May, 2006

I am a fan of food, that is no secret, and I love to break bread on my trips.  I will tend to splurge on one or two finer restaurants per trip for the food and experience.  As with most European cities, restaurants are not open all day, so plan accordingly.  Lunch service will typically run until 2 or 3 p.m. with dinner not being available until 7 p.m. or later.  That in-between time is great for more site-seeing, then grabbing a siesta like the locals!

Here are my top 5 restaurants in Paris!

Le Procope – The oldest restaurant in continuous operation in Paris since 1686.  A fabulous restaurant with classical cuisine, brasserie style.  

Jaja – A hidden gem off the beaten track in La Marais.  Quaint little restaurant where the menu and staff will not disappoint.  The fig, goat cheese wrapped in bacon appetizer is a must! I often prefer more of a tapas style meal – a handful of appetizers to share along with a bottle of my favourite Bordeaux wine!

Le Couple Chou – A little gem located in a historic building.  Delicious traditional French cuisine in a cozy, quaint and romantic ambiance.  Service is spot on and this is a great place for tapas and wine, or indulging in a full main course.

Frenchie – A small charming spot.  This is an experience combined with a meal – which is totally my thing.  The tasting menus are delicious and memorable.  Dining here is where food truly becomes art – welcome to Paris.  If you can’t get a reservation at the restaurant consider the wine bar!

Le Jules Verne – Located on the second floor of the Eiffel tower.  You had me at fabulous city views and city lights all while dining in the Eiffel tower.  This is truly for the experience, but you will be pleasantly surprised by the impeccable service, the amazing food and the attention to detail.  Reservations are a must, and for a night, you will feel like you are in the centre of a French-inspired movie, savouring a traditional meal, sipping on a glass of wine while watching the City of Lights sparkle in the night sky.