| Paris
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| Alcazar Bar & Restaurant, 62 rue Mazarine, 6th
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Alcazar is the first restaurant in Paris created by British restaurateur and lifestyle guru Sir Terence Conran. It's just as stylish as you'd expect -- all white and high tech. The wait staff is particularly friendly and willing to speak English.
The food is contemporary brasserie fare, with Asian and Mediterranean influences. Duck, sashimi,
and grilled leg of lamb are all winners, as is the St-Germain-des-Pres location.
| Phone: | 01.53.10.19.99
Reservations Recommended |
| Hours: | Noon to 5:30PM and
7PM to 1AM daily |
| Credit cards accepted: | AE, DC, MC, V |
| Main courses from: |
14EUR
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| Fixed-price lunch from: | 22EUR |
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| Au Pied de Cochon, 6 rue Coquillière, 1st
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Les Halles -- Paris's legendary food market -- is long gone. But the tradition of ending an evening there with a bowl of onion soup lingers on. Au Pied de Cochon is one of the few places in the city where you can get a meal any time you feel like it. You can get just about every
part of the pig in addition to the trotters and a reliable steak frites. Lots of tourists, but not that many at 3AM. And the onion soup is the stuff of legend.
| Phone: | 01.40.13.77.00 Reservations recommended |
| Hours: | 25 hours a day, daily |
| Credit cards accepted: | AE, DC, MC, V |
| Main courses from: |
13EUR
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| Au Trou Gascon, 40 rue Taine, 12th
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Alain Dutournier learned to cook in his native Gascony in southwestern France. Au Trou Gascon was his first restaurant in Paris, where he earned a Michelin star. He transformed the Belle Epoque dining room into a thoroughly modern bistro with traditional French dishes. His cassoulet is arguably the best in town. And the roasted baby lamb and foie gras draw many savvy Parisian diners. With 800 varieties of wine in the cellar, you'll have no trouble finding the perfect compliment to your dinner. Dutournier has since opened the two-star Carre des
Feuillants, but his wife Nicole remains here as the hostess.
| Phone: | 01.43.44.34.26 Reservations required. |
| Hours: | Noon to 2PM Monday through Friday; 7:30PM to 10:30PM Monday through Saturday; closed during August |
| Credit cards accepted: | AE, DC, MC, V |
| Main courses from: |
22EUR
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| Fixed-price lunch from: | 31EUR |
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| Blue Elephant, 43 rue de la Roquette, 11th
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For something different, try Blue Elephant, one of nine restaurants from
London to New Delhi owned by a Belgian and his Thai wife. The decor is
a little kitschy. But the Thai curries, salads and desserts with
tropical fruit are exceptional.
| Phone: | 01.47.00.42.00 Reservations recommended. |
| Hours: | Noon to 2:30PM Sunday through Friday; 7PM to Midnight Monday through Saturday; 7PM to 11PM Sundays |
| Credit cards accepted: | AE, DC, MC, V |
| Main courses from: |
13EUR
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| Fixed Price menu from: | 42EUR |
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| Bofinger, 5-7 rue de la Bastille, 4th
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This lovely Art Nouveau brasserie founded in the 1860s is now affiliated
with La Coupole. And with its beautiful glass dome, the ambience is as
big a draw as the food. It's been serving the same Alsatian specialities
-- notably choucroute garni -- for more than a century. But recently
the menu has been updated to include lighter fare, particularly
shellfish. Unlike many restaurants in Paris, Bofinger truly
accommodates non-smokers.
| Phone: | 01.42.72.87.82 Reservations recommended. |
| Hours: | Noon to 3PM and 6:30PM to 1AM Monday through Friday; Noon to 1AM weekends |
| Credit cards accepted: | AE, DC, MC, V |
| Main courses from: |
13EUR
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| Fixed Price menu from: | 28EUR |
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| Brasserie Flo, 7 Cour des Petites-Ecuries, 10th
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This traditional Alsatian brasserie is a little off the beaten path, but worth finding. Great choucroute garni and shellfish rounded out by Alsatian wine and wonderful beer.
| Phone: | 01.47.70.13.59 |
| Hours: | Noon to 3PM and 7PM to 1AM daily |
| Credit cards accepted: | AE, DC, MC, V |
| Fixed price menu from: |
38EUR
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| Café Beaubourg, 100 rue St-Martin, 4th
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If you can get a table on the terrace here, do. The views of the Centre
Pompidou add to the appeal of this trendy, post-modern cafe. It's a
great place for lunch when you're in the neighborhood and the eclectic menu and people-watching are outstanding.
| Phone: | 01.48.87.63.96 |
| Hours: | 8AM to 1AM Sunday through Thursday; 8AM to 2AM Fridays and Saturdays |
| Credit cards accepted: | AE, DC, MC, V |
| Breakfast from: |
17EUR
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| Main courses from: | 23EUR |
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| Café de Flore, 172 bd. St-Germain, 6th
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Few Parisian cafes have more history. Sartre wrote here. And Camus,
Picasso, de Beauvoir, and Salvador Dali were frequent patrons. Today,
you might see Karl Lagerfeld or other Parisian movers and shakers. It's
a great spot for a memorable, if pricey, Saturday or Sunday brunch.
| Phone: | 01.45.48.55.26 |
| Hours: | 7AM to 2AM daily |
| Credit cards accepted: | AE, MC, V |
| Café espresso: |
3.50EUR
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| Glass of beer from: | 6EUR |
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| Carré des Feuillants, 14 rue de Castiglione (near place Vendôme and the Tuileries), 1st
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Chef Alain Dutournier established himself at Au Trou Gascon before
opening this elegant restaurant in a converted 17th-century convent near
the Tuilleries. He has been rewarded for his efforts with two Michelin
stars. Dutournier's recipe for success is relatively simple -- he
serves only the best. His foie gras, cepes, and lamb are the best
France has to offer. And his preparations are impeccable. Try petit
paté chaud in which he seasons the delicate cepes with walnut oil.
Food, service and atmosphere here are superb. Carre des Feuillants
offers one of the finest dining experiences in the city.
| Phone: | 01.42.86.82.82 Reserve well in advance |
| Hours: | Mon-Fri Noon-2:30PM; Mon-Sat 7:30-10:30PM Closed first 3 weeks in Aug
Noon to 2:30PM Monday through Friday; 7:30PM to 10:30PM Monday through Saturday; closed for three weeks in August |
| Credit cards accepted: | AE, DC, MC, V |
| Main courses from: |
37EUR
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| Fixed Price menu from: | 119EUR |
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| Chez Catherine, 65 rue de Provence, 9th
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In business since the 1930s, Chez Catherine serves bistro classics including Sole Meuniere and cassoulet. Expect great traditional cooking here.
| Phone: | 01.45.26.72.88 |
| Hours: | Noon to 3PM Monday; Noon to 3PM and 8PM to 10:30PM Tuesday through Friday; closed during August |
| Credit cards accepted: | MC, V |
| Main courses from: |
30.50EUR
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| Chez Michel, 10 rue de Belzunce, 10th
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Brittany-born Thierry Breton trained at the Ritz and cooked for French President Francois Mitterand before opening Chez Michel near the Gare du Nord. There's no better place in Paris for affordable dishes from Normandy and Brittany. Try pork or duck with fruit, oysters, or any of the specials on the blackboard. Top off your dinner with Calvados and kouign-aman, a sinful confection of butter, sugar, and dough.
| Phone: | 01.44.53.06.20 |
| Hours: | Noon to 2PM and 7:30PM to Midnight Tuesday through Saturday; closed in August |
| Credit cards accepted: | MC, V |
| Main courses from: |
23EUR
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| Fixed Price menu from: | 28EUR |
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| Dame Tartine, 2 rue Brise-Miche, 4th
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There are actually three Dame Tartines, though the one in the Tuilleries
goes by the name Cafe Very. All serve up the French version of fast
food quickly, with little fuss. Try cinnamon-almond chicken, any of the
coconut curries, trout with mashed potatoes, or a salad. Desserts are
worth saving room for.
| Phone: | 01.42.77.32.22 |
| Hours: | Noon to midnight daily |
| Credit cards accepted: | MC, V |
| Platters from: |
4.80EUR
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| Epi Dupin, 11 Rue Dupin, 6th
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With its exposed beams and great food, this Left Bank bistro is popular with both locals and tourists. Save room for the wonderful desserts.
| Phone: | 01.42.22.64.56 |
| Hours: | Noon to 3PM and 7:30PM to 10:30PM Monday through Friday |
| Credit cards accepted: | |
| Fixed price lunch from: |
17.50EUR
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| Fixed price dinner from: | 27EUR |
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| Fish, 68 rue de Seine, 6th
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Owned by New Zealander Drew Harre and American Juan Sanchez (who owns La
Dernier Goutte around the corner), Fish is equal parts cafe and wine
bar. The Mediterrean-influenced menu offers bruschettas, pastas,
swordfish with capers and tomatoes, grilled tuna, and the like.
Americans longing to hear their native tongue will feel right at home
here, though Fish is very popular with Parisians too. And, of course,
the wine list is sensational.
| Phone: | 01.43.54.34.69 |
| Hours: | Noon to 3PM and 7PM to 11PM Tuesday through Sunday |
| Credit cards accepted: | |
| Main courses from: |
23EUR
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| Guy Savoy, 18 rue Troyon, 17th
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Guy Savoy is one of the most popular chefs in France. Noted for his
passion, invention, and attention to detail, Savoy is consistently
ackowledged to be one of Europe's leading culinary lights. This
restaurant, his flagship, will show you why. The menu is seasonal,
making the most of what's best. But you'll often find shellfish, foie
gras, and game. Service competes with the best in town. Ordering half
portions will help you pace yourself through nine courses. Dinner here
is a sublime experience.
| Phone: | 01.43.80.40.61 Reserve well in advance |
| Hours: | Noon to 2PM Monday through Friday; 7:30PM to 10:30PM Monday through Saturday |
| Credit cards accepted: | AE, MC, V |
| Main courses from: |
38EUR
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| Harry's Bar, 5 rue Daunou, 2nd
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Open since 1911, this haunt of Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald was the birthplace of the Bloody Mary. Still a great place for cocktails near the Opera.
| Phone: | 01.42.61.71.14 |
| Credit cards accepted: | AE, MC, V |
| Beer from: |
3.80EUR
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| Cocktails from: | 8.90EUR |
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| La Coupole, 102 bd. du Montparnasse, 14th
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Dating from 1927, this Art Deco Montparnasse brasserie once attracted
jazz age luminaries like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Josephine Baker.
Nowadays, the mixed crowd is all part of the fun. People watching from
the large terrace is unsurpassed. And the food is better than it has to
be. Shellfish -- particularly oysters -- choucroute garni, and pepper
steak are all good choices.
| Phone: | 01.43.20.14.20 |
| Hours: | 7:30AM to 2AM daily |
| Credit cards accepted: | |
| Main courses from: |
17EUR
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| Fixed Price menu from: | 26EUR |
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| La Régalade, 49 av. Jean-Moulin, 14th
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After training at the Ritz and the Crillon, Yves Camdeborde flew the
coop to open La Regalade, a modern bistro serving affordable, updated
classics. The charcuterie here is outstanding and you could easily make
a meal off the sausages and pates offered as starters. Shellfish, wild
game, fowl, and soups are terrific, and the cozy, country ambience is
very comfortable. The fixed price menu offers nearly a dozen starters
and entrees to choose from.
| Phone: | 01.45.45.68.58 Reservations recommended. |
| Hours: | Noon to 2:15PM and 7PM to midnight Tuesday through Friday; 7PM to midnight Saturdays; Closed from mid-July to mid-August |
| Credit cards accepted: | |
| Fixed Price menu from: |
28EUR
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| Laudurée, 75 av. des Champs-Elysées, 8th
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This grand cafe along the Champs Elysées is a great spot for breakfast, a
late supper, or tea and pastries. The ornate 1862 interior is lovely,
so go inside to check out the pastries. And don't miss the macaroons.
| Phone: | 01.40.75.08.75 Reservations required for the restaurant, not the cafe. |
| Hours: | 8AM to 1AM daily |
| Credit cards accepted: | AE, DC, MC, V |
| Main courses from: |
23EUR
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| Le Fumoir, 6 rue de l'Amiral Coligny, 1st
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Just across from the Louvre, Le Fumoir is one of the most stylish cafes
in Paris. Beautiful Parisians come here to see and be seen. And you'll
see plenty of them at the mahogany bar, sipping cocktails. Depending on
the time of your visit, le Fumoir can be a sidewalk cafe, a clubby
lounge, or a trendy brasserie. Salads, such as squid and artichoke,
rack of veal, and grilled tuna are flavorful and nicely prepared. If
you go alone, you can grab a volume from the 3,000 book library.
| Phone: | 01.42.92.00.24 Reservations recommended. |
| Hours: | 11AM to 1AM daily for salads and pastries; noon to 3PM and 7PM to 11:30PM for lunch and dinner daily |
| Credit cards accepted: | AE, DC, MC, V |
| Main courses from: |
16EUR
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| Le Train Bleu, Gare de Lyon, pl Louis-Armand, 12th
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For affordable glamor, it's hard to beat Le Train Bleu in the Gare de
Lyon station. The turn-of-the-century dining room is just gorgeous, and
the prix fixe menu, which includes a half-bottle of drinkable wine, is a
great deal. The food -- mostly classic French dishes prepared in the
traditional manner -- isn't the best in town. But the surroundings are
so glorious, you may fail to notice.
| Phone: | 01.43.43.09.06 Reservations recommended |
| Hours: | 11:30AM to 3PM and 7PM to 11PM daily |
| Credit cards accepted: | |
| Main courses from: |
38EUR
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| Fixed Price menu from: | 39EUR |
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| Les Deux-Magots, 6 place St-Germain-des-Prés, 6th
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You'll pay for the privilege of following in the steps of Hemingway,
Sartre, Picasso, and de Beauvoir. But for the price of a cocktail, you can watch the world go by from this legendary
St-Germain-des-Pres cafe. The food's nothing to write home about, but
that's not why you're there.
| Phone: | 01.45.48.55.25 |
| Hours: | 7:30AM to 1:30AM daily |
| Credit cards accepted: | |
| Main courses from: |
14EUR
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| Pierre Gagnaire, 6 rue Balzac, 8th
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Pierre Gagnaire is one of the top
restaurants in Paris. The menu here changes with the seasons and
there's always something creative and unexpected. Gagnaire combines
ingredients and preparation techniques from a variety of sources to
amazing effect. Shellfish, foie gras, and truffles usually make an
appearance. Save room for dessert.
| Phone: | 01.44.35.18.25 Reserve months in advance |
| Hours: | 12:30PM to 2:15PM Monday through Friday; 7PM to 10PM Sunday through Friday |
| Credit cards accepted: | AE, DC, MC, V |
| Main courses from: |
44EUR
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| Fixed Price menu from: | 137EUR |
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| Spoon, Food & Wine, In the Marignan-Elysée Hotel, 14 rue Marignan, 8th
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Three-star chef and restaurateur Alain Ducasse opened Spoon, Food & Wine in 1998, and it's a big departure from the usual. The dishes come from all over the world -- India, Asia, Italy, Latin America, the U.S. -- and it's up to diners to mix and match them. Choose pasta or chicken, and you'll be asked to select one of several sauces. Then, you choose a starch and a vegetable and a method of preparation. Salads are created from your choice of 15 ingredients. The whole concept has off-put some French critics, but most diners enjoy the experience. And it's
certainly less expensive than dining at Ducasse's other Paris outpost, the Plaza Athenee.
| Phone: | 01.40.76.34.44 Reservations recommended. |
| Hours: | Noon to 2:30PM and 7PM to 11:30PM Monday through Friday |
| Credit cards accepted: | AE, DC, MC, V |
| Main courses from: |
9.90EUR
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| Taillevent, 15 rue Lamennais, 8th
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If Taillevent isn't every critic's choice for best restaurant in Paris,
it's certainly one of their top five. Since opening in 1946, the food,
the wine list, the 19th-century Champs Elysee town house, and the
impeccable service have set the standard in a city of impossibly high
standards. Book well in advance -- Taillevent is small and the owner
prefers not to fill it with Americans. There's really no need to
recommend dishes here. Whatever you order will be superb.
| Phone: | 01.44.95.15.01 Reserve months in advance |
| Hours: | Noon to 2:30PM and 7PM to 10PM Monday through Friday; Closed during August |
| Credit cards accepted: | AE, DC, MC, V |
| Main courses from: |
45EUR
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| Web Bar, 32, rue de Picardie, 3rd
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If you can't survive without checking your e-mail, make a bee-line for
the Web Bar. But Internet access is the least of its appeal. This
three level cafe/lounge/performance space is a great place to meet people, taste wine, and be
surrounded by the bright and the hip. Food is limited to salads, savory
tarts and plat du jour, but all are
acceptable. Try "Le Web," a refreshing blend of Campari, Cointreau, and
grapefruit juice.
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