From bistro to big splurge...
Chez Andre:
This time-honored French bistro is a must-eat in the �Golden Triangle� between the Champs-Elys�es and the Seine. It offers equal parts great food, great service and great ambience. Don�t expect white-gloved formalities here: a bistro is a fancy-sounding word for a small restaurant or bar, its patrons often sandwiched in close together. In warm weather, patrons flock to the outdoor tables. Opened in 1936,Chez Andre offers the French classics, from frogs� legs to bouillabaisse, but is perhaps best known for its fresh shellfish, prettily displayed on a bed of ice in its outside windows to entice passers-by. The bistro occasionally serves VIPs staying at one of the nearby four-star hotels, Four Seasons and Plaza Athen�e. Entrees start at $15; reservations recommended. Address: 12 Rue Marbeuf
L�Avenue:
Also in the Golden Triangle, this upscale restaurant is a great place to tap into the up-to-the-minute fashion trends: its patrons frequently include couturiers, models and �ladies who lunch� � even the waitresses look like they belong on the runway. Why that particular clientele? L'Avenue is located smack in the heart of the designer houses and high-end shopping area: Dior, Chanel, Prada, etc. If you�re lucky, you may even get a view of the Eiffel Tower from your table. The cuisine is a mix of traditional French food and Asian fusion; expect to pay up to 70 euros per person for entr�e, appetizer and wine. Address: 41 Avenue Montaigne
Submitted by: Ning Estrella Bond. Website: www.wellarrangedtravel.com
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From a lovely terrace to a jazz background...
Le Moulin de la Galette:
Atop the Buttes Montmartre, amid the hustle and bustle of the charming streets, lies a quite little oasis, tucked underneath one of the two remaining windmills in Paris, the Moulin Radet. Le Moulin de la Galette offers non-stop service and is open everyday, which is not always the norm for Paris. They serve lunch and dinner, both à la carte or from a prix-fixe menu. But the real treasure here is tucked in the back of the restaurant. Beneath the mill is a beautiful, shady terrace, which is the perfect setting for lunch, dinner or a little romance. Address: 83 rue Lepic.
Le Pres Verre:
In the heart of the Latin Quarter you'll find a fabulous bistro called Le Pr� Verre . Here you'll enjoy delicious modern, creative French food at bargain prices. Inside, jazz and conversation fills the air. Outdoor seating spills onto the sidewalk where you can catch a glimpse of Parisian life. Their lunch formule for only � 13.50, which includes a starter, a main course, wine and coffee, is highway robbery considering the quality of food and prime location. Address: 8 rue Th�nard.
Submitted by: Robin Locker Lacey Website: http://mymelange.net
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Some favorites in Montmartre...
L�Ete en Pente Douce:
Montmartre can guarantee a generous serving not only of atmosphere but also of choices for value-for-money eating venues. To a solo woman traveller or even to a group of girlfriends, I would recommend the well-known restaurant L�Ete en Pente Douce, discreet, offering French fare and a great view of the famous stairways of Montmartre. Plus, it�s right beside the location where scenes of the movie �French Kiss� with Meg Ryan and the remake of �Sabrina� with Harrison Ford were shot. Besides their regular menu L'Ete en Pente Douce serves interesting vegetarian dishes. Its sister restaurant, La Fourmi Ailee (The Winged Ant) is one of the most well known vegetarian restaurants in Paris. Address: 23, rue Muller.
Le Relais Gascon:
Another suggestion, this time offering Southern French cuisine is Le Relais Gascon, a bit further down the hill of Montmartre (the last Parisian village). Its popularity among locals and tourists alike may give it a raucous image but it�s a place that has always proved a winner, particularly to budget travelers. At this restaurant the warm salads are the winners and come in several variations, all served topped with garlicky freshly fried chip potatoes.Their lunch menu is the best value (only Mon-Fri.). Address: 6 Rue des Abesses
Submitted by Michael and Marlys Schuermann. Website: http://parismoviewalks.co.uk/
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Steak and Fries ...
Since I was a little girl, we have been going to this amazingly delicious place. I remember that the owner was always there with the same dress, same hairdo (no kidding!). My mom said she went to that restaurant as a young girl and that woman has not changed at all. There is always a big line up. It's real name is Le Relais de Venise. However, most Parisians gave it the name of L'Entrecôte and refer to it as such. Founded by Paul Gineste de Saurs and now run by one of his daughters, the restaurant is also widely known as L'Entrecôte Porte-Maillot.
When you come in, no need to choose. After sitting down, the waitress will ask you: Saignant (rare)? Bien cuit (well done)?, as here the menu is always and has always been the same. Steak thinly sliced in an amazing sauce and served with delicate fries. Desserts are a dream -- all of them, and you get the chance to choose. Le Relais de Venise doesn't take reservations. It's located at 271, boulevard Pereire, right at the Porte Maillot.
Submitted by Veronique, Paris France
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