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Restaurant for 50th birthday?

Hello!
I woke up Monday and decided to spend my 50th birthday (late October) in Paris. So, I booked it! Totally impulsive, never done that before.

It’s my husband and I, our first time to Paris. At this point I have a room booked in Marais, and a room in Montmartre (both RS rx) — will cancel one when I decide. I’m torn between those neighborhoods!

I love small, vintage / classic, beautiful food in an intimate setting. I want somewhere really special for my 50th birthday meal. It’s a Saturday night. Not a fit for me: modern bright hip settings. I’m happy to pay $$$ for good food — but I want the full on time traveler Paris-of-old experience.

Any advice for a restaurant?

Thank you!!

Posted by
84 posts

I haven’t been (yet), but Le Train Bleu looks like a gorgeous place worthy of a special occasion.

Posted by
11294 posts

The Marais is much more central location than Montmartre, with much easier access to sights and attractions, so I'd definitely cancel the Montmartre hotel.

Posted by
5 posts

Hi Harold. Yes I gather that, Montmartre seems more my speed and I had some specific recommendations from friends. Did you have a restaurant to recommend in Marais?

Posted by
9404 posts

I very much agree w Harold.

I recommend Café Constant, on Rue Saint-Dominique, in the Eiffel Tower area.

Posted by
2030 posts

I definitely recommend you go Cafe Constant, which is very good, but if you want a more special place - as you describe
I think L'Ami Jean would be perfect -- a small, vintage restaurant at 27 rue Malar, 7th.
Open kitchen with amazing chef. Great food and ambiance. Make reservations soon!

Posted by
8293 posts

Also, have a look at La Fermette Marbeuf, on a street (rue Marbeuf, I think) just off the Champs Elysees.

Posted by
2030 posts

Yes, Andrew -- if $ no object that would be my choice too!

Posted by
10178 posts

I personally would stay in the Marais instead of Montmartre. It's much more central and since it's your first trip you will likely spend more time in central Paris.

We went to Paris for my 60th birthday 2 years ago this November. For my birthday dinner we went Le Ciel du Paris, located at the top of the Montparnasse Tower. The view was spectacular. It was nice to dine will looking at the Eiffel Tower lit up. It's definitely a special occasion restaurant, without being ghastly expensive.

I also recommend Cafe Constant. My husband's birthday is 5 days after mine. We went there for his birthday.

Posted by
5 posts

Norma! La Fermette Marbeuf Is permanently closed it appears. I’m disappointed it looks perfect.

Posted by
8293 posts

Awww .... it was such a beautiful restaurant. I wonder why.

EDIT I just checked and it is closed for renovations.

Posted by
5 posts

I later saw that too but then also read elsewhere it was closed permanently. So...I don’t know? . I’m bummed that looks like exactly what I had in mind. Thank you, if you have any other thoughts let me know!

Posted by
8293 posts

Maybe Le Train Bleu at Gare de Lyon? I haven’t been there (yet) but it is beautiful and has a good reputation. Been there for years and years.

Apparently la Fermette Marbeuf has been taken over by a “conglomerate” with the charming name of Beefbar. Nothing more need be said.