Our family of two adults and 14 year old girl and 9 year old boy will be in Paris for a week. Most of the time we will eat as economically as possible. We can also cook in our apartment. However, it would be fun to have one nice meal. I don't have unlimited money for this.. but is there a fancy seeming place that would not be too expensive and would have good french food? If not, we will stick to the high value suggestions in the book. I did see a singular suggestion on the traveler's tips for Le Train Bleu... which has a 49 Euro meal including wine.. and a kids menu. Not sure if this is considered good.. or a decent price. Any thoughts?
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
Check out le Grand Colbert or Bullion Racine - they have websites.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Le Guide Michelin has been rating Paris restaurants for a hundred years and is considered authoritative by the French. An English version of The Guide is now available online here
Le Guide Michelin, Big Red Online. The Michelin category that would be perfect for you is called the Bib Gourmands restaurants: moderately priced and the food has been rated by experts.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Check out the website for La Fermette Marbeuf on rue Marbeuf, just off the Champs Elysée. We have a reservation for lunch there in May for my birthday. It looks beautiful and the menu is interesting and not too expensive, though much more than we normally pay, but, hey, it's a birthday.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
And besides, Norma...you're not paying, I hope! I've passed by there a couple of times, but my Scots blood always gets the better of me. Please post a review when you get back...I may break the piggy bank!
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Yes, I know, Norm, my blood is Scottish, too, so it better be a really good lunch. The thing is, we had booked a hotel and then found another (thanks to this board) which afforded us a saving of 80 euro over 4 nights, so that goes a long way toward paying for the birthday lunch. I definitely will report back.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
But Tom always says to ask us!
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA
3 posts
Thank you all for the great ideas. I really appreciate it.
Posted by
la frette sur seine
448 posts
Just looking in my french guide book re: Le Train Bleu..it says the decor might outshine the decor, but since i've never eaten there i can't verify. We've been a couple of times to Le Grand Colbert and even my french mother in law likes it!!...though avoid the sunday menu, they charge extra.....Our favorite not classy place is Chartier...where tourists and "real" French people eat well and basic. Look at the ceiling..and don't try to steal the paper menu..I was scolded by a waiter and my French husband did not defend me..............Another favorite though also not "fancy" is Le Café du Commerce..a bit out of the way in the 15e, but i love their three level interior. We haven't been there for awhile, but every night they serve a repas famille, also sat and sunday lunch, for 19,50...traditional bourguignon and blanquette...I read restaurant (and movie) reviews all the time...and sometimes i actually eat (and see)
Posted by
la frette sur seine
448 posts
and not being well trained in "fix the typing error"...that should be...the decor outshines the food..
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Regina, so glad to learn of the Café du Commerce. It's very close to the hotel we usually stay at on rue Emile-Zola.