Restaurant reservations in Paris?

IMO, Paris deserves at least one night where you plan a special meal in advance, and make a reservation. You can review the recommended restaurants in the RS guidebook and pick one that draws you, or you could consult with the hotel for recommendations when you arrive. Spur of the moment dining can be fun, but some of my most memorable meals have been when the guidebook or a local suggests a place that has amazing food, location, decor, etc that I end up loving.

Yes you need reservations in Paris. You can walk past a restaurant at 6:30 that is empty, go in, then be told that without a reservation there is no table for you.

Definitely walk to Cafe Varenne for dinner. Maison Chomel (we weren't on a tour) told us we didn't need a reservation, but I highly suggest it. The restaurant was busy with locals (at least fluent French speakers!) and a very kind owner who accommodated us without having made a reservation. The food was delicious! Felt like a wonderful local neighborhood restaurant.

It's a great neighborhood! There's a little park around the corner. We were there right before the Olympics. A few weeks later, during the Olympics, The Today Show team was on tv picnicking there with Ina Garten; because it's her neighborhood.

Thank you for the info!

Goodness, the name of this hotel seems to be constantly changing. On rue Chomel, one of my favorite restaurants in this area is Les Botanistes, almost next door. Highly recommended, and as with all restaurants worthy of your hard earned euros, make a reservation.

Often for small local places you can make a reservation at noon for that evening or a day or two ahead but if you don't they can easily be booked out. Fancier or better known places may need a few days or more.

I second Les Botanistes. It's almost always my go-to splurge dinner in Paris. It's a very small place so reservations are a must.
Enjoy wherever you decide to go.

Merci for all the helpful suggestions! Looking forward to our first time in Paris.