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Paris Restaurant Recommendation for Romance

post #1 of 28
1/8/10 at 4:49pm
Thread Starter 
I'm planning a trip to Paris in the Spring, my first time there as an adult. I want to get a sense of the restuarant scene there. I've read this thread with great interest, but my requirements differ a bit. This is just for me and my wife, and I'd like to splurge on high-caliber foodie restaurant that is also romantic. If I were able to describe an ideal spot, it would be Michelin rated, serving classical and modern French cuisine, a seasonal menu, in a historic building.

Couple of general questions while I have your ear. First, a dumb question regarding budget. How much can I expect to cost at a 2 or 3 star Michelin restaruant in Paris? Are prices comparable to similarly rated restaurants in California? We would likely be doing the chef's tasting menu.

Second dumb question, will they likely speak English?

Third question, is dining more formal there? Would I need to pack a suit and tie?

Fourth, how difficult is it to get a reservation? How far in advance can I book? Best method? Best time? In LA, I usually reserve for 8:00, but understand that they usually eat later across the pond.

If you have any suggestions as far as other things to do at night, I would appreciate those as well. We're too old to go clubbing, but would be open to seeing a show or the symphony or the opera or something like that.
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post #2 of 28
1/9/10 at 2:12am
More expensive, they will speak English, a bit more formal, not hard to get a reservation. Just call.
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post #3 of 28
1/9/10 at 2:19am
When I asked my wife to marry me in Paris, we went to Tour D'Argent.. and it was bar none one of the most incredible gastronomical experiences I have had. The view over the Seine with Notre Dame, the sparkling of the Eiffel Tower in the background.. and the most attentive service I have experienced. I mean they were almost psychic. I had a cigarette barely out of the pack after dinner when a tuxedo clad Maitre'D ran over with a sterling silver matchbox and lit it for me. Suit and tie is definitely a must, and not just any, bring the best. I booked my reservations 3 months in advance, but only because I wanted to ask her to marry me that day. I dont see how any concierge in a top hotel would not be able to wrangle you a reservation on short (er) notice. We had maybe 4 glasses of champagne, 4 cocktails, 2 appetizers, the signature duck, and a dessert each and it was about $925 USD out the door. Going back to Paris in a few weeks, and budget withstanding, I hope to go back. You wont be dissapointed. You will be broke though.
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post #4 of 28
1/9/10 at 3:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Renault78law View Post
I'm planning a trip to Paris in the Spring, my first time there as an adult. I want to get a sense of the restuarant scene there. I've read this thread with great interest, but my requirements differ a bit. This is just for me and my wife, and I'd like to splurge on high-caliber foodie restaurant that is also romantic. If I were able to describe an ideal spot, it would be Michelin rated, serving classical and modern French cuisine, a seasonal menu, in a historic building.

Couple of general questions while I have your ear. First, a dumb question regarding budget. How much can I expect to cost at a 2 or 3 star Michelin restaruant in Paris? Are prices comparable to similarly rated restaurants in California? We would likely be doing the chef's tasting menu.

Second dumb question, will they likely speak English?

Third question, is dining more formal there? Would I need to pack a suit and tie?

Fourth, how difficult is it to get a reservation? How far in advance can I book? Best method? Best time? In LA, I usually reserve for 8:00, but understand that they usually eat later across the pond.

If you have any suggestions as far as other things to do at night, I would appreciate those as well. We're too old to go clubbing, but would be open to seeing a show or the symphony or the opera or something like that.

1. You pretty much described Ledoyen.
2. Tasting menus run from about 200 E to 310 E (Arpege/Savoy).
3. Yes, at most places, definitely at 2/3*s.
4. Jacket/tie is fine if you don't want to bring a suit.
5. Depends on restaurant. Some have good website booking (Gagnaire/Arpege/Savoy), others have basically no web-presence and you'll have to call. I've also just stopped by the restaurant the day before, but this is riskier if you want fixed plans.
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post #5 of 28
1/9/10 at 3:42am
In Paris you have so many incredible options. Savoy and L'Atelier are fantastic options. I might avoid Gagnaire despite the popularity and esteem in which he is held. Great food but not exactly a romantic type of place. In my opinion, Ducasse's operation in Monte Carlo at the Hotel Paris is the most 'romantic' restaurant I can think of, and offers a level of service and environment that from a classic stand point is extremely difficult to beat. In fact, I'd go out on a limb and say that it's the most splendid dining room in the world. I know it's not in Paris though, so this is kind of irrelevant to you.
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post #6 of 28
1/11/10 at 1:19am
Quote:
Savoy and L'Atelier are fantastic options.

I might avoid these just b/c you can eat at their American outposts (which will be different, sure...)...anyways try something you can't get over here

Quote:
First, a dumb question regarding budget. How much can I expect to cost at a 2 or 3 star Michelin restaruant in Paris? Are prices comparable to similarly rated restaurants in California? We would likely be doing the chef's tasting menu.

even if the dollar and Euro were at par, Paris would be more expensive - much more really - than say SF or LA. more than NYC as well. but of course, the currencies aren't at par

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Second dumb question, will they likely speak English?

yes

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Third question, is dining more formal there? Would I need to pack a suit and tie?

in many places jackets are required. I wouldn't wear a suit and tie, but maybe suit wo a tie. but thats me.
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post #7 of 28
1/11/10 at 1:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by makewayhomer View Post
I might avoid these just b/c you can eat at their American outposts (which will be different, sure...)...anyways try something you can't get over here


You cannot get that over here.
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post #8 of 28
1/11/10 at 1:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SField View Post
You cannot get that over here.

well, Savoy in Vegas is 2*'s and his name on it. it's probably nearly as "Savoy" as any of his other places these days.

and Rubuchon has 3*'s, ditto the above for the rest of it

the cuisine will be different of course but the similarities also plenty.

I ate at Latelier in Vegas and in London and it was very similar
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post #9 of 28
1/11/10 at 1:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by makewayhomer View Post
well, Savoy in Vegas is 2*'s and his name on it. it's probably nearly as "Savoy" as any of his other places these days.

and Rubuchon has 3*'s, ditto the above for the rest of it

the cuisine will be different of course but the similarities also plenty.

I ate at Latelier in Vegas and in London and it was very similar

I worked at L'Atelier in Paris. There is nothing like it elsewhere, sorry.
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post #10 of 28
1/11/10 at 1:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SField View Post
I worked at L'Atelier in Paris. There is nothing like it elsewhere, sorry.

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post #11 of 28
1/11/10 at 1:36am
Guy Savoy is wonderful.

Suit.

We reserved a month prior.
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post #12 of 28
1/11/10 at 1:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SField View Post
I worked at L'Atelier in Paris. There is nothing like it elsewhere, sorry.
I have to agree. L'Atelier, Paris is Joel's best effort. There are more romantic places, but this is a wonderful choice overall. Do think about giving it a try.
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post #13 of 28
1/11/10 at 1:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mccvi View Post
I have to agree. L'Atelier, Paris is Joel's best effort. There are more romantic places, but this is a wonderful choice for the food. Do think about giving it a try.

It's the crown jewel restaurant of the chef who has been named the best chef of the last century. I haven't seen the same level from the other efforts in NYC, Vegas etc...
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post #14 of 28
1/11/10 at 1:52am
I think it would be good if you defined what you mean by romantic. Many people have different expectations when it comes to that: service, view, atmosfere, and so on. I was a few years ago at one of my favorite restaurants in Paris and we had a wonderful time, and there was an American couple ther that seemed miserable for a variety of reasons. I find the restaurant charming and romantic, but the service is what many americans would call snooty in the most polite and rwspectale ways, very french. So just know what you are getting into.
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post #15 of 28
1/11/10 at 1:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by moosy View Post
I think it would be good if you defined what you mean by romantic. Many people have different expectations when it comes to that: service, view, atmosfere, and so on.

I was a few years ago at one of my favorite restaurants in Paris and we had a wonderful time, and there was an American couple ther that seemed miserable for a variety of reasons. I find the restaurant charming and romantic, but the service is what many americans would call snooty in the most polite and rwspectale ways, very french. So just know what you are getting into.

What about french service is snooty? In most great restaurants, they'll basically not even talk to you unless you want them to. Them having a Parisian accent doesn't automatically make whatever they are telling you "snooty". 3 Star michelin service is all about making the customer feel important, and also staying out of their way. I find it romantic to be left the fuck alone. Great french servers are excellent at sensing what a diner wants. Whether they want components explained, or if they really want to be left alone to enjoy the experience. I don't think 3 star level service in the US is any better or less "snooty" than what you'd find in Paris.
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