Closed May 1-7, August, December 24 - January 1, Saturday lunch and Monday. Menu 30€

Make a reservation and sit upstairs. Good food, personnel and atmosphere. Can be touristy. - Colleen 2003

Lunch: 1200-1415; dinner: 1940-2300, Saturday evening: 1930-2300. Closed Saturday lunch and Sunday.

Menu 32€, 3 courses or à la carte: entrée 9€, plat 16€.

French cuisine and a touch of Scandinavian inspiration. The Norwegian chef, Jean Christiansen, will delight you with high quality food at very reasonable prices; trendy interior design; they have a cigar bar downstairs. - Colleen 2002

Le Saint-Amour

8, rue de Port-Mahon 75002 01 47 42 63 82, closed Saturday lunch and Sunday, Franck Dolisi (Mâitre Cuisinier de France) is the owner and chef.

Le Saint-Amour offers a three course menu with wine for 30 euros and is very close to the Metro Pyramides.

I have eaten there several times and love it. I highly recommend it! One time Mr. Dolisi said "I put you by the TV" -- in front of the restaurant's large window -- "there's no bad news!" -- Brad 2003

Juvenile's

47, rue de Richelieu 01 42 97 46 49 (1st arrondissement) Mº Palais Royal, Mº Pyramides, bus 39, 48, 67, close to the Bibliothèque Nationale

12:00 – 23:00 Monday – Saturday; closed Sunday.

Menu dégustation 26€, 4 courses/children's menu 19€ three courses.

One of Paris’ classic wine bars/restaurants; very strong on Côte de Rhône wine. Preferable to reserve ahead.

Wine bistrot and cave - English-style cooking, go for the Australian wines! If the boss is on a diet, no beer is available.

Lunch at Juvenile's is highly recommended. For 14,50 euros your menu lunch is a main course with freshly cooked vegetables, bread, a glass of wine and coffee.

The menu of the day was Dorade (fish) topped with a red and green pepper relish over fresh zucchini wrapped in parchment paper, and the wine was a 2001 Charles Hours Jurançon Sec. Excellent. The bottle is for sale for 8,50 euros. 2003

Great cheese plate and wine by the glass.  They served different ripened cheeses with variety of breads. She chose a glass of red Chilean with a full body; Juvenile's did not make recommendations--you choose from different regions around the world; 7 euros a glass and the girls split the 11 euros cheese plate as an appetizer before dinner. Diane 2006 -- thumbs up!!!

La Mousson

9, rue Thérèse, in the first arrondissement, Mº Pyramides 01 42 60 59 46, Monday through Saturday 1200-1430, 1915 to 2230. Three course menus available for 16,10 and 21,10 euros.

While waiting for Erik’s panier de raviolis (pork), we let the Nem (vegetables and pork) melt in our mouths. We heard it frying in the small kitchen, and it arrived on a plate with lettuce and mint, which we proceeded to wrap around each of the five pieces.

His ravioli arrived just as we finished and we shared that while waiting for the filet mignon à la caramel. The meat was very tender, but I would have liked it a bit more braised to lock in the flavor and a richer taste of caramel.

When I return, I would like to try something more Cambodian for the main course next time. 2003

Lunch: 1200-1500; dinner: 1830-2330 or 2400 (They appear to be flexible). Closed Sunday and Monday.

À la carte hot entrée 6€, cold entrée @ 9,50€, plat 13€,cheese 6€, dessert 7€.

À la carte entrée @ 8€, plat 13€, fromage 6€; dessert 6€. Weekly suggestions range from 8,50€-13,50€.

Lunch: 1200-1430; dinner: 1900- 2300. Closed Saturday lunch and Sunday.

Lunch express 9,50€ (main course+coffee+glass of wine); dinner menu du marché 25€ 3 courses; menu-carte 35€ 3 courses+1/2 bottle of wine per person+coffee.
Good food and wine from the French southwest.  Reservation is recommended. Colleen 2002

Epice et Delice

Restaurant and Salon de thé

53 rue Vieille du Temple (4th)

If the sidewalk tables look too crowded you will find a very nice table inside in the back by the open window! Especially nice when the breeze is blowing and the church bells start to ring.

We shared the Falafel and hummus with caviar d'aubergine (everything homemade); and each took the Crottin à la Provençale (goat cheese on salad, etc.); and a 50cl pichet of Rosé de l'Île de Beauté (Corsica). 39 euros for two

L'ilot vache on the Isle St. Louis

35, rue Saint-Louis (l'Ile Saint-Louis) telephone 01 46 33 55 16

L'ilot vache is small and charming. The food was outstanding. They serve a cheese plate
between the main course and dessert.

If you choose the chocolate mousse they emerge with a large ceramic bowl full of mousse and you tell them how much you want them to dollop out onto your plate.  Yummmmm... Eloise 2003

Ma Bourgogne

Best fries in Paris - if you find them better, you let me know!

19 Place des Vosges 75004 Paris Telephone: 01 42 78 44 64

End of serving 1 a.m. Menu: 32 euros à la carte: 32 euros

Ma Bourgogne does not take reservations. They have a good turnover of clients. Although full, we did not have to wait for a table outside (9:30 p.m. on a Friday night).

 The tall, blonde waiter has a very dry sense of humor. Do not be put off if he sounds sarcastic or has an attitude.

The fries are excellent, côte d’agneau - lamb cutlets - (3 pieces) and filet de boeuf béarnaise - beef with béarnaise sauce -were perfect. We shared a house salad (salade saison) and enjoyed their suggested bottle of Bordeaux (20 euros) (they are producing bottles of wine now that require very little airing time).

The Berthillon sorbet choice for the evening was framboise (raspberry) and passion fruit – need I say more!

We had a pleasant dining experience on a Friday night.

 No credit cards – cash or French checks only. We dined for 80 euros/2 people with wine (32 euros menu is available). -Colleen 2004

Bistroy...les Papilles

Wine shop and restaurant

30, rue Gay-Lussac 75005

Metro: Saint-Michel

01 43 25 20 79

Lorraine recommends this bistrot where she took a menu for 28,50 euros and was extremely pleased with her meal. Average "à la carte" prices are 35 euros according to the Paris Tourist Office. Their specialties are southwest. You choose your wine from their wine bins. Lorraine 2005

la Bièvre

30, rue Bièvre 75005

Recommend: Couscous du Président

Recommend: Merquez Brochette Mechois spicy sausage roast mutton

Recommend: Excellent couscous, with vegetables in a soup terrine and meat on the side.

menu 10 to 15 euros (3 courses)

Open seven days a week till midnight

 – very casual interior – no stars in the Michelin guide, paper covers,

Mitterand lived on this street and they used to have police guarding the narrow street.

Footnote: Two members of the family are sitting at a table chatting while we eat.

the restaurant is almost full after the 8 p.m. the people are streaming in.

The restaurant is run by a wife and husband who have twins. Colleen 2006

Restaurant Etoile du Berger

42, rue de la Montagne Sainte-Geneviève (off rue des Écoles) -- 5th

Metro: Maubert - Mutualité

Open every evening; Telephone: 01 43 26 38 87

20 to 30 euros - This is a very friendly restaurant that specializes in Raclettes (cheese, onions, mushrooms, potatoes and ham, etc. yummmm!--Colleen) at a reasonable $19 Euros for dinner. 

The interior is rustic and the food is excellent.  One acquaintance was in Paris for 4 nights and ate here twice because she liked the Raclettes so much! 

It was a favorite among 4 of us on our recent May trip to Paris. Jim 2003

Le Petit Prince de Paris

12 rue de Lanneau 75005   Tel 01.43.54.77.26  1930-0000  Fridays & Saturdays until 0030, was rumored closed down.  It is up and running. 

This was a favorite with Boston crews (when I was based there),  The menu has changed, but still a good value: 2 menus 19 - 23 euro for 2 courses, has great atmosphere, food and air conditioned.

El Picaflor
9, rue Lacépède (5th) - Tel: 01 43 31 06 01, Closed Sunday and Monday

http://www.picaflor.fr/pica.htm

Open Tuesday to Saturday 12 noon to 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to closing

Last night I went to an excellent authentic Peruvian restaurant, so I
figured I'd recommend it to you.

The food was delicious and very reasonably priced. They have a 9EUR lunch
and 18EUR dinner menu.  I had the Empanadas to start and Tamales for
dinner... both were excellent.  The place is very small but beautifully
decorated with traditional Peruvian art.  the wait staff is friendly and on
Saturdays and Sundays they have a small band that plays traditional Latin
music. - You should check it out. Maya 2004

Mº St. Germain-des-Près, Bus 39, 48, 63, 95

Cigar bar serving tapas-style dishes, products of Spain 3,80-20€; tabac sells variety of cigars stored in specially acclimatized room.

Salads, quiches, sandwiches, take-out, special of the day. Very good quiche.

Kathleen and Jim highly recommend Vins et Terroirs. With wine, coffee and three courses, they paid 50 euros. 2006

Vins et Terroirs

Cuisine Gourmande de Tradition

À la Découverte de Vins de Propriété

66, rue St. André des Arts 75006 Paris

Telephone: 01 46 33 00 77

Delicabar - Bon Marché

24, rue de Sèvres (7th) Metro: Sèvres Babylone Telephone: 01 44 39 80 00

The place is très chic, but casual- good after a couple hours of shopping. Nice for a light meal.

I enjoyed a lunch there in May. http://www.delicabar.fr/  Michaela 2004

Bistro&Cie

Carole and Ginny highly recommend the prix fixe menu (aperitif, three courses and wine) at several restaurants. In fact, numerous flight attendants have recommended one or more of this group (Breteuil, Deux Théâtes, etc.) They are run by a group called Bistro&Cie ..... 2006

The website for Bistro&Cie includes links to each restaurant's seasonal menu offerings and photos of the restaurant.

Menu: 33 euros includes 3 courses, bottle of wine and coffee (1 bottle for two people).

Breteuil

3, place de Breteuil 75007 Paris

Reservations: 01 45 67 07 27

Open 7 days of week noon to 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Bistro des Deux Théâtres

18, rue Blanche 75009 Paris

Reservations: 01 45 26 41 43

Open 7 days a week noon to 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Le Roi du Pot au Feu "Royal Vignon"

34, rue Vignon 75009

Telephone: 01 47 42 37 10

Metro: Madeleine or Havre Caumartin

Open all of the time.

Old-fashioned

Looking for old-fashioned atmosphere and a hearty meal? The wood interior, benches, checkered tablecloths, and an atmosphere kitsch by today's standards were delightful at le Roi du Pot au Feu. Find a meal for under 20 euros were the instructions. The stew was 16 and would have been plenty on its own. The bottle of Gamay sits on your table, and you pay for what you drink. I took the poireaux vinaigrette (leek with a non-acidic vinegar dressing) as an entrée that we shared. We each took the stew (their specialty) that was delicious and comes with beef, potato, turnip, carrot, and leek. On the same plate is a beef soup bone with marrow. They bring you crusted baguette to eat the marrow. We shared a home made chocolate mousse, a Badoit and a glass each of the Gamay for 54 euros.

la Taverne

24 boulevard des Italiens (9th arrondissement) telephone: 01 55 33 10 00

Open every day until 1 a.m.

www.taverne.com Metro Opera or Richelieu Drouot (closest)

Menus under 30 euros.

Erik and I took the menu for 22,50 euros (two courses, including beverage). This is a creative way for two people to try more on the menu.

We shared the appetizer (mussels moules farci), each had a main course, (mine was great! a tender maigret de canard and pear, yellow rice spiced with anise – licorice flavor) and shared the dessert (mi-amer poire caramel -- which means dark, semi-bitter chocolate and pear cake with caramel sauce). This 22 euros menu came with a choice of beer, red Bordeaux or white Alsace wine.

We picked the small carafe of each wine and shared those (white for the appetizer and red for the main course)! Ordered a large bottle of Badoit (water with natural bubbles) and our bill came to 51 euros for two.

They are open 7 days a week (7/7) and will be open for Christmas and New Years. (New Year's Eve is a special dress up dinner). 2004

Kastoori

Indian and Pakistani restaurant

4, Place Gustave Toudouze, rue Henri-Monnier, 9th arrondissement, metro: Saint-Georges

Telephone: 01 44 53 06 10 (reservations recommended)

Believe me! there is a difference between the Indian cuisine of France and the curry of England! The French is much more refined.

This is a BYOB (bring your own bottle) establishment, but they do have corkscrews. The grocery store (Shopi) is not far away (8 rue Notre Dame de Lorette, Paris 9th) The Blanquette de Limoux is what I recommend -- it's a bubbly.

Our two menus were cheese nan, lentilles, beef  and lamb and coffee.

They bring a small copper heating vessel to your table to keep the food warm. The spices are in three pots -- mint curry, sweet tomato and spicy -- and the decision is yours.

The food was very subtle; the spices did not numb your palate. Their coffees are flavored. I chose the decaf with almond flavoring (they have cinnamon, vanilla, almond and cardamom) -- excellent choice!

Our shared dessert was a cold creamed rice with almonds and cardamom and a sprinkling of coconut.

Hold on to your hats! Our bill for two was 31 euros that includes a bottle of Badoit and the shared dessert. The menu is 13 euros. - 2005

I have retested Kastoori, this time for lunch. Their lunch menu is 10 euros and includes rice, two meat dishes, lentils, vegetables in yogurt and nan bread. It was quite filling. - 2005

Bistro&Cie

Carole and Ginny highly recommend the prix fixe menu (aperitif, three courses and wine) at several restaurants. In fact, numerous flight attendants have recommended one or more of this group (Breteuil, Deux Théâtes, etc.) They are run by a group called Bistro&Cie ..... 2006

The website for Bistro&Cie includes links to each restaurant's seasonal menu offerings and photos of the restaurant.

Menu: 33 euros includes 3 courses, bottle of wine and coffee (1 bottle for two people).

Breteuil

3, place de Breteuil 75007 Paris

Reservations: 01 45 67 07 27

Open 7 days of week noon to 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Bistro des Deux Théâtres

18, rue Blanche 75009 Paris

Reservations: 01 45 26 41 43

Open 7 days a week noon to 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Cafés de l'Industrie

16 & 17, rue Saint Sabin 75011

Telephone: 01 47 00 13 53 (good to make reservation)

Open every day 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

If you are with a group of people, I can suggest Cafés de l'Industrie in the Bastille area. Eight of us had very good appetizers, dinner and three desserts with eight spoons (chocolate craving), three bottles of wine and spent about 30 euros each when we pooled the money. Very happening place; Cafés de l'Industrie has two locations across the street from one another -- one is as good as the other!

Astier

Astier is a corner bistro with good home-cooked tasting food. They do not try to be haute cuisine but serve a good meal.

The cloth checkered tablecloths and napkins bear the name "Astier Paris" and add to the atmosphere.

The 28 euros menu includes your entrée, plat principal, a plateau of about 10 fromages that you choose and serve yourself, and dessert.

The perfect summer evening menu consisted of an iced terrine of légumes (vegetables), filet of rascasse (rockfish) served on the half portion of an eggplant, the cheese plateau, and a most unique dessert for me: gazpacho of pastèques (watermelon) with mint and sorbet of fromage frais.

Restaurant Astier

44, rue J.P. Timbaud 75011 Paris

Tel: 01 43 57 16 35 or 01 43 83 25 56

Closed Saturday and Sunday

le Souk

1, rue Keller, 75011, 01 49 29 05 08, www.lesoukfr.com. Closed Monday.

If you are looking for ambiance, this Moroccan/Algerian restaurant captures you from the moment you step onto its narrow terrace lined with spices. You enter the restaurant by pulling aside a thickly woven blanket. Inside the waiters are wearing traditional djellabahs/kaftans.

Erik and I each ordered a tajine of lamb (agneau). The Tajine Ouarzazate is lamb, onions, caramelized pears, almonds and raisins (15 euros); the Tajine Taroudant is lamb, mushrooms, caramelized onions (15 euros). We shared a tasty and pleasingly displayed dessert, "Mat Mata" made with pain perdu similar to French toast with fruit. We drank a KSAR rosé and spent 54 euros. They don't rush you; and even with an 8 p.m. reservation, a main course and a dessert, we didn't leave until 10 p.m.

Be sure to reserve. Even on a Thursday night, this place is hopping!

By the way, their take away is not delivered in Styrofoam or cardboard. You get the whole Moroccan multiple pot configuration to take home and bring back later! - Colleen 2005

Les Jumeaux

73 rue Amelot 75011, telephone 01 43 14 27 00

Metro: Saint Sebastien-Froissart

Our favorite restaurant in Paris, run by twins, one front of house and the other in the kitchen.  It is small (around 14 well-spaced tables), with white napery and courteous service, and above all serves excellent food with a south-west country style.  There are no menus:  food is described on a blackboard brought to your table:  about 6-8 choices for each course.  Firm favorites include the starter of pan-fried fresh foie gras that melts in the mouth.  Steak is from the best Salers cattle;  always good fish and tarts with home-made sorbets.

Dinner is a fixed rate of 33 € representing excellent value for this standard of cuisine.  Wine list is short and reasonably priced, majoring on the South West. - Martin 2005

I can second Martin's recommendation for Les Jumeaux -- we had a fabulous evening of dining. It is small so reserve ahead. Maybe Michelin won't find out and give them a deserved STAR -- you might never get in! Worth a visit! The foie de canard poélé was encircled with cantaloupe and dribbled with a honey sauce for the summer.

le Train Bleu

Gare de Lyon Place Louis Armand 75012

Metro: Gare de Lyon

Telephone: 01 43 43 97 96

reservations: reservation-le-train-bleu@compass-group.fr

www.le-train-bleu.com

Brunch 30 euros on Sunday from 11:30 a.m.

Closed: July 11 to September 10, 2005

Menu prices range from 43 to 84 euros; Children's menu 15 euros

Voyage with the chef to a superb dining experience: one superb for the food, one for the atmosphere and one for the service.

The Belle Époque comes alive with the images painted on the walls and ceiling evoking the past when this was the "road to ..." From my seat I voyaged to Monaco and Villefranche --

We began with a nem de crabe (crab roll) and for the main course I chose the tartin lapin (upside down rabbit) with an aubergine confite. Their steak tartare is prepared in front of you. Our three-course meal for two cost 84 euros and included a bottle of wine, bottle of water and coffee.

This is a dining experience that makes you want to come back for more....2005

Chez Paul
13, rue de Charonne 75011 PARIS
 Metro: Bastille

Telephone: 01 47 00 34 57

Fax: 01 48 07 02 00

Average price à la carte (drinks not included) according the Paris Tourist Office is 30.48 euros

Open every day noon to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Reservations are recommended, but worth a try without them.
 

Heard a rumor that they were trying for a star in the Michelin guide -- doubt it; but the food was good. I had Sandre (cousin to the perch) and Erik requested rognons de veau, but 10 p.m. they were sold out. Instead he couldn't have enjoyed his duck any more than he did. We shared a mixed salad, each ordered a main course, shared a a figues gratinées (figs) and a half bottle of Saint-Joseph for 60 euros.

According the Paris tourist office, their specialties are stuffed leg of rabbit and goat cheese with mint. Good atmosphere! - Colleen 2004 revised 2006 -- excellent atmosphere, good food, before 8 p.m. you can get a table.

le Grand Bleu

Port d l'Arsenal, 46 Boulevard de la Bastille (12th)

Telephone 01 43 45 19 99

Open seven days a week until 12:45 a.m.

They have a nice three course lunch menu for 13 euros.

The  view of the boats in the basin of Canal Saint-Martin and the lock into the Seine make the visit to this restaurant worthwhile. When the weather permits and during the summer, dine on the terrace under the parasols. - Colleen 2005

I have retested le Grand Bleu and once again was not disappointed for lunch. In the warmer weather, dining outside with a view over the marina is very refreshing.

Russian - Aux trois Violons

22, rue Saint-Sébastien, 01 43 57 10 15, Mº Saint-Sébastien Froissart or Saint-Ambroise. Open every night.

This is a Russian restaurant with musical entertainment. The music starts after 2100 and it is totally a family affair!

The three violins are the mom, and two of the sons. Dad plays all of the other instruments. In the beginning, however, it is just mom and dad playing. One of the sons has to finish cooking the meals before he makes his appearance and the other  has to finish taking orders before he exchanges the pen for the violin. The mom stops playing and starts working the tables and in comes sis later on, but she did not demonstrate any musical talents that night.

Good food and good entertainment! 36 euro for three courses and an "amuse bouche"/ 45 euro includes a half bottle of wine. Colleen 2003

Le Passage (le Café)

12, rue de Charonne, close to Bastille, open 18-02. MºLedru-Rollin, Bus 61, 76, 86.

Very pleasant. Exceptional wine list, cool jazz, mix of English club atmosphere and Italian design (owner is ex-interior designer). Outstanding selection of Rhone and southern France. Small things to eat. Also a small shop. Every second or third Saturday: wine tasting with special offers from 11 a.m. - Colleen 2002

Le Baron Rouge

1, rue Théophile-Roussel, 1000-1400, 1700-2200. MºLedru-Rollin, bus 61, 76, 86

Closed Sunday night and Monday morning.

Very rustic wine bar. open Atmosphere you will find nowhere else in Paris. Close to Paris' famous Marché d'Aligre.  Also a small shop with both some food and wine (even in your own bottle if you wish). Cheap oysters in season. - Colleen 2004

Square Trousseau

1, rue Antoine-Vollon, 01.43.43.06.00, MºLedru-Rollin, bus 61, 76, 86.

Closed Saturday and Monday midi, Dimanche 1200-1400, 1930-2230.

Turn-of-the-century interior, situated at the very Parisian park Square Trousseau. French cuisine with a touch of audacity.

They have a picturesque épicerie boutique next door.  If you like the wine you drank at the restaurant, buy the wine at the boutique.

Carte de la semaine (menu of the week) --  look at the blackboard. - Colleen 2003

Babalù

Venezuelan influence -- The owner is French, her husband is Cuban and the chef is Venezualan. The set menu is Mojito 6 euros, Picadillo à la habanera 11 euros.

The 30 euros menu includes your choice of cocktail. Music starts downstairs in the cellar between 2200 and 2230. That week the specialty was the sound of Venezuelan.

The chips to start off with are fresh – everything tastes fresh. Great place for music, ambiance and food in the Bastille. www.babalu-paris.com  - Colleen 2004

Astier 

44 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, Metro: Parmentier, 01 43 57 16 35, Open Monday to Friday 1200 to 1400, Dinner 2000-2300 (about $25 for four courses, wine extra) Susy 2004

I wanted to tell you about the restaurantI know of in the 11th...

We decided if we go again on a layover, I'm going to ask for the check when we order dessert.... The cheese course is about 20 different cheeses. My favorite main course is rabbit in mustard cream sauce.  During the summer, I had a wonderful strawberry soup dessert with ice cream....Susy 2004

Escale France Cameroun Antilles

"Chez Regine"

14 rue Mercoeur 75011 (01 43 79 20 28) Open seven days a week, lunch and evening (11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to midnight)

recommended by Veronica who says that a LGA flight attendant's family owns it. Will check it out. Readers let me know.

l'Auberge Etchegorry

41, rue Croulebarbe, 13th arr. (next door to la Touraine)

Telephone: 01 44 08 83 51

Closed: Sunday and Monday and August 8-25; air conditioned

Metro: Les Gobelins or Corvisart (across from the square R. le Gall)

l'Auberge Etchegorry serves specialties from the southwest. They have a gastronomique menu for 31,50 euros (37,60 with 1/2 bottle of wine). This menu consists of your amuse bouche, entrée, main course, cheese and dessert and coffee. The three course menu is 25 euros. They also have a hotel.

I had the filet de canard au foie gras, Erik chose the foie de veau (calf). Excellent, no tourists, very French and filled with ambiance. http://www.etchegorry.com/ 2005

Diane goes back to Etchegorry frequently, loves the duck dishes: duck confit and cassoulet, house wine and service -- consistently good and reasonably priced. -- Diane 2006

l'Auberge Etchegorry

41, rue Croulebarbe, 13th arr. (next door to la Touraine)

Telephone: 01 44 08 83 51

Closed: Sunday and Monday and August 8-25; air conditioned

Metro: Les Gobelins or Corvisart (across from the square R. le Gall)

Chez Charles Victor

8 rue Brézin 75014

Metro Mouton-Duvernet

01 40 44 55 51

Beth also recommends la Regalade, le Coupe Chou (très romantique and quiet) on rue Lanneau near the Pantheon , les Bouchons de François Clerc and l'Epi Dupin for special dinners. She writes that le Caveau de l'Isle on l'Îsle Saint-Louis is the best value and ambiance on the island in her opinion.

Send in your recommendations!

I wanted to tell you about Chez Charles Victor, about a 10 min. walk from the Sofitel Rive Gauche by the back streets and just off Ave. General Leclerc.  It is a small, family-run, great value prix fixe starting at under 15 euros.  I found it in Sandra Gustafson's Great Eats Paris, a terrific resource.  I went several times last summer,  the owners were very hospitable. (From a website review: nice mix of dishes from Paris, Provence and further south.) -- Beth 2005

De Lagarde,  83 av Ségur 75015 PARIS
Tel. 01 40 65 99 10
Maybe the better ratio price/quality at the moment! Cozy, small place, great kitchen and service. From 30 Euros to 40 Euros with wines -.Jean-Michel 2005
 

le Bar à Huitres Brasseries (three Paris locations)

Non-stop service from noon to 2 a.m.

Open every day and public holiday

menu  20 to 30 euros

children's menu 12 euros

1. 33, Boulevard Beaumarchais
75003 - Paris Metro: Bastille

01 48 87 98 92

2. 112, boulevard du Montparnasse 75014 PARIS Metro: Vavin
01 43 20 71 01

3.  33, rue Saint Jacques - Angle boulevard Saint Germain
75005 PARIS Metro: Maubert Mutualité
01 44 07 27 37

I can't thank you enough for the restaurant recommendation.  My friend and I had an amazing time, the food was awesome.  The seafood platters going by were an amazing sight.  And the oysters were the best any of us have ever had.  The service at the restaurant was terrific.
A reservation was mandatory, we would not have gotten in without it.  The concierge at the our hotel seemed very happy to make it for me.  Because the restaurant was very busy (Sat night) ...
It is a nice restaurant, the kind where they take your coats. :)  :) Wine list terrific, the full spectrum.
Prices, for what we felt we received were quite reasonable.
We went to the Montparnasse location, we figured we were probably the only tourists in the restaurant. Jennifer 2005

l’Ourcine

92 rue Broca (13^th arrondissement) Telephone: 01 47 07 13 65

Metros: Les Gobelins, Glacière, Denfert-Rochereau

Closed Sunday.

Three course dinner menu: 28 euros

Lunch menu: entrée + plat + dessert, wine included 19 euros

The food (the presentation, the price quality ratio, the tastes), the view of the kitchen, the convivial atmosphere of the diners at l’Ourcine, open since March 2004, deserves an “A”.

The menu on the “ardoise”, the wood tables and chairs, the green-checkered napkins give this high quality restaurant a touch of bistrot. Definitely make a reservation; they only have about 15 tables and people don’t seem to want to leave l’Ourcine.

Our party of three was on the mezzanine with a direct view of the kitchen through the old hutch. Two days before opening l’Ourcine, Sylvain Danière, had a small pass through. Now the backless former hutch provides the chef with a view of his clientele and vice versa. It also serves as the door to the kitchen and is the last step, after he garnishes the plates, before you savor his latest design.

Waiting for our friend, we had an apéro (aperitif) and it was my first experience with absinthe. This is a whole experience on its own with the dripping water onto the sugar over the glass!

Dinner began with an “amuse bouche” –a fennel mousse. Excellent.

My entrée was rabbit inside two croustillant wrappings with a prune sauce, accompanied by a small, light salad. The leaves gave the sense of freshness that they had just been plucked from the garden. The rabbit presentation looked like candy and tasted that way as well. So it was pleasure for the eyes and the palette.

The two pieces of onglet de veau were tender and capped a bed of fresh haricot verts and black trumpet mushrooms. Cooked to perfection, it melted in my mouth.

My dessert was a wedge of praline mousse coated in chocolate with a coffee-flavored mousse to the side.

The menu changes often according to the market, so book a table and be surprised at the day’s offerings. Colleen 2004

Chez Paul

22, rue de la Butte aux Cailles, 75013, 01 45 89 22 11. Open every day except Christmas and New Year noon to 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to midnight. Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to midnight.

If they have crème de lentilles au foie gras on the menu as an appetizer, you won't be sorry you ordered it. Thick and creamy, three in our party were ready to skip the main course and order a second helping of the soup. I took the tender and surprisingly presented sardines "les petites sablaises" accompanied by sel de mer and sweet butter.

We shared a daube de boeuf (a version of boeuf bourginon) that was tender and tasty and too much for four people. It was accompanied by old-fashion mashed potatoes (à l'ancienne). We drank table wine for an appero (aperitif) and continued with the same wine for dinner. Just a hint -- if you plan to do the same, order the maxi 3,5 liter immediately. It is delivered in a bottle that is as tall as the table for four is wide! Quite a spectacle. We couldn't finish all of this wine!

We ordered the yummy sorbet/prune/Armagnac dessert with four spoons and still left some. Wonderful meal. Figure about 107 euros for dinner without wine for four. - Colleen 2005

Restaurant La Touraine

39 rue Croulebarbe (13th arrondissement) Telephone: 01 47 07 69 35

Metro: Corvisart or Glacière

This is a local hangout for the neighbors. Worth the visit.

11 euros menu between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Other menus available below 27 euros. The house wine that comes with the menu is okay. We ordered a demi-bouteille (half-bottle) of 2001 Saint-Nicolas de Bourgeuil that was very tasty.

Look for Square Rene le Gall. It is behind the park. Next door is a Pays-Basque restaurant that we have not yet tried. If anyone tries it, let me know. Colleen 2004

Restaurant Lao-Lane Xang/Huong Lan

Charles recommends Restaurant Lao-Lane Xang/Huong Lan for Laotian, Vietnamese and Thai. The food is fresh and you will not leave smelling of cooking oil as in some Chinese restaurants.

105, avenue d'Ivry (75013), 75013, 01 45 85 19 23, Closed Mondays, Open Tuesday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m./ 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Open Saturday and Sunday 11:30 to 11 p.m., non-stop. Metro: Tolbiac (just a couple of blocks away from Place d'Italie).

Charles also recommends Pho 14 for their soups. 129 avenue de Choisy 75013, 01 45 83 61 15. Located at the corner of Tolbiac and Choisy. Open seven days a week between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. - Charles 2005
 

l'Avant Gout

37, rue Bobillot 75013

Metro: Place d'Italie

Telephone: 01 45 81 14 06

Tuesday to Friday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Menu 20 to 30 euros

Veronica and others highly recommend this restaurant with its French traditional fixed price menu.2005

If anyone tries their lunch menu, please contact me about it. Another reader and I were not impressed and I welcome more input.

la Régalade restaurant, 49 av Jean Moulin 75014 PARIS
reservations Tel. 01 45 45 68 58 or 01 45 39 71 54
Very simple and attractive place to savour a typical French gastronomy.
Reservation needed at least one week before. Plan on 30 euros per person.-Jean-Michel 2005

La Régalade

49, Av Jean Moulin 750014 Telephone: 01 45 45 68 58 Metro: Alésia

Yves Cambdebourde recently sold this to his Sous Chef so I had to try it out. It is still wonderful. You are served a homemade terrine and cornichons upon ordering followed by some of the most delicious food in Paris. The servings were huge, the quality and inventiveness were awesome.  I don’t know if you have the address and number so here goes

Reservations are essential! Raisa 2004

La Cerisaie

70, Boulevard Edgar Quintet 75014 Telephone: 01 43 20 98 98, Metro: Edgar Quintet

A very small resto within walking distance of our layover hotel if you don’t mind a little hike. Otherwise two metro stops up.  Price was around 30 euros for prix fixe. Menu on chalkboard, very original, a few supplements. Very small, nice proprietress, must make reservations. Raisa 2004

Dirigeable Restaurant

37, rue d’Alleray Paris (15^th)

01 45 32 01 54

Open: noon to 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Closed Sunday and Monday

My first notes on this restaurant were the date and the word “homemade!!”

Goffredo and Francesca suggested this hidden hideaway in a residential neighborhood. They frequent le Dirigeable and are never disappointed. Franck Arif is the chef and co-owner with Guy Jeu.

After our amuse bouche of cold pumpkin soup, I tried the choux farci au foie gras followed by the rouget barbet entier, légumes et bouillon relevé (fish stew). My dessert was the poire pochée gratiné beaujolais. The presentations were great, the food so tasty, and the old bistro atmosphere with its bench seats, mirrors, zinc counter was somehow transferred into the 21^st century. Worth a visit!

The à la carte menu for one with a bottle of wine (Arbois Poulsard Rubis, Domaine Fôret (Jura mountains) and a large bottle of water will run about 37 euros. (We shared the wine and the water between four of us.)

“Oh! Duo”

54, avenue Emile Zola, 75015 Paris, not far from the Novotel (old Nikko) hotel, Telephone: 01 45 77 28 82

Closed Saturday afternoon, Sunday and Monday night,

Metro: Charles Michels, The chef is Joël Valero,

Everything is fresh! It is a family-run restaurant. Colleen 2004

Le Troquet

21, rue François Bonvin 75015 Telephone:  01 45 66 89 83 Metro: Sèvres-Lecourbes or Volontaires 

This place was out of this world! Some of the best tasting food I have had in Paris in years. Very original, nouveau French style. Prices are 30 euros prix fixe, but they have an entire menu of supplements! I took the simple 30 euros menu, and it was beautiful. Reservations essential again. I recommend the last seating at 21:30-22:00 so you will not be rushed. Unless there is a