Best Restaurants in Paris France
From Michelin Stars to Small Bistros, Top Quality Restaurants Abound
Oct 19, 2007
Here's an exercise in futility; narrowing the best restaurants in Paris down to a short list of five bistros and restaurants. After all, Paris (and France as a whole) has the highest concentration of the best restaurants in the world. Anyone planning a luxury vacation in Paris has to start somewhere, though. These restaurants have been sampled by Luxury Travel, and are wholeheartedly recommended.
The Luxury Travel list of best restaurants in Paris, France (short list):
- Ducasse in Hotel Plaza-Athenee, 25, Avenue Montaigne. Alaine Ducasee has an international reputation, of course, and his namesake restaurant shows why; the blend of traditional and modern cuisine is as authentically French as it is high-end. Ducasse also stands out in that restaurant guests make up their own meals. This is a fancy one, and jackets are required. Rated 3 (out of 3) Michelin stars.
- Taillevent, at 15, rue Lamennais. Luxury Travel found Taillevent to be more touristy than some other best Paris restaurants (outside of the hotel-based ones), which isn't always a good sign. Don't the French keep their best restaurants to themselves? Non. A meal at Taillevent is transcendent. Try not to fill up before dessert; the best truffles are right here! Near the Champs-Elysees, Taillevent is a smallish haute cuisine restaurant that fills up quickly: Make reservations before you travel to Paris.
- L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, 5, Rue de Montalembert. This is Luxury Travel's best choice for an unforgettable lunch. Don't let the sushi bar-style seating deter you: It encourages friendliness among diners of all stripes. The French food here is fresh and impeccable, and the casual atmosphere lets guests feel comfortable exclaiming loudly over the fantastic, creative tapas-style French fare.
- Le Cinq, in the Four Seasons Hotel George V, 31, Avenue George V. The Hotel George V is consistently rated the best luxury hotel in the world, and Le Cinq is in the most luxurious setting imaginable. Lunch is prix fixe, and also worthy of mention (especially if Le Cinq is booked for the entire week of a Paris vacation; been known to happen). If the Bresse chicken with crayfish is on the menu, don't miss it.
- Le Auberge Quincy, 28, Avenue Ledru-Rollin. There's only 7 tables here, so make a reservation or try your luck. This is one of restaurants that Parisians try to keep to themselves; intimate, friendly, off the beaten path (near the Bastille) and welcoming, Quincy may well be Luxury Travel's favorite of these best restaurants in Paris. The French country fare is out of this world, it goes without saying, but just as important is Boboss, the owner/host. Like the outgoing elder relative who pinches your cheek even when you're well into adulthood, he is so familiar and hilarious a character that you can't help but instantly feel at home. Lucky guests may get to witness a short argument with his wife, complete with hands thrown in the air and bodies huffing indignantly outside for a minute. She'll blow you kisses as you exit, to the consternation of her husband.
It's hard to go wrong when it comes to food in France. Luxury travel plans in Paris can't include meals at all the dozens of top-ranked bistros, cafes and restaurants: Narrow down the field. The best restaurants in Paris have the ambiance to match the cuisine. Try to fit Le Auberge Quincy into France travel plans. After all, favorite memories from vacations often have to do with the people met as much as the sights seen. Michelin doesn't award stars for that, but maybe it should.
Related, on Suite 101:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
