Birthday Dinner in Paris for wife

Wish I could actually give you an answer. We are spending New Years Eve in Paris and want to go out to dinner, but not your 500.00 EURO a piece for the night dinner, so I was going to get something together from our Hotel as soon as we get there. In the past the Hotels have been great to head you in the right direction.

For very good food at a reasonable price, I can recommend Cafe Constant in that neighborhood. It is a very small place and tables are very close together so if you are looking for a place with some privacy this might not be the best choice. They don't take reservations, so you need to get there close to opening time at 7pm. NPR did a story on their chef a few years ago.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114250336 Two good websites for finding restaurants are: 1) parisbymouth.com 2) davidlebovitz.com - He's an American food writer living in Paris who has lots of restaurant reviews.

I second Laura's recommendation of Cafe Constant. My daughter and I had a wonderful meal there this past summer. She is correct about the tables being close together and getting there early. We got there about 6:30 and had a glass of wine at the bar and by 7:00 there was a line out the door but they seemed to fit everyone in. It was a very enjoyable evening with good food and friendly people to talk to at all the tables around you while you are waiting.

Yes, the Cafe Constant is great, but is very popular and crowded at peak times. I go there for lunch early or around 2pm on a weekday. Otherwise for dinner you may want to consider Fontaine du Mars, just down the street, on rue St. Dominique (make reservations) It's a charming-looking place that I have seen, but have not eaten at, however President and Mrs. Obama have, so it probably is OK! Check their reviews on Tripadvisor, and they have a website.

Thanks so much for your recommendations so far. This is our third time to be in Paris together. We usually just stop at a bistro for meals.

Another vote for Fontaine du Mars - it was one of our favorite dinners the whole week we were in Paris. Charming atmosphere, wonderful food, attentive service. Bon apetit!

Tim, My best friend took me out to dinner for my 50th b-day at a place recommended by M. Eber, the proprietor of Hotel Eber-Mars (near the end of the park farthest from the Eiffel Tower). The place (l'ami Jean) is Basque, and the food is pretty amazing. I's a 10-minute stroll from the Eiffel. You need a reservation(at least you did in 2010), and do not miss the rice pudding for dessert! Hotel Eber Mars http://www.hotelebermars.com
l'ami Jean http://www.lamijean.fr/1.aspx Bonne chance! Dave

For a birthday dinner you might consider Violon Ingres located near Cafe Constant. CC takes no reservations and the wait is long at peak time.

Tim; I have the perfect place that is close to your hotel if you are staying near the Eiffel Tower. It is called Lami Jean and would require a reservation asap. Here is the link.. www.lamijean.fr Thanks,
TJF

I would also agree with Fontaine du Mars. Try to make reservations, though. Either through your hotel or by stopping by the day before.

I would second the nomination of Violin d'Ingres. It has lovely decor, is a good setting for a birthday, and the food was quite good.