My wife and I will be in Paris for Christmas, and would like to celebrate by going to lunch or dinner at a decent French restaurant. I understand that a lot of restaurants will be closed that day, and that others, although open, will have a special (and usually very expensive) menu. We are looking for a not expensive restaurant. It does not have to be fancy, just have good food. I would consider something in the range of 30 euros per person (without wine) to be a reasonable price. We would prefer to eat in the 15th arrondissement, but if the strike is over by then, it could be anywhere in Paris. Thanks. for any suggestions. Peter
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3990 posts
I am sorry but I do not know any restaurants that are open on Christmas that serve dinner in the range of 30€ per person except for Chez Jenny which is over in the northern part of the 3rd arrondissement and so is an option if the strike is over. If the budget is very flexible, you could try La Coupole in the 14th, which depending on where you are in the 15th might be within walking distance but the meal will not be in the 30€ range (more like double that or even more). I have found that hotel restaurants tend to be open on holidays so you might see if there is a restaurant in your hotel of if you are not staying in a hotel see if there is one near you with a restaurant in it. This https://en.parisinfo.com/discovering-paris/major-events/christmas-in-paris/where-to-dine/restaurants-in-which-to-celebrate-christmas-and-new-years-eve might be helpful though I fear most might be way over budget.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
I see that Au Petit Tonneau is open and taking online reservations for Christmas Lunch onbb by their “simple menu”
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10627 posts
You definitely have to reserve now to find a place with space.
However, the 24th and 25th are when special celebratory fixed-price meals are served and they won't be 30€, but it will be an unforgettable experience.
Try La Fourchette for finding a place that's open and available. Paris by Mouth may have listings, too.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10627 posts
Tim’s restaurant, Au Petit Tonneau, is 95 for Christmas Day, either noon or evening and 160 for New Year’s Eve. Tax, tip included, drinks extra. The table is yours for the whole service. This way of celebrating is truly traditional, and although more than you imagined, you would really see how French people celebrate. Remember that the French holiday meal is a registered UNESCO treasure. https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/gastronomic-meal-of-the-french-00437
Bonne fête.