Lunch in Paris
 

Most of my life I have dreamt of having "lunch in Paris" and now I have the chance to make it come true. I will be in Paris this November for 2-3 days -- I'd welcome recommendations of a memorable place for a woman traveling alone to have lunch.

Also, I'm planning to cash in hotel points for a 3 night stay. I'm thinking of the Latin Quarter area. Is this good or bad? I've never been to Paris and speak just a bit of French, left over in my brain from high school French classes many years ago.

Thanks for your help - or should I say Merci beaucoup!

Here's a great quick guide for the feel of the different Arrondissements:

http://www.parisnet.net/parismap.html

I personally like staying in either 1 or 8.

M. Vrinat the owner of Taillevent is the world's most gracious host. I would not hesitate to dine alone at the marvelous restaurant. You will feel welcome, comfortable and have a memorable lunch. Moreover, you can view the lunch menu online: www.taillevent.com

A few years ago, I had lunch by myself at Le Cinq. I wrote a brief review of my most memorable experience:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showp...52&postcount=2

You mentioned that you will be in Paris for 2-3 days in November. I would like to bring to your attention that some top restaurants, including Taillevent, in Paris are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Le Cinq is open every day.

http://www.fourseasons.com/paris/dining/le_cinq.html


Les Ambassadeurs is also open every day but on Sundays they only serve buffet brunch.

http://www.crillon.com


This website is a treasure trove of info on the most well-known restaurants in Paris:

http://www.dininginfrance.com/paris.htm


More recommendations from the restaurant critic for the IHT/NYT:

http://www.patriciawells.com/paris/p...-toptables.htm


This seems to be the hottest three star in Paris:

http://www.meuricehotel.com/restaurants_bars/rb_2.html

Also, 1 November and 11 November are statutory holidays; some restaurants might be closed (and shopping opportunities will be limited).

You might also consider the area around Trocadero on the Right Bank (good views of the Eiffel Tower). Upscale neighbourhood, albeit a bit touristy, but less cramped feeling than the heart of the Left Bank.

What's your budget and what kind of neighbourhood experience are you looking for? A lot of visitors seem to gravitate to the Left Bank and the Latin Quarter and St Germain areas, perhaps based on romantic notions derived from reading, movies or prior experience - but these areas have become quite touristy and rather over-run in some places by chain stores and restaurants.

You might prefer a more mixed residential/touristy-friendly area, like parts of the 16th, 8th or the Marais, where you will find museums and sights to see, restaurants and shops and some nice hotels.

obscure2k's Taillevent suggestion is excellent. For a memorable lunch, I'd also suggest Le Grand Véfour -- a serious foodie might say that Taillevent has more Michelin hardware, but Le Grand Véfour has a fabulous something-very-special atmosphere as well. Some years ago, I recall my first visit there filled part with anticipation and part with dread fear that I'd do something dreadfully gauche. I'd gotten dressed up in my best ill-fitting sport and slacks, and was maybe a bit overwhelmed by it all. When I ordered a melon and prosciutto appetizer, my incredibly welcoming (but still formal) waiter whispered, so that no one from another table might hear, that while the melon/proscittu was excellent, maybe I would enojy a soufflé that I'd not find anywhere else. His perception and kindness cut through all my nervousness, and it was clear sailing from then on.

But hey -- maybe you weren't looking for a place where you'd want to dress up? If that's the case, I'd suggest La Ferme St-Hubert for a Croque-Monsieur -- a grilled ham and cheese sandwich like none other that you've ever had. Ferme St-Hubert is known throughout the coty as a great fromagerie, and their Croque-Monsieurs are top-quality. It's a classic bistro-style restaurant with small tables (outside as well if the weater is ok), and for me a perfect place for a nice lunch with a glass or two of Brouilly. La Ferme is on rue Vignon, just about in the middle of a triangle formed by the Opéra, Madeleine, and the Printemps department store.

I'm by no means a Paris expert but remember the upstairs Moroccan(?) restaurant at the Institute of the Arabic World having a lovely view over the Seine.

i think the 5th & 6th are tough to do on hotel points. I think there is a holiday inn somewhere in the 6th, if that can be had on points.

the prince de galles in the 8th is a starwood, close to 2 subways, and close to a lot of excellent lunches. we've had wonderful lunches on the islands in real no name little places.

November in France is GAME season. the restaurants offering a game menu are most memorable. any 2* will be great. I like the zagat for paris. if you think it to be too americanized, then compare it with the paris red guide. the two are actually quite close in recommendations, the zagat is just a lot more user friendly. the map layout of the red is excellent.

there may be certain restaurants that will not be nice to you. I have been in 2 that come to mind. only once each.

French is not really necessary for Paris, other than courtisy words.

Thanks!
 

Thank you all for the very helpful information. I've printed it out and placed it in my Paris trip folder. I should mention that I'll be there Nov 25-28, Sunday evening to Wednesday mid-morning, so Monday or Tuesday will be best for my memorable lunch. As I'll be out seeing the sights, I probably want to be more casual than dressed-up, although I can easily wear a dressier jacket with my nicest jeans! If the day of the week makes a difference on recommendations, I'd appreciate any words of wisdom.

French is "not really necessary for Paris" in the same way money is not really necessary. :D

Those who have been to Taillevent, Le Grand Vefour and other 2* or higher restaurants in Paris may be better situated to advise cbalaska, but I think that jeans in restaurants of this calibre, even for lunch, would be inappropriate, even if paired with a nice jacket. I don't think you need to be in a dress, or skirt or high heels, but there are comfortable trousers that are a step or two up from jeans that would be appropriate, if paired with a nice jacket or top.

No French, no problem. Wearing Levi, they may not even let you in.

My wife and I were denied entry to the Ritz Hotel because we were wearing jeans.

There are jeans, and there are Jeans. Wearing the former, as Kate_Canuck suggests, is inappropriate. Wearing the latter as part of an ensemble, especially at lunch, would be très parisienne.

Jeans paired with a Chanel tweed jacket would look good.

I have a very nice pair of Michael Kors "jeans" but I'll take the advice of those who know. Trying to do the whole trip (10 days) in a roll-aboard bag but there's always room for a nice pair of slacks. Thanks!