Not one should miss an authentic Brasserie, they are truly memorable and so much part of Parisian life. A true brasseries will be full of brass and 'la belle epoque' details. While the menus will resemble each other with classics such as Margret de Canard, Choucroute and Steak Frites one of the best (now a little touristy) is Aux Lyonnais but there are so so many. Here’s the myweekin.net guide to some of the best. The team has tried to also list those unusual and memorable meals that will stay with you; be it a good Asian, an Oyster Bar, Moroccain or, of course, my favourite, a fine Paris bistro. Comments are short so you can pop into your Agenda.
Below you will find restaurans from the 1st -3rd arrondissement.
Paris by night
Step into a world of inviting luxury - The Champagne Flute Bar
Why not plan to shop the Champs-Élysées late afternoon and then retreat to the wonderfully, relaxing and decadent environment of the Champagne Flute Bar. Why? Because its Happy hour from 5pm till 8pm. The finest champagne in the world is grown in France and what could be better than to end the day than with a glass of Krug, Bollinger, Billecart-Salmon or a Veuve Clicquot accompanied with some Petrossian caviar or smoked salmon.
This cosy venue is the perfect spot to celebrate just being in Paris. Choose by the glass or if you prefer a cocktail, the barman is sure to know the latest groovy concoctions; if you feeling like something more substantial there's a choice of tasty appetizers.
Ensure that you have your own table by booking online their site below.
Open Tuesday to Saturday 5pm till 2am.
www.flutebar.com
19 rue de l’Etoile, 17th t :33 (0)1 45 72 10 14
Lenôtre - Pavillon Elysée Café Lenôtre
The most delicious and eye-catching Pastissier and Chocolatier in Paris. There are several outlets in Paris but to enjoy the seasonal creativity and gourmet dessert, try this seated cafe. Whether you are looking for an extensive lunch menu or just to sample their pastries, the building is situated in a garden area in the heart of the Champs Elysées.
www.lenotre.fr
10 avenue des Champs Elysées - 75008 PARIS
Le Noailles
Situated in the Saint-James & Albany Hotel. This is your old school style dining -- large plush chairs, waiters on standby for your every need. In warmer months request dining on the terrace. Expect refined and classic French dishes with a little flair. You can reserve online via the link below. Friday nights in summer there are a number of jazz nights.
Open for lunch and dinner (Closed Sunday and Mondays and Saturday lunch). Menus from 28€
www.saintjamesalbany.com
6 rue de Rivoli, 75001 t: 01 44 58 43 40
Quai Quai in the 1st
Very much the 'restaurant of the moment' at the beginning of 2008. A bustling, busy bistro serving Italian inspired bistro meals.
Expect a budget menu from 15-30€ or a la carte. Closed Sundays and Mondays
Metro: Pont Neuf
no site yet
74 quai des Orfeveres, 75001 t : 01 46 33 69 75
Zest
Located in the Marais district, it's colourful and fun with their big communal table. Reasonably priced salads from 12 euros and 3 courses for either 18 or 23 euros. The influence is Asian. Nice place for lunch rather than dinner.
Off the Boulevard du Temple. M: Saint Sebastien-Froissart or Filles du Calvaire.
www.zest-paris.com
13 rue Commines, t: 01 40 27 90 14
Aux Crus de Bourgogne
Great selection of quality wine by the glass and some fine traditional french fare. Very popular with the locals and the surrounding rue Montmartre and Montorgueil are great streets to stroll after dinner. You should expect traditional French classic such as 'Le fois gras', 'pave de saumon' lobster salad and an excellent Crême brulée for around 27 euros pp 2 courses or 30 et 50€ à la carte. Very Parisian!
M: Etienne Marcel
3 rue Bachaumont 75002 (2nd) t: 01 42 33 48 24
Il Cortile
When it just has to be a good Italian meal! Lots of fresh pasta, risotto with lobster and black truffles and a good selection of Italian wines. This is high art cooking by two young chefs which you can watch in the open plan kitchen.
Located in the Hotel Castille close by to the Place Vendome.
M: Concorde-Madeleine. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
www.castille.com
37 rue Cambon 75001, 1st t: 01 44 58 45 67
Place Dauphine, Ile de la Cite
This is a great spot to stop for lunch however often overlooked by tourists. There are some lovely bistros like the Le Caveau du Palais,frequented by judges and lawyers from the nearby Palais de Justice. A lovely ‘homey’ one is Bistro Paul or the Tavern Henri IV. You’ll find lots of traditional menus and recommend lunchtime over dinner as the prices often include a glass of wine or cheese.
New cosy bistro - Depur
Looking for a length brunch? Hard to find in Paris. Here you will eggs benedict or a gourmet omelette in a comfy lounge chairs.
Metro: Reaumur-Sebastopol. Open from Monday to Sunday 8am till 2pm. Bruch allow 28 euros.
4 bis rue Saint-Sauveur, 75002 t: 01 40 26 69 66