We have lunch reservations for Le Grand Vefour for late May (original trip was to have been in Feb. but had to be cancelled); I chose it because of the decor! Just need to see it! I reserved by email; they were prompt and courteous in replying, so it's all set!

A reminder: L'Arpege is mostly vegetarian these days. Still has a chicken dish and a little seafood, but if someone is a big meat eater, they will have very limited choices. On the other hand, vegetarians are thrilled to have such a top level restaurant offering so many vegetarian options. Les Ambassadeurs is a wonderful restaurant. They do a beautiful Sunday brunch.

For those unfamiliar with the Le Grand Vefour environs, this is an opportunity to explore the Palais Royale and the covered passages of the 2nd Arr. Details<BR>gladly supplied by e mail.<BR><BR>Also, one advantage of the Jules Verne, which we prefer for lunch, is the private elevator which gets you into the tower without waiting in line.

I have eaten in a variety of excellent Paris restaurants over the last 20 years or so which makes it difficult to compare as I usually only do this once or twice each trip. I do however have a few comments. Luch can be much much less expensive than dinner as many of the starred restaurants have nice fixed priced menus for lunch. You can get information about this in the Michein guide. Lucas Carton was superb in November at a cost of $180 for two for lunch. Jules Verne was good but not near the quaity of the three starred places except for location. Cost of the Jules Verne for 4 at lunch $350. Have eaten at Talillevent in the past and it was also excellent but I seem to recall their fixed price menu was quite pricey.<BR>Tour d'Argent was lovely for lunch and if you stick with duck I think it is fine. Have heard good things about Le Grand Vefour, Carre des Feuillants and Pierre Gagnaire.

TTT, for Kate

ttt

ttt, for Bill

Le Train Bleu in the Gare de Lyon (railway station) is one my favorites. Not a bit splurge (about 60 to 80 Euros per person) but definitely worth trying. Bon app&eacute;tit!

Food-wise, I think Taillevent is one of the best (lunch or dinner). Lunch at Lucas Carton is good value-for-money, but not sure about dinner. If you want the view but not so bothered about the quality of the food, go to Jules Verne or Tour d'Argent.

Another vote for Taillevant, simply the best restaurant in the world.

Sue,<BR><BR>While we were unable to secure a table at a few of your choices, here a a couple of places we ended up:<BR><BR>1. MICHEL ROSTANG: Absolutely, positively the best restaurant experience of our lives. I have worked in and run restaurants and hotels for nearly 21 years and have never had an experience to equal this one. The dining room is gorgeous, the service beyond fault and the food indescribable. We ordered three courses (al a’ carte) but ended up with around ten—they just kept bringing out delicacies as chef Michel whipped them up. If you want to be pampered beyond belief, this is a great choice.<BR><BR>2. LE JULES VERNE: When we initially made reservations for lunch (dinner was booked through the 4th of never) they told us there was no chance of a window table: they lied. When we arrived, they seated us at what was arguably the best window table in the place. The second we sat down, Clare de Lune (sp?) began playing (one of my all-time favorites) and I lost it. The view, the music, my beautiful date—I was simply overwhelmed. As for the food, it was much better than I expected. It wasn’t on par with Michel Rostang but it was very, very good (crab souffle’ baked in a loaf of bread, marinated squid stuffed with chantairelles and fois gras). I realize this place gets uneven reviews, however, I would recommend it as an unforgettable experience not to be missed.<BR><BR>Strive<BR>

Just found this website and hadn't seen it before. It lists the "Top 100" with pictures and comments. Very useful.<BR>http://www.elegant-lifestyle.com/paris_restaurants.htm

Hello Sue, I did not read through the many responses to your post but we just returned from Paris and thought I would let you know my own opinion. We had reservations well in advance to have lunch at La Tour D' Argent. It was the most wonderful experience. Lunch for 4 of us with one bottle of wine, and we each had one kir royal before lunch, was well over $400 on the fixed price menu. Duck is their speciality. Never have I had any better. The kir royals were $16 each! The place is very elegant and they seemed to have a waiter for everything. Very attentive, very serious about the food, wine and service. Some might think it stuffy but I personally thought of it as very elegant. Wish we could have gone for dinner. I hear the owner helps pay Notre Dame electric bill so they will leave the top lit up for everyones dining pleasure. It rained the day we went. Took the metro as close as we could get. We were dressed up and had heels in an extra bag. I though how tacky going in with an extra "blue" plastic bag, not to mention wet umbrellas. They do have a check room for such things...........duh! I didn't think of that. They did not rush us. Oh yes, we also got a tour of the wine cellar. All you have to do is ask. My husband was in his glory touring it. <BR>We also ate at Jules Verns one day just on the spur of the moment. We were dressed more casual and it was okay. I think the atmosphere is more relaxed there. The food was also delicious. We again had the fixed price menu. I think at dinner however it would be dressy and the view of the city of lights would be wonderful. My pick of the two would be La Tour first. Just because I think it was so elegant as well as great food etc. Couldn't have been better. All a matter of personal preference I am sure. Do enjoy whichever one you choose. I know you will. Try...... www.tourdeargent.com and check it out. I am sure Jules Verns has a site also. Have a great trip and watch out for those pickpockets!

Thanks to everyone for the recommendations! I've been back from Paris for about a month; we had lunch at Le Grand Vefour, and it was lovely. It was 71 euro for the prix fixe, which included entree, main course, dessert (actually, a "few" desserts!), and cheese course. Everything was beautifully presented, and the service was excellent. All the tables were filled; I'd estimate about 1/2 tourists, other 1/2 Fr. business folks. All the men had on jackets and ties, and the women were dressed nicely, also. <BR>I will try one of the other places next trip!