Tuesday, 5 February 2008

Paris Restaurant Recommendations

I have a few friends going to Paris this month, so I thought I'd compile my restaurant recommendations here on my wine blog. I'm only recommending restaurants I've actually been to and that I would definitely go back to again. I don't always remember how much things have cost, so I've just categorised them into two medium- and high-priced categories with notes on what I remembered paying (for meals only, not wine). French restaurants consistently have plenty of reasonably-priced wine options, although I've been known to splurge on bottles that cost two to three times the cost of the food....And remember, most places are closed on Sundays!

Haute Cuisine
  • L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, 7eme - modern decor, reservations essential and definitely a "creative" menu (6 course menu was around 125 Euro/pp in 2006). Just off Rue de Bac
  • Les Bouquinistes, 6eme - a Guy Savoy restaurant right on the Seine with a view of Notre Dame (6 course menu around 75 Euro/pp in 2008 although there are other set menu options for less). Fabulous wine list and great set menu for the prices!

More Moderate Indulgence

  • La Robe et Le Palais, 1ere- wine bar and restaurant where the wine list is a rolodex in categories. Great oysters and cheese plate. Closed Sundays (found out the hard way!)
  • Fish La Boissonerie, 6eme - Run by the American owner of La Dernier Goutte wine store around the corner, this restaurant has fantastic wines by the glass (and bottle!) and a Mediterranean menu at a very reasonable 36 Euro for 3 courses. All the staff here speak English and French so if you want to escape the dismissive French waiters, give yourself a break here! Open Sundays.
  • La Table de Fes, 6eme - Moroccan couscous and tagine, and even some tasty Moroccan red wine! An sweet elderly woman seats you, serves you and tells you to keep eating, which isn't hard to do at this tasty restaurant. It's off the beaten path on a side street, but not too far from Montparnasse. Food and wine will be about 45-50 Euros/pp. Closed Sundays.
  • Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecote, 16eme - Just off the Porte Maillot Metro stop, this is a famous Parisian brasserie and for good reason. The menu is simple - everyone gets steak frites with the special sauce in two helpings and it has reasonably priced quality Bordeauxs as well! They are open Sundays, but they don't take any reservations so be prepared to queue outside with the other Parisians until there is a spot for you. Well worth the wait and reasonably priced!
  • Le Doudingue, 18eme - Funky little bar/restaurant on a corner street in Montmarte.
  • Chez Toinette, 18eme - Excellent bistro fare, cozy and charming. Down a side street but not too far out of the way.

I also recommend restaurants in the side streets of Montmartre (18eme), but not the main squares, and almost everything on/off the Rue de Buci between St Michel and St Germain de Pres, a great little neighborhood street with a lively atmosphere. Please post any additional recommendations!

3 comments:

joolia said...

star thanks Christie! I'm taking a friend to Paris who has never been before! I know you've been loads so it's great to get your thoughts. Have printed lots of these out, thanks so much!

Douglas Blyde said...

Hi! Please check out Willi's wine bar (http://www.freewebs.com/dnablyde/restaurants.htm)

Anonymous said...

oooooo it's so fun to discover your blog Christie. Such great memories of our trip to beautiful Paris... and the CHEESE!
You might find a bit of a wine drought in Costa Rica but hopefully you can make up for that later...
Katie Malouf