We'll be celebrating a 65th birthday in Paris in June and will want to have a special dinner. Can anyone recommend a restaurant and what is the dress code for other than cafes.
Posted by
OP
Grand Rapids, MI, U.S.A.
7 posts
We're staying in District 2. I'd say we'd like to stay in the $30/35 price range for dinner. Drinks extra.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
I ate lunch at a 3-star restaurant last September (Le Grand Vefour). Pretty much the top of the line. Men wore coat and ties, women in nice dresses or pantsuits. Was an older, conservative crowd to be sure, with lots of disposable cash! Worth it though. I'd guess people would dress even nicer for dinner. If you are going to a place of this caliber you can't look too good. For a more second tier place, I would still dress as nicely as you can with a travel wardrobe.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
251 posts
Do you mean $$30 or 30 Euros. You are going to find a hard time finding a "nice" restaurant in the $30 range. At the 30-50 Euro range (I am assuming that you are speaking of the "menu" price) this is still pretty casual dining in France. (For mid-aged French people)Jeans especically on men are more than acceptable paired with nice shirt, sweater. Same goes for women (women don't wear jeans as often in Paris). Sweatshirts and "camp" style clothing will make you stand out, but by no means will you be turned away.
Just becuase it is causual doesn't mean that it is poor quality. One of the great things about Europe/Paris is the ability to find good food at reasonable prices. However if you judge a "special" meal by atmosphere and linen on the table (as a chef I don't consider it necessary) then you would need to start budgeting around 50-70 E person/menu.
Personally I would avoid restaurants in the E30 range in the 2nd, many will be geared for tourists and care only about giving the impression that you are having a "Parisian" experience.
I never go with a pre-determined idea of a restaurant. I always walk around. Look for menus with NO English in the menu, and written on chalboard. Those are always good signs. They can usually handle a large group with a 24hr notice, and try to avoid Fri/Sat nights.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
Kent -- it was fabulous, very expensive, but I was totally stuffed and could not eat another bite when I left -- they just kept coming around with silver platters full of chocolates at the end. Fabulous service, very friendly. I was not intimidated at all. BUT, despite all of this, I believe Le Grand Vefour has lost a star in the latest Michelin guide and is now down to 2..... alas
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
Right Kent, it still had the 3-stars when I ate there. I feel blessed. Wonder if they have lowered their prices to reflect their lowly 2-star status.. :)
Posted by
Pearland, TX, USA
852 posts