Restaurant for 50th birthday?

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

We have dined here twice and loved it http://pottoka.fr/pottoka-paris/. It is special, small, you need to reserve. Here is David Lebowitz’s take https://www.davidlebovitz.com/pottoka-basque-restaurant-paris-french-cuisine/. Happy Birthday!

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.

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?

I very much agree w Harold.

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

EDIT I just checked and it is closed for renovations.

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!

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.

I booked Le Train Bleu! Thanks everyone for the perspectives.

Another to check out while you're there:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Philou/@48.8722154,2.3662958,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xbf3f062f891b9d56!8m2!3d48.8722154!4d2.3662958

Not a fancy place but the food is great.

As for a place to stay, I love the Marais and felt somewhat isolated in Montmarte.