7th-9th
Libre Sens
Great venue for eating or just having a drink. Its open till 3am and there are 3 different ‘salon’, all very modern but traditional french cuisine is served.
Happy Hour is 6.30 – 8.30 champagne 4 euros and cocktails 6, not bad for the Champs Eysees. For Dinner you're looking at between €25-50 for a plat.
www.groupe-bertrand.com
33, rue Marbeuf - 75008 t: 01 53 96 00 72
La Fontaine de Mars
There are lots of good reviews about this old Paris bistro which has been in the family for over three generations. Charming red and white checked tableclothes, elegant bench seating and hearty meals originating from the South-West of France. To accompany your 'Plat du Jour' great choice of wines from Bordeaux.
fontainedemars.com
129 rue Saint-Dominique T : 01 47 05 46 44
Gaya
If you can't get a table at L’Atelier walk across the road to experience the ‘haute cusine’ of Monsieur Pierre Gagnaire. If there's room, you will be seated by the friendly and efficient staff.
The extensive menu focuses on creative combinations such as ‘oysters with lentils’ ‘scallops, mushrooms and foie gras’. Once of former seafood restaurant the theme is continued.
The ambiance is modern and relaxed but this is not ‘bistro’ dining. Starters like ‘Chair de Tourteau’ -fresh crab meat sprinkled with caviar in a light mayonnaise sauce and side salad of Roscoff onions followed by ‘St. Jacques Grillée’ or ‘Pavé de cabillaud’, poached in Thyme to perfection; served on a base of aromatic mustard ‘pomme puré’. This is a great place to experience the brilliance of Gagnaire’s flair with cooking and some unusual combinations with seafood. Allow €65+ pp.
www.pierre-gagnaire.com
44 rue de Bac 75007 t: 01 45 44 73 73
Garnier
Their speciality is seafood, particularly ‘le poisson’ and oysters shipped in Daily from Normany. Its been operating for over eight years to a loyal clientele in search perfectly grilled Sardines, caviar and, of course, the fish of the day. Opposite the station. Allow €65 plus wine. Open Daily.
111, rue Saint-Lazare 75008 t : 01 43 87 50 40
Il Vino
Recommended by one of my heroes, Jancis Robinson, as one of the best places to eat and enjoy quality wines. This very chic restaurant is run by a sommelier, Enrico Bernardo. With over 1500 wines to choose from you’ll need a sommelier! Three courses with three matching wines allow €50 pp.
www.ilvinobyenricobernardo.com
13 boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg 75007 t : 01 44 11 72 00
Daru - Russian
A true Russian experience. Exotic caviar, Russian Vodka ‘salmon and blinis’. Also visit the épicerie for a sélection of smoked fish dishes, vodka and an extensive collection of quality caviar.
www.daru.fr
19 rue Daro 75008 t : 01 42 27 23 60
Chez-Jean
Anthony Boucher is a young Parisian chef who has trained with some of the best (Gagnaire). He gained his 1 star Michelin and is constantly experimenting with flavours and produce; his own unique style won’t disappoint. Start with a consommé de volaille with endives, onions, chorizo or Chinese-style ravioli stuffed with crab, slow-cooked farmhouse pork, or the well-presented vegetarian plat. For the fixed price menu of €45, you’ll experience three courses of the season’s best produce or you can choose from ‘la carte’.
www.chezjean.lesrestos.com
8 rue Saint Lazare 75009 t: 01 48 78 62 73
Le Market
An interesting ‘melange’ of Japanese and French, sometimes replaced by Italian inspiration. There are a lot of French heavyweights behind this place, maybe they just couldn't decide (Director Luc Besson, Francois Pinault and Mercer Kitchen). You can also select a Tasting Menu if you can't decide.
Open from Breakfast, then Brunch, lunch or dinner.
www.jean-georges.com
15, ave Matignon t: 01 56 43 40 90