I most heartily second (or third) L'Angle du Faubourg. We went to L'Angle before Taillevant and we enjoyed both immensely.

Taillevent, for me, is still the greatest dining experience I have ever had, from the time I entered the restaurant to the time I left. Even the 600 Euro lunch tab was worth every penny I could squeeze out of my piggy bank!! The lobster boudin entree was sublime and my all time favourite.

We went to Gagnaire and while we enjoyed some culinary epiphanies, I found that not everything Gagnaire did worked, and it is not a place where I find I could return time and time again. I can most certainly return to Taillevant time and time again; it is just that my piggy bank is quite unwilling still.

For serious gourmands, may I suggest Hiramatsu, now in the 16th, near Jamin, another outstanding but rather under-rated, thankfully, choice. Hiramatsu marries french and japanese cuisines (anyone try Sono in NYC several years ago?) and is sublime. Jamin is also outstanding and Benoit Guichard, the chef-proprietor (was General Robuchon's Colonel) is one of the most amazing sauciers I have encountered.

I also love Phillipe Legendre's Le Cinq in the Four Seasons George V -- a very delicate yet sophisticated hand in his cooking and service is flawless.

My last visit to Paris, Les Ambassadeurs was in excellent form. Atelier de Joel Robuchon was very good but it seems to get mixed reviews. Patricia Wells seems to like it though; I agree with her.

Chiberta is supposedly an up and coming restaurant which is the talk amongst most of the Cles D'Or Conciergerie in Paris. L'Astrance is also supposedly as good as ever also.

And, if you wish to try high-end-non-spring-roll-and-pho-noodle-soup Vietnamese cuisine, may I suggest Tan Dinh in Rue Verneuil near the D'Orsay. It is a family business, father and son are maitre d' and sommelier, mother is host, and other son is chef and they pride themselves in the pairing beautiful and fairly priced bordeaux and bourgogne with the meal. It is one of my most favourite places in Paris.

Finally, most Parisian restaurants have annual closings during the summer, usually in August. Taillevent and L'Angle is usually closed from late July to late August.