Paris restaurants

[lauda]

I've just booked a long weekend in Paris with Mrs Lauda for July this year and being a couple of foodies, the first thing we did was look to see which restaurants we might try and get a table at whilst we were there.

First call, the Michelin guide. I know a lot of people don't consider it to be the great authority of good dining that that some of their decisions are somewhat questionable, but it's usually a good start. So I googled a few of the 3 star places (it is my birthday and our anniversary whilst we're there, so we have an excuse!). All I can say is fking hell!

The prices at these places are absolutely stratospheric! We've been to all the 3 star places in the UK and most of the 2 stars and I've never seen prices like these before. There were places charging over €100 for a starter. Now I don't yet have many company directorships and whilst I am prepared to pay for good food, I've got a budget (I was thinking max €400 for food and wine).

So I thought I'd throw it open to the PH collective and see what personal recommendations you guys would give. Oh, and we're there for 3 nights so despite the intention of having a big blow-out, there will be lots of other meals, snacks and drinks to fit in so any other cafes/bars/bistros that you would recommend would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

[marcosgt]

Really good (I had put not central, but... but I had forgotten how close to the Louvre it is! )

http://www.gastrochic.com/2011/food/la-regalade-sa...

You'll need to book though and it's pretty small so you might find yourself a little cramped.

For my taste the food was a little on the rich side, but I guess that's a bit of a case of what you choose. It was very tasty and reasonably sized portions too.

We paid a bit under 100 Euros for two of us with a cheap bottle of wine (There aren't many! )

M

Edited by marcosgt on Monday 20th February 17:23

[Davey S2]

Joel Robuchon for a great Michellin star experience whilst being relaxed and informal.

http://www.joel-robuchon.net/

Went last year and its great. You sit at a counter that runs the length of the restaurant overlooking the open plan kitchen. Prices arent too salty either given the quality but the tasting menu is about 150 Euros I think.

For a good busy Brasserie type place try La Coupole for lunch

http://www.lacoupole-paris.com/fr

Massive art deco restaurant with loads of great original artwork on the walls. Apparently the struggling art students who painted it in the 1920's were fed in return.

Other suggestion is the Train Bleu in the Gare Du Lyon train station. The station itself is about as glamerous as Paddington but dont let that put you off. You go upstairs and enter into this



Food is good too and again not silly money.

Paris in general is hideously expensive though.

Edited by Davey S2 on Monday 20th February 17:28

[lauda]

Thanks for the suggestions so far gents, some interesting looking places.

Anyone else have any recommendations? As noted, I'm after all types of places, so even just a good cafe with decent fresh croissants would be useful.

[Huntsman]

I rather enjoyed http://www.boeufsurletoit.com/fr/