At the end of our upcoming trip, we’ll return to Paris for an afternoon and early evening before heading to an airport hotel for our early flight home the next day. I’ve left our itinerary open, so that if we don’t get everywhere I’m planning to visit at the start of the trip we can go there at the end (there will be 2 weeks between the start and end of our trip, and we won’t be visiting the major sights, so I should be able to plan our time and even get timed tickets, if necessary, in advance). Rather than stay late in the city or opt for a mediocre hotel dinner, I thought it would be nice to plan for a good lunch— maybe a fixed price 3 course lunch. I don’t know where we’ll be, but we’re arriving at St Lazare Station and I can pretty much guarantee wherever we head will be in arrondissement 1 through 6. If anyone has a favorite place, I’d love some suggestions. Thanks!
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
2027 posts
We had a lovely dinner at Le Train Bleu. They also do lunches. If it is on the menu, order the crepes suzette - you get a dazzling floor show right at your table!
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
2689 posts
One of my favorite places, right at the end of the Palace Royal Gardens, Bistro Vivianne.
Last time I had the mussels and they were very good.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
11850 posts
We’ve consistently had good food over the years at the Bistro Vivienne and recommend it. The menu changes seasonally.
OTOH, although the setting is spectacular at the Train Bleu, the food is so-so and service is fast to seat all the people at the door waiting for tables. It is not a relaxing meal despite the grand setting.
I enjoy Café Marly overlooking the Louvre Pyramid, but someone else recently wrote that they had a mediocre meal there.
Hopefully you’ll get more suggestions for comparison.
Posted by
Chicagoland
2374 posts
If the weather cooperates, consider booking a table on the terrace at Le Récamier in the 7th.
Adding another very good restaurant with a few sidewalk tables in the 7th for an upscale weekday lunch, Gemellus. They offer an outstanding 2 course lunch for €39, 3 courses for €55.
Posted by
Paris 16ème (Auteuil)
1599 posts
Grand Café Capucines right near the Opéra Garnier is my go-to. The service is usualy impeccable, the food is amazing, and the decor is sumpuous as well.
Posted by
SoCal and Bordeaux
2421 posts
I highly recommend looking at the YouTube videos on the channel Paris Top Tips. The native Parisian responsible for the videos does outstanding restaurant reviews. They're very enjoyable even for those not planning to visit Paris. I will say I was thrilled to see his excellent reviews of Au Petit Riche in the 9th (a classic bistro) and Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond in the 1st, both of which I really enjoyed. The latter was tasty and almost ridiculously cheap; the former was more elegant but absolutely delicious and reasonably priced for what I got.