn't tell whether it had gone through.

Wren, My daughter and I will probably never forget our lunch at Jules Verne. The food was excellent, service very nice and of course the views were fantastic. It's a lot easier to afford and get reservations for lunch than dinner. I reserved on www.reservethebest.com

Oh Wren2! My mouth is watering when you mentioned L'Petit Troquet. As I stand here trying to decide what to make for dinner, you mention the chance to eat 2 meals at one of my favorites! We were there in December. Sorry I don't have any lunch suggestions, we are more lunch on the run types, but we like a nice dinner. Have fun!

My friends had lunch at Musee Andre Jacquemart and loved it. I was sorry I missed it, with all their raving!

Aliska - Two years after my last trip to Paris I found the business card from P'tit Troquet deep in the pocket of an old coat. It brought back fond memories! Can't wait to take my husband!

What is the food like at the cafe at the top of Le Samaritan?

There is Tour d'Argant (meaning "silver tower" - I probably spelled it wrong). It's a very old, established place. Beautiful, with great views of Paris, and excellent food, their specialty is duck. The service is amazing.

Wren2: This isn't up there with Taillevant, and it's definitely not a tasting menu (which is what your initial post seemed to hint at - "a series of well-prepared dishes...&quot, but a special lunch experience for me has always been to take the RER to Chatou and have lunch at La Maison Fournaise on the Ile des Impressionistes, where Renoir painted "Luncheon of the Boating Part." You can sit on the same balcony overlooking the Seine that is depicted in the painting, and the food is very good.

I'm going to do lunch at l'Astrance, which is a bargain at 35E. I'll let you know how it is! Everyone I've heard from says its wonderful though.

SuzieC -- the cafe at the top of the dept. store Samaritaine is basically like a cafeteria or fast food place. A lot of their stuff is just packaged like in a vending machine or takeout place. It isn't a real cafe and I don't think anyone goes there as a dining destination, although you can get something to eat or drink if you are hungry, of course. There is a nicer retaurant below that that's supposed to be good and it would have a view, but that's not the one on the roof.

I haven't been in an expensive place for lunch, but I've also heard it's a good deal for the lunch at La Tour d'Argent (which has a web site www.latourdargent.com which might have menus and prices), as the price is very reasonble compared to dinner -- and you do have that great view (BTW the name doesn't really mean silver tower but tower of silver, there is a distinction as it would be spelled differently -- but, I guess it was named after the color of the stone of that building, sort of silvery).

Hi Wren,

>My friends had lunch at Musee Andre Jacquemart and loved it.<

Although not in the same class as Taillevent (the 70E lunch is a bargain), I do recommend Sunday Brunch at the Jacquemart-Andre' followed by a tour of the house.

You can then walk over to the Arc de Triomphe and down the Champs Elysee.

Hi Wren2,
I have to agree with the others about Jacquemart Andre. The ambiance was wonderful, as was the food and wine.
Wren (1?)

I will be in Paris on Monday, May 16 for 1 night only. Anyone know if L'Petit Troquet is closed on Mondays? Thanks for any help.

I do not recommened Topuary, the restaurant in Samartaine.

Hands down...lunch at Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower.

Does anyone know the arrondisements for these lovely sounding places? I have a huge file for Paris but my husband is entering them on his PDA..wants to know arrondisement.

??..

You can look them up on lespagesjaunes.fr [last digit/s of the postal code denotes the arrondisment.

Le Grand Vefour at the Palais Royal is a lovely place for a splurge lunch, also. Prix fixe, around 74 euro.

I'm with Grandmere, Le Grand Vefour is such a beautiful experience. Dine where everyone from Napoleon to Victor Hugo to Colette has dined. It's dripping with elegance, the food is divine, and the service fabulous.