Romantic Restaurants in Paris (HELP me please)

We're in the 5eme.

150EURO is pushing it a tad, but we're both foodies and we live to explore food.

Here's what i'm planning on doing...

This weekend she'll be getting Vueve de Clicquote Le Grand Dame.. and a few small things to drop some hints..
Flowers will await at the hotel - I'm going to try and find something really pretty and unique that we can enjoy for the 4 days we're there and toss when we leave.

I'd love to go out for a drink before dinner (Hemmingway Bar?, Ritz Hotel bar(s), etc.) then go to dinner and have a bottle of wine, then to the Eiffel Tower at night, one last time since we'll be leaving the next day.

You're a romantic fellow! Will be a pleasure to assist. First off, even one drink each at the bar at the Ritz will really eat into your 150E. 5 years ago was the last time I did that, two drinks were 50E then. If you go for it, be dressed the way you said you would for the Ritz (but you don't need a tie if you have a decent shirt and jacket, you could have the tie in your jacket pocket just in case), and make it clear to the security guys at the Ritz entrance that you're paying customers and want to go to the bar--they'll be glad to direct you there but they're usually vigilant about not letting any people who appear to just want to walk around and gawk.Back to you in a few minutes with some 5th restaurant picks. Are you sleeping nearer the river side of the 5th or farther south in the 5th?

Kent,
The suggestion of going to the Ritz was a suggestion of my mother - she went with some friends this Feb. and shared a bottle of wine, while it was pricey they split it among 3 people so I don't think she factored it in. I noticed at one of the bars it was 23E for a cocktail. That might be a little out of my price range.

Regardless, I'd love to go somewhere very cool for a drink before dinner, it doesn't even have to be very nice but something nice and enjoyable.

I'd love to find a place that's nice, but not to the point where most menu's are 100,120, and 60 EURO and we have to get the 60EURO menu because thats all I can afford - I'd like to be comfortable. We would feel uncomfortable if its too nice, plus my girlfriend told me she does not plan on taking a very nice dress, but a cocktail dress or something that she can 'dress up' as she says.

I can order in French, i've taken French in college for a few years. I'm a little iffy so I could use a little assistance. I've ordered in French before and it went well, but never in fine dining - not really sure how that will different than in a cafe in Quebec.

I also meant to mention this..

Id' like this to be a place that's going to be crowded, and a reservation required type place. I don't mean that in a snotty way, but I want it to be special - not something that a couple would decide on going to for dinner. White table clothes, wine glasses on the table. To make a comparison...i'd like it to be like going to Cintrolle in D.C. or Jean-Georges or Babbo in NYC or Peninsula Grill in Charleston, SC - all of which are 'special' places that are always full, always elegant, very nice and formal, and impeccable service.

^^Kent I saw this restaurant and when I saw Guy Savoy's name I became very interested. Its definitely in our price range but it does not offer a pre-fixe menu that I could find. It looks very interesting.

I'm wondering if the menu that is on the website is an abbreviated version - while it looks great, it does not look to be my personal favorite menu wise.

I haven't seen the Albert menu but my expectation is that the Albert menu is more contemporary, whereas Fabrice is traditional--although both are classified as "traditional" by Michelin.

In a PM I learned JB is a restaurant professional and for that reason I changed my recommendation to him to consider 3 Michelin one-star restaurants in the 6th and 7th that are within his price range. There are only 9 restaurants in Paris with the top Michelin rating of 3 stars, 15 more with 2 stars, and 38 with one star. All other restaurants in Paris have no stars, although many of these non-starred restaurants are good and recommended by Michelin. But with JB being a restaurant professional, we're looking for a one-star in his price range of 60E per person for dinner.

haha, Kent you're too much. And I must correct you - I am not a 'chef' by training, i'm simply a cook. I must make that clear, some take offense to calling oneself a chef when they have not completed the needed coursework and certification.

(I must say I looked into the Cordon Bleu in Paris and its 7k EURO!!!! for a summer program....woah)

Thanks for the tips Kent, I think i'm on the right track - a lot of these restaurants look more than appealing - if only I had about 500EURO then things would get very interesting.

http://troi.cc.rochester.edu/~tdip/tomsguidetoparis.htm

Hi JB,
... copy and paste the above link into your Internet search box, then touch ENTER! Next, click on the EATING icon of the Guide web page... (and find culinary marvels)... bon appétit, JB... P

Thanks for all of the tips. I've still got a little work to do, mainly because i've ran into a brick wall: A large number of these restaurants are shut down during the time i'll be there - August 12th - August 16th.

ViaMichelin has helped tons, still got some looking to do - I haven't found that one that really tickles my fancy, although they all look delicious.

JB has asked about the cost of a typical Michelin two star restaurants, of which there are a total of 15 in Paris along with 9 three stars--in Michelin's opinion these are the 24 best restaurants in Paris. 8 of the 15 2 stars are in the 8th arr. Senderens is one of these, a la carte ordering for 70 to 90E per person, but closed during August--many of the best Paris restaurants close during most of August while French people take their long vacations.

JB,

Kent has given us all some great advice (and a terrific website)...but as you noted, many of the rated restaurants will be closed during your visit...I suggest as an alternative, you pick out a nice place based on your walking around in the 5th...there are tons of Bistro's within walking distances...pick a nice one and with the help of your Hotel make reservations. I'll bet you won't be disappointed...

Bill,
Thats most definitely an idea. We will be traveling to Epernay after Paris and if I could set up a dinner at a vineyard she would love that. We'll be in Nice the last week in August so it's also a thought to do something there as well. I just saw Paris as the 'romance' city and figured a memorable meal would most be remembered in Paris.

JB...believe it or not, you will have several memorable meals in Paris..and throughout France...just be observant and ask questions of the locals...they are often very willing to help you locate the perfect spot. Our two most memorable meals in France on our last trip....Restaurant Pic in Valance(3 stars...Sophie Pic is the only female 3 star chef in the entire Michelin universe)...and restaurant Fleur de Thym, an unrated quaint cafe (with tablecloths) in the town of Cassis...

We were in Paris in May and enjoyed Le Pamphlet and Les Bouquinistes and these would fit your cost requirements.