While other nationalities eat to live, the French live to eat. They take food seriously here. Paris has some of the best restaurants in the world, often with a price tag to match. If you want to try one of those for the meal of a lifetime you would be well advised to book as far in advance as you can, although there are sometimes last minute cancellations.
Sampling the local cuisine need not be expensive. At it's simplest, sitting in one of the city's many parks sharing a bottle of wine with fresh crusty bread and handmade cheese is hard to beat. Most small bistros have a set menu - called 'prix fixe', 'menu du jour' or 'formule' - that will not break the bank.
Competition is intense between restaurants so you are unlikely to have a bad meal. These five will give you a flavor of what is on offer:
Jules Verne (Eiffel Tower. 01-45-55-61-44) Usually the quality of the food takes second place to the view in this sort of landmark restaurant. That is not the case here. Chef Alan Reix creates stunning cuisine, with prices to match, 400 feet up the Eiffel Tower. Book well in advance.
Taillevent (15 rue Lamennais. 01-44-95-15-01) This is the ultimate in traditional haute cuisine. A classic setting with perfect service and one of the world's best wine lists makes this the ultimate Parisian culinary experience. Book at least a month in advance for dinner.
Brasserie Lipp (151 bd. St-Germain. 01-45-48-53-9). One of many brasseries in Paris, this one is distinguished by its attractive early 20th century décor. But its main claim to fame is that it was a favorite spot of Ernest Hemingway's and remains a popular place for French journalists, TV celebrities and politicians.
La Potée des Halles (3 rue Etienne-Marcel, 1st 01-40-1-98-15) Showing that French food in a memorable setting does not have to be expensive, the fixed price lunch will set you back just over $10 and dinner about $13. The name of the restaurant refers to its specialty, a stew of pork, beans and cabbage. It may, however, be the art nouveau wall tiles that linger longest in the memory.
Web Bar (32 rue de Picardie, 3rd. 01-42-72-66-55) There are Internet cafes the world over, but this one has a distinctly Parisian spin. As you check your e-mail in this former three-storey silversmith's building you may find yourself watching an avant-garde film, a fashion show or listening to deep house music. The food is surprisingly good value too.
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