Looking for a place to splurge (not too much more than $75/person, though) on lunch during early June trip to Paris with my husband. I've read rants and raves on these restaurants, but am still not sure which to choose, or whether someplace else would be better. He doesn't speak any French, and I only speak a little. Quality of the food is the most important thing to us, but service matters too. The existence of a relatively dependable non-smoking section is also important. Has anyone eaten at both restaurants? Or have another suggestion for a haute cuisine Paris restaurant that welcomes well-behaved Americans with delicate lungs?

I don't think you can dine at either place for that little. Speaking french, except for basic greetings and polite expressions, is not important. No- smoking sections are really hit or miss, depending on the establishment.<BR><BR>One place I can recommend is Les Jardins de Bagatelle in the Bagatelle Gardens, where the outdoor setting would solve the smoking problem. Food and service excellent.<BR><BR>[email protected]

Go to Le Jules Verne for a wonderful lunch and an incredible view.

You may be able to do it with a fixed price menu at one of the Michelin starred restaurants if you skip coffee/tea and wine. Check out the latest Michelin guide which will give you costs of meals and the cost of any fixed price three course meals. Ability to speak French other than perhaps polite comments like thank you is unnecessary. Non smoking sections however will probably be a problem although we live in a nonsmoking restaurant state and have not found it to be a problem.

I'm afraid RonZ is right. I've eaten at the Grand Vefour and it's much more expensive than that. I know the Tour d'Argent is also very expensive.For an expensive restaurant I recommend you the Pr� Catelan, in the Bois de Bologne. It's my favorite and a beautiful place. If you want to spend less and eat very well I sugest you the Caf� de La Paix and the Dome. Both aren't luxurious ones but you will enjoy the food and the ambiance.

Regarding the Cafe de la Paix, a similar place I actually prefer is Le Grand Cafe, nearby at #4 Blvd. Capucines. <BR><BR>

The prix fixe lunch last May at Grand Vefour was 72 euro. Not speaking French is no problem. The food and the service were excellent.

I can't speak from personal experience, but I know I've read in many places that you can have lunch at some top restaurants for that amount, including La Tour d'Argent, if you choose the &quot;prix fixe&quot; menu. Maybe not including wine, of course. Here is one article that says La Tour d'Argent and Lucas Carton are good values for lunch, and it's not that old:<BR><BR>http://www.columbusalive.com/2002/20020221/022102/02210215.html<BR><BR>Anyway, I have read that in quite a few places, including Fodors (I believe they state that the prix fixe lunch at La Tour d'Argent is 54 euro).

Tour d'Argent would be worth eating at just for the history of the place. We had dinner there in 2000 and enjoyed the food and the service. It is expensive, but you don't do it everyday.<BR>Be sure to read about the place and know the history. You will appreciate it more if you do.