France - Looking for Memorable Paris Dinner for <100 Euro

Help, please!

My friends are going to Paris for their 10th anniversary next week. His father called me this evening and asked for help in arranging an anniversary dinner for my friends in Paris. The father doesn't want to pay more than 100 Euro, and wants to arrange everything from his home in St. Louis and have it be a surprise gift. He did this fifty-something years ago for his parents and they loved it.

Please pass on whatever restaurant recommendations you have for a romantic anniversary dinner. Thank you in advance for your help.

Do you mean E100 per person? Is this with wine or even champagne? What kind of food do they prefer? What kind of ambiance do they consider romantic? Do they want music (rare in Paris for dinner)? Do they want a view? Should it be modern or classic? You need to provide more info to get successful recommendations, otherwise it's just willy-nilly.

One general recommendation is to check the Guide Michelin and look at the Bib Gourmet, the little Michelin man, recommendations. Those might fit.

Two people without wine with a prix fixe menu in a decent restaurant should come in around 100 Euro for both together. If you want to add wine and go a la carte you should plan 100 per person.

On the super classic side you have Le Procope and Laperouse.

On the Grande Brasserie side my favourite is the Grand Colbert which is directly by two theaters. So you could combine a play and dinner. The setting is spectacular, the food very good and the prices are not too outrageous. The Train Bleu at Gare de Lyon is in the same category with somewhat better food and also a bit higher prices as well as an even more spectacular setting;
http://www.le-train-bleu.com/uk/navigation.htm


On the upscale bistro side you have La Guirlande de Julie at Place des Vosges and Chez Julien (Rue Pont Louis Philippe - http://www.flickr.com/photos/44548980@N00/522313808/ ). L'Orangerie on Ile St. Louis would also be in that category.

On the more modern side you have the Man Ray (St. Germain), Chez Georges (on top of the Centre Georges Pompidou guaranteed to be memorable) or also Maitre Albert (http://www.ateliermaitrealbert.com/). Another really special one is the Cafe Marly in the Louvre with view of the interior sculpture courtyard.

There are three restaurants notable for the view but you should count 100 Euro per person with no wine there. The Jules Verne on the Eiffel Tower naturally comes out on top. Then the Maison Blanche on top of the concert hall in Avenue Montaigne as second, and La Tour d'Argent (kind of tourist trappy) as third.

If they want to eat the best Italian food without going to Italy I recommend the Enoteca in the Marais. They might get by with E100 for two and a glass of wine each. But the thing is called Enoteca for a reason and having a single glass of wine would not be worthy of an anniversary event in that restaurant.

All of these places are quite famous and should be able to accommodate a reservation over the phone or by internet (not sure, better to call) done in English. However, if the total bill is not to exceed Euro 100, one should not expect any special effort on their side.

On the other hand, Paris is simply a very romantic place and you can walk into almost any restaurant in the Marais and have a romantic dinner without reservations. I am thinking for example of those at Rue Du Tresor in the Marais.

Till

I've read lots of reviews of Chez Georges that amount to:

Great view, mediocre food, indifferent service.

When considering a romantic view, there's also the interior of the restaurant to provide the view. A romantic exterior view is relatively rare in Paris, I think (the Tour d'Argent comes to mind, but not at the prices requested), but a couple of possibilities with the kind of interior that is so special it would easily satisfy hopes and expectations for a grand surprise and anniversary dinner include:

Fermette Marbeuf (http://www.fermettemarbeuf.com/en/index.html), where the price could well be under 100 euros for two. The food is perhaps not "exceptional" for Paris, but would impress most Americans as exceptional, and is certainly at least good enough not to cause anyone any embarrassment or regret (based on personal experience).

Le Train Bleu (http://www.le-train-bleu.com/uk/navigation.htm), where the price is likely to be closer to 100 euros each, but the interior is perhaps even more stunning, though less intimate, than Fermett Marbeuf. I have not partaken of LTB's fare, but do not recall especially positive nor especially negative comments among reviews I've read.

When I'm in Paris I tend to sacrifice ambience for a gifted and innovative chef at modest prices, so I could offer more recommendations in that vein. But if I were arranging a surprise anniversary dinner for someone else, and had the OP's budget limitation, I'd start with a grand interior to make the memorable impression and rely on the extremely high standards of Paris vs. the USA to at least not ruin the experience, and perhaps even complement it.

That said, others here are much more knowledgeable than I, so take my advice for what it's worth.

============
Oops, sorry, tfar. I just noticed that you had already mentioned Le Train Bleu. Oh well, then make my suggestion a second of tfar's.

Thank you so much for the information.

My friends will be in Paris for a ten days. They will be less concerned with the price of meals and will, no doubt, enjoy many nice restaurants. His father, though, really wants to do this and price is more of an issue for him, so I do appreciate the input and that the choices were price sensitive.

I've heard of Fermette Marbeuf. Looks nice. Will try that next time I'm there.

Chez Georges. The view is stunning. The interior is stunning as well. The food is actually quite good and I have fairly high standards. I've been there twice (but not in the last 2-3 years, so maybe they changed the chef). Now, the service is indeed a bit peculiar. The young men and women who work there are probably all taking on this job as a second job to their modeling careers. This is the most gorgeous staff outside of Singapore Airlines. So maybe for an anniversary dinner it would not be ideal because no man will be able to keep his eyes only on his wife with these creatures around. ;)

So they have their heads firmly stuck up their gorgeous behinds and treat anyone who is not high society with contempt (slightly exaggerated). The solution: If they are just mildly nice, reconfirm their niceness by being extremely friendly and jovial (still no shoulder clapping or hand shakes with the personnel). If they are snooty, you just ramp it up. Be really arrogant and very demanding and difficult. Put them in their place and show them you are in the higher position. Strangely, this will loosen them up.

Back to more agreeable things.

The Marbeuf tip reminded me of something that would be ideal.

There is a restaurant in the Quartier Latin called "Bouillon Racine". It is a Belgian restaurant with a an Art Nouveau interior that has been renovated for millions of dollars. It's gorgeous and is a historic monument in Paris. The food is very good. The service is very friendly and the prices will come in under 100Euro for two. Of course, in this fine Belgian flagship you want to try one of their many incredible Belgian beers. The waiter will tell you what goes best with your food.

Here is their website:
http://www.bouillon-racine.com/

You can see the menu and the prices, as well as the wonderful interior that makes you feel transported to the beginning of the 20th century. They also accept reservations online and have an English website.

Of all my recommendations this is probably the best one given the circumstances. Of course, the Quartier Lation is nice to stroll around and the restaurant is just minutes by foot from the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Till

Do you mean E100 per person? Is this with wine or even champagne? What kind of food do they prefer? What kind of ambiance do they consider romantic? Do they want music (rare in Paris for dinner)? Do they want a view? Should it be modern or classic? You need to provide more info to get successful recommendations, otherwise it's just willy-nilly.



Thank you so much for the information.

My friends will be in Paris for a ten days. They will be less concerned with the price of meals and will, no doubt, enjoy many nice restaurants. His father, though, really wants to do this and price is more of an issue for him, so I do appreciate the input and that the choices were price sensitive.

I think you still need to answer tfar's question, highlighted above. You did say that the dinner needs to be "memorable." I am not sure what ingredients you want to go into the making of this memory. If they are food, service and atmosphere then I think it's going to be tough to do at that price for two people.

Respectfully, if you posted this question in the New York City forum and asked for a memorable meal for two for less than $140 including wine, tax and tip, it would be tough for me to respond and New York, my home town, is generally acknowledged to be cheaper than Paris.

By the way, no matter what the answer to this question is, this would seem like an excellent job for the hotel concierge if Dad knows where they are staying. (You didn't mention if he can speak French or not.)

......

There is a restaurant in the Quartier Latin called "Bouillon Racine". It is a Belgian restaurant with a an Art Nouveau interior that has been renovated for millions of dollars. It's gorgeous and is a historic monument in Paris. The food is very good. The service is very friendly and the prices will come in under 100Euro for two. Of course, in this fine Belgian flagship you want to try one of their many incredible Belgian beers. The waiter will tell you what goes best with your food.

Here is their website:
http://www.bouillon-racine.com/

You can see the menu and the prices, as well as the wonderful interior that makes you feel transported to the beginning of the 20th century. They also accept reservations online and have an English website.

Of all my recommendations this is probably the best one given the circumstances. Of course, the Quartier Lation is nice to stroll around and the restaurant is just minutes by foot from the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Till

Thanks for the tip. I will spend a month in Paris later this year and will likely stay near the Latin Quarter. Will keep this restaurant in mind.

I checked out their website and noticed something that I have wondered about. They list a smoking/non-smoking choice. I thought smoking in restaurants was banned in 2008. Is the new law actually being followed? One of the reasons we enjoy Italy is the compliance with the non-smoking rule. We have not been to Paris for quite some time and the smoke in restaurants was an issue.

Thanks for the tip. I will spend a month in Paris later this year and will likely stay near the Latin Quarter. Will keep this restaurant in mind.

I checked out their website and noticed something that I have wondered about. They list a smoking/non-smoking choice. I thought smoking in restaurants was banned in 2008. Is the new law actually being followed? One of the reasons we enjoy Italy is the compliance with the non-smoking rule. We have not been to Paris for quite some time and the smoke in restaurants was an issue.

Let us know how you like it once you've been there. Make sure you try the chocolat or cafe liegeois. Kind of an iced coffee or chocolate beverage. To die for. This is the desert, of course.

I have no idea for the smoking thing. As long as they have separate sections it should be ok. But I don't know if even separate sections are still allowed. I was surprised myself to learn the Italians are obeying. I know in Germany the ban was met with much resistance not only from the restaurant and bar owners but also from the people. In Berlin bars the smoking thing is conveniently put under the carpet, so to say.

This particular restaurant is very lofty with high ceilings. Very well aerated. I never even noticed anyone smoking but that might be pure haphazard and I am not very sensitive. They also open the windows when the weather allows it. I like the upper dining room more because it gets more light.

As a bonus, I do have a classic French joke for you.

Two Americans come to Paris. They go to a restaurant and ask for a non-smoking table. The waiter takes away the ash tray and says:" Voila, table non-fumeur!" :D

Till

As a bonus, I do have a classic French joke for you.

Two Americans come to Paris. They go to a restaurant and ask for a non-smoking table. The waiter takes away the ash tray and says:" Voila, table non-fumeur!" :D

Till

While funny, your joke has more truth than fiction. Paris restaurants are notoriously cramped and tables are very close to one another. Prior to the law change, there was little separation between smoking and non-smoking at many places.

However, I'm pleased to report there is a high degree of compliance with the new law and about the worst smoke you'll run into now is where there are tables outside and smoke drifts in through open windows.

...recommendation by tfar. Check this (http://www.viamichelin.com)site. I actually created a little spreadsheet which showed that Bath's restaurant was the least expensive one with at least one Michelin star in Paris. I plan to eat there tomorrow, if it is not closed for the holiday, and will report.

...recommendation by tfar. Check this (http://www.viamichelin.com)site. I actually created a little spreadsheet which showed that Bath's restaurant was the least expensive one with at least one Michelin star in Paris. I plan to eat there tomorrow, if it is not closed for the holiday, and will report.

Let us know how you like it once you've been there. Make sure you try the chocolat or cafe liegeois. Kind of an iced coffee or chocolate beverage. To die for. This is the desert, of course.

I have no idea for the smoking thing. As long as they have separate sections it should be ok. But I don't know if even separate sections are still allowed. I was surprised myself to learn the Italians are obeying. I know in Germany the ban was met with much resistance not only from the restaurant and bar owners but also from the people. In Berlin bars the smoking thing is conveniently put under the carpet, so to say.

This particular restaurant is very lofty with high ceilings. Very well aerated. I never even noticed anyone smoking but that might be pure haphazard and I am not very sensitive. They also open the windows when the weather allows it. I like the upper dining room more because it gets more light.

As a bonus, I do have a classic French joke for you.

Two Americans come to Paris. They go to a restaurant and ask for a non-smoking table. The waiter takes away the ash tray and says:" Voila, table non-fumeur!" :D

Till

I am going in Nov/Dec but will keep an eye on this thread.

I asked an Italian colleague about the non-smoking compliance. His opinion was that after the law was introduced, most people found they enjoyed restaurants without smoke and peer-pressure prevalied. This, in the country where traffic rules are considered suggestions!

With regard to the classic joke: I have had the same thing actually happen, except the waiter spoke with a distinct North Carolina accent. ;)

While funny, your joke has more truth than fiction. Paris restaurants are notoriously cramped and tables are very close to one another. Prior to the law change, there was little separation between smoking and non-smoking at many places.

About 10 years ago, we went to a restaurant in Paris that had a non-smoking room. Compliance was very high, if not perfect. A young couple came in and were seated next to us, right under the no-smoking sign. The young man took out is cigarettes. Based on the fact that we noticed, his girlfried pointed the sign out to him. He grumbled something, then went to check for a table in the other room. Shortly, he came back, said they were full, lit a cigarette and quite purposefully blew the smoke in our direction from about 5 feet away. I resisted putting out his cigarette with the water in my glass. We paid the bill and left.

However, I'm pleased to report there is a high degree of compliance with the new law and about the worst smoke you'll run into now is where there are tables outside and smoke drifts in through open windows.

Glad to hear that. ^

Hi there,
There is a very nice restaurant opposite Odeon theatre (theatre de l'europe) near Luxembourg gardens, it is called La Mediterranée. It is mainly fish, very good and fresh, super desert and great wine list with wine from small properties. The decor is very nice, painted walls are listed and Jean Cocteau designed their logo when this place was the hypest in saint germain. It has a mixed crowd, from;locals in jeans to senators in full suit to tourists enjoying a nice meal. It is a formal but not so formal type of restaurant. Best to book especially if you want a table overlooking the place and the theatre.

Another memorable option in this price range would be:

Les Papilles on Rue Gay Lussac close to Luxembourgh Gardens.

http://www.lespapillesparis.fr/

Very small, but also very cute and quite unique. It is also a retail wine shop, so you get to wander about and select your wine - great fun. They serve a single fixed price meal, and what we had was utterly delicious. I believe the bill for the two of us with a decent bottle of wine was just over EU100. ...rustle, rustle.... found the bill, it was EU105.

This is not a fancy place, but in your price range I don't think you're going to find that easily.

update:

A PM just informed me that this place has sort of been "found" and that reservations are getting harder and harder to obtain.

Another site I browse whenever I'm hungry is:

http://www.whitings-writings.com/parbisindex.htm

Some of the reviews are a bit old, but they're fun to read anyway.

I also wanted to note that there are two Chez Georges and they're not related in any way. The one at the Pompideau is fairly recent. The classic Chez Georges is one of my favorite Paris restaurants (and might also fit the bill for this dinner.) They are located at 1 Rue du Mail, and there is a link to them from the page I just listed.

Try Relais du Comptoir at 9,carrefour de l'Odeon. It is Chef Yves Camdeborde's gem of a restaurant at the Hotel Relais Saint-Germain which he and his wife run. Each weeknight he closes his restaurant and accepts about 30 diners for a five course prix fix menu which he prepares. No choices,just what he bought fresh that day at market. And it is only 50 Euros per/person!!!The wait for reservations can be three months or more!Probably won't fit the bill for a group, but if you're in Paris,go. Reasonable wine list. Try for a cancellation.

How about a grand lunch instead at one of the Michelin stars?

Drouant
Violin d'Ingres
Carre des Feuillants

Try Relais du Comptoir at 9,carrefour de l'Odeon.

Relais du Comptoir is a great option : excellent food in a laid back atmosphere at great prices

You need to book quite in advance as the place is very popular

Another excellent option:
Sensing (http://www.restaurantsensing.com/video.htm), very elegant resturant, little sister of Guy Martin's Grand Véfour.

EUR 75 menu on evenings (gastronomic menu at EUR 95), with glass of wine and coffee

Menus Sensing Lunch for lunch at EUR 25/55

Closed on week-ends.

I've heard of Fermette Marbeuf. Looks nice. Will try that next time I'm there.

Chez Georges. The view is stunning. The interior is stunning as well. The food is actually quite good and I have fairly high standards. I've been there twice (but not in the last 2-3 years, so maybe they changed the chef). Now, the service is indeed a bit peculiar. The young men and women who work there are probably all taking on this job as a second job to their modeling careers. This is the most gorgeous staff outside of Singapore Airlines. So maybe for an anniversary dinner it would not be ideal because no man will be able to keep his eyes only on his wife with these creatures around. ;)

So they have their heads firmly stuck up their gorgeous behinds and treat anyone who is not high society with contempt (slightly exaggerated). The solution: If they are just mildly nice, reconfirm their niceness by being extremely friendly and jovial (still no shoulder clapping or hand shakes with the personnel). If they are snooty, you just ramp it up. Be really arrogant and very demanding and difficult. Put them in their place and show them you are in the higher position. Strangely, this will loosen them up.

Back to more agreeable things.

The Marbeuf tip reminded me of something that would be ideal.

There is a restaurant in the Quartier Latin called "Bouillon Racine". It is a Belgian restaurant with a an Art Nouveau interior that has been renovated for millions of dollars. It's gorgeous and is a historic monument in Paris. The food is very good. The service is very friendly and the prices will come in under 100Euro for two. Of course, in this fine Belgian flagship you want to try one of their many incredible Belgian beers. The waiter will tell you what goes best with your food.

Here is their website:
http://www.bouillon-racine.com/

You can see the menu and the prices, as well as the wonderful interior that makes you feel transported to the beginning of the 20th century. They also accept reservations online and have an English website.

Of all my recommendations this is probably the best one given the circumstances. Of course, the Quartier Lation is nice to stroll around and the restaurant is just minutes by foot from the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Till

Hi Sorry to butt in on this thread, just found this forum, after searching for a solution to my requirement…. See below
I would like to purpose to my fiancé in Paris,
Due to work commitments with the both of us,
I plan to arrive in Paris from London ( Gare du Nord Station)at 22.30 ( yes late for Paris)
1/ check into a hotel
2/ have dinner (or brassier )
3/ propose to my Girlfriend)
I’d leave on the 24th August ( hopefully she would say yes if the arrangement is hassle free)
I’m desperately looking for somewhere that would be special romantic along the lines of the bouillon-racine ( just sent them a e-mail for a special late dinner ) but serves dinner later, can anyone help , I planned to arrive on the 22nd of August, I have tried some hotels concierge at hotels but no one as yet got back to me with a suitable late night dinner arrangement with a romantic setting..
I have found a euro star train from London ( I have the choice of pairs hotels ( special euro star away breaks) but not confirmed any as yet, as I’m hoping choose the hotel near the restaurant )
Thanks in advance for your help
Richard

Hi Sorry to butt in on this thread, just found this forum, after searching for a solution to my requirement…. See below
I would like to purpose to my fiancé in Paris,
Due to work commitments with the both of us,
I plan to arrive in Paris from London ( Gare du Nord Station)at 22.30 ( yes late for Paris)
1/ check into a hotel
2/ have dinner (or brassier )
3/ propose to my Girlfriend)
I’d leave on the 24th August ( hopefully she would say yes if the arrangement is hassle free)
I’m desperately looking for somewhere that would be special romantic along the lines of the bouillon-racine ( just sent them a e-mail for a special late dinner ) but serves dinner later, can anyone help , I planned to arrive on the 22nd of August, I have tried some hotels concierge at hotels but no one as yet got back to me with a suitable late night dinner arrangement with a romantic setting..
I have found a euro star train from London ( I have the choice of pairs hotels ( special euro star away breaks) but not confirmed any as yet, as I’m hoping choose the hotel near the restaurant )
Thanks in advance for your help
Richard

First - welcome to FT!

I don't have an immediate answer to your question, but if I'm reading your dates correctly, you're arriving late on the 22nd, and departing on the 24th. Why are you trying to rush the proposal for the 22nd, why not wait and have a good dinner at a decent hour on the 23rd instead?

I’m desperately looking for somewhere that would be special romantic

If you want to impress your fiancée,
La Maison Blanche (http://www.maison-blanche.fr/) may be the right choice: gastronomic food, stunning view
Around EUR 150 à la carte

If you want to have romance and grandeur,
no more romantic place than Restaurant 1728 (http://www.restaurant-1728.com/1728_paris/restaurant.php) : located in a splendid hôtel particulier, enjoy the quality of service and special atmosphere.
Around EUR 120 à la carte

If you like beautiful brasseries, have dinner at Le Train Bleu (http://www.le-train-bleu.com/uk/navigation.htm)
the ballet of the waiters is part of the pleasure of a good traditionnal carte
The restaurant is huge but intimate (but I am not a big fan of the Gare de Lyon surroundings)
Around EUR 80

If you want to play it fashion and laid back
choose Ferdi, for cool and beautiful people. After some caïpirinhas (the best in Paris, I'd love to know their secret), she cannot say no. Or invite her for a last drink at the splendid bar of the Meurice hotel (http://www.meuricehotel.com/restaurants_bars/index.html) : extraordinary cocktails, lavish décor.

First - welcome to FT!

I don't have an immediate answer to your question, but if I'm reading your dates correctly, you're arriving late on the 22nd, and departing on the 24th. Why are you trying to rush the proposal for the 22nd, why not wait and have a good dinner at a decent hour on the 23rd instead?

He wants a "pre-honeymoon." :)

If you want to impress your fiancée,
La Maison Blanche (http://www.maison-blanche.fr/) may be the right choice: gastronomic food, stunning view
Around EUR 150 à la carte


I hope things have improved dramaticly at Maison Blanche since I dined there in 2006 when the view was nice but the food was so so and the service even less so.

I think New Yorkers and Parisians have comparable viewpoints on restaurant standards which is why I exress this view.

He wants a "pre-honeymoon." :)

I considered that option, but these days just assume that the "big event" has occured long before the proposal in at least 99.999% of the cases.

Nicolas, thanks for the great tips. I like the 1728 and will try that out next time I'm there. Richard cannot use this however, because the restaurant is closed between Aug.1 and Aug. 25 as per the info on their website.

I also find the late night dinner proposal a bit off; sorry Richard. It will be hurried and stressful for both of you. In addition, why would one have to propose over dinner? It's so common! There is another thread here with proposal locations in Paris with great suggestions. I really liked the Bateaux Mouches suggestion a lot. Those are the glass boat that cruise the Seine. Wait until you are next to Notre Dame or the Eiffeltower at night. It will be unforgettable.

Or you can propose over hot chocolate and macarons at either Laduree or over hot chocolate and Montblanc at Angelina. Both are absolutely gorgeous places and the "food" is excellent. If you don't go during the total peak hours the crowd will not be bad.

Till

Not sure how to interpret "memorable". That said, I would mention a real local joint (which to me and my DW was memorable and somewhat romantic) where your friends would have a great time dining and drinking among locals (very few tourists). In the process, you may get to know the owner and his son (as we did). Food is traditional French and fresh seafood. I think 100 EUR will do just fine for 2, including some fine wine.
This is one of those places that I always look for and found on a recent trip. Is is called Mouff'tot et Mouff'tard on Rue Mouffetard, in the 5th. The road is getting touristy in recent years, but this restaurant still retains its local character. I saw customers come in, they all hugged and kisses the owner and the waiters.

I hope things have improved dramaticly at Maison Blanche since I dined there in 2006 when the view was nice but the food was so so and the service even less so.

:confused::confused:

I have dinner at least twice a year at Maison Blanche, and never have been disappointed by food or service (did you ask coke for drink ;))

I had dinner yesterday at Le Caméleon, 6 rue Chevreuse (in the historical Montparnasse district) : small bistro gastronomique, warm service, very good food (actually, it's my second time this week at this restaurant:cool:). Around EUR 60 for dinner without wine.

Le Bistrot Du Sommelier, 97 Boulevard Haussmann, is a good choice for wine lovers : traditionnal excellent food and divine wine selection by a meilleur sommelier de france (try the option with the wine selected by the sommelier according to your menu)