Leona,
Is your last name Helmsly, by chance?. If it is, that might explain why La Grenouille and Alaine Ducasse would fit into an answer for reasonable french restaurants. Why I agree it they are both among NY's best, with the former being one of its most romantic restaurants, I don't think reasonable is a word I'd associate with either.

Thanks Scarlett,
In which area of the city is it ?



Celine

Ryan, tout n'est pas bien at Tout Va Bien. I was there 2 months ago pre theater. There was not another soul there. There's no longer a prix fixe (so the bill was quite expensive for what it was) & food was just passable. Rene Pujol in the same area is now a better bet. I agree on Payard Bistro though :)

I just read a great review on www.wheretogonext.com about L'Express, a bistro in NY that's open 24 hours. The website has archives. you might want to check it out.

My all-time favorite French bistro in NY is Les Halles. It is a wonderful French steakhouse and butcher shop. They have a location on Park Ave around 28th street and now they have a location downtown on Fulton St. Fabulous steak au poivre, wonderful mussels and frites, great wine list. I would call it reasonably priced. Be warned that it is very loud and can be packed -- reservations recommended. By the way, the book, "Kitchen Confidential," was written by its chef.

It was the scene of my first date with my husband and where we dined the night we got engaged!

Sorry:) It is in Soho

Some of the French restaurants that I like that are participating in Restaurant week are: Cafe Boulud (Surrey Hotel east 76th), La Cote Basque (west 55th), L'Absinthe Brasserie, Montrachet (West Broadway between White and Walker streets), and Payard Bistro.

Les Halles downtown is on John Street.

To bad about Tout Va Bien. It's been a several months since I've been, sorry to know it's slipped. Agree with Rene Pujol, it's been one of my hidden favorites for awhile. Didn't suggest it because the original poster was looking for reasonable restaurants.

WOW - this thread is just getting better and better!

I also recommend Rene Pujol on 51st (between 8th and 9th). Prix fixe dinner is $42 I believe, which while not inexpensive, isn't unreasonable for a complete - and wonderful - meal. Try the melted choc. souffle for dessert!