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If there's one beautiful word that symbolises Paris, it is gastronomy. The French, always appreciative of the finer things in life, have a unique tradition of famous restaurants and great chefs. If you really love good food, you'll find true happiness here. The latest, most fashionable restaurants mix innovation with a hint of tradition to serve authentic French cuisine that's full of unexpected flavours. Although following the latest trends, they don't betray their roots: the traditional cuisine served in the local bistros. On the contrary, the cafe restaurants, which are the pride of Paris, fit into the gastronomic landscape better than ever, with their beautifully presented and affordable food. Paris, always so cosmopolitan, has also been enriched by exotic cuisines from the four corners of the earth. First came a passion for sushi and other delicacies from Asia; next came Latin-American cuisine, now a new trend the French called fooding, breaks the culinary mold.

Gourmet Dining

In Paris la grande bouffe, a kind of great feast, is sacred and the chefs in the most famous restaurants have turned their cuisine into a real art form. Some of the prestigious places such as the, Tour d'Argent and the Closerie des Lilas serve dishes of worldwide renown. The greatest gourmets won't be able to pass by the excellent Taillevent, which has some wines that cost as much as a dress from Chanel. As for the Pharamond, it offers an extraordinary setting and a meal to match: its dcor dates from 1832proof, if any were needed, that Paris' tradition of exceptional gastronomy just keeps on going. Firm favourites remain: Les Deux Magots, Le Procope and La Coupole.

Traditional Dining

In Paris cuisine and history are intertwined. Parisians think of Maxim's and the Cafe de Flore as historic monuments just like the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame Cathedral. Visitors should eat there to soak up the atmosphere of the capital's glorious past; it's easy to imagine past celebrities dining in the luxurious period d cor. If you look out at the terrace of the Dome, you may even see the ghost of Jean Paul Sartre. After all, Paris is magic.

Modern Restaurants

But other, more recent restaurants have succeeded in making their name alongside their illustrious predecessors. The card up their sleeve is not tradition but modernity: futuristic design, fashionable interiors and traditional French cuisine with a touch of originality. The Costes brothers lead this new wave of classy, trendy establishments. Already the happy owners of the Costes hotel-restaurant and Sanz sans, they can now pride themselves on owning the Georges, at the top of the Beaubourg museum, which has an excellent view over Paris.







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Café de Flore


Legendary cafe in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
172 Boulevard Saint-Germain
St-Germain-des-Prés
Paris 75006
France
+33 1 4548 5526
An historical landmark in Paris since 1890, this cafe was a favourite of many great 19th-century writers and artists. French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre always took his coffee and croissant on the terrace. These days you can drop in for a quick snack or glass of Champagne having shopped-till-you-dropped in the district's luxurious boutiques. The smart set that revels in the cafe's upmarket style ensures that its reputation lives on.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Café de Flore photo by Kara Melissa Sharp
Photo: Kara Melissa Sharp
Café de Flore photo by Chad Sakonchick
Photo: Chad Sakonchick
Café de Flore photo by Irene Festa
Photo: Irene Festa
Café de Flore photo by 咻
Photo: 咻
Café de Flore photo by Maxime Carrier
Photo: Maxime Carrier
Café de Flore photo by OlivierR [hasardimages.blogspot.com]
Photo: OlivierR [hasardimages.blogspot.com]
Café de Flore photo by Becky Spencer
Photo: Becky Spencer
Café de Flore photo by steveinnes
Photo: steveinnes
Café de Flore photo by Wendy Dreaney
Photo: Wendy Dreaney
Café de Flore photo by K.T. Drasky
Photo: K.T. Drasky
Café de Flore photo by Emma Cowan
Photo: Emma Cowan
Café de Flore photo by wendy weng
Photo: wendy weng
Café de Flore photo by Ched
Photo: Ched
Café de Flore photo by Doreen Sawani
Photo: Doreen Sawani
 

 
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris


France's greatest cathedral
6 Place du Parvis-de-Notre-Dame
(Quai aux Fleurs)
Paris 75004
France
+33 1 4234 5610
Climbing the 387 steps to the top of this masterpiece is well worth the effort for the spectacular view. Construction of the first great Gothic cathedral began in 1163 and was largely completed by 1212. The rebuilding of the two transept gates in 1270 marked its completion. The west face is adorned with three richly decorated doorways and crowned with two 69m towers. The cathedral is busy at the best of times; especially on Sundays, when much of the building is closed to visitors. Admission: cathedral is free, towers around EUR6.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Richard Lowkes
Photo: Richard Lowkes
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Fabrizio Morroia
Photo: Fabrizio Morroia
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Stuart Yeates
Photo: Stuart Yeates
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Farl
Photo: Farl
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Dave Cross
Photo: Dave Cross
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Graeme Cairns
Photo: Graeme Cairns
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by HalfCrazyGirl
Photo: HalfCrazyGirl
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Clarissa Ines
Photo: Clarissa Ines
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Michelle Lim
Photo: Michelle Lim
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Giuseppe aka Pjombo
Photo: Giuseppe aka Pjombo
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Steve Ruff
Photo: Steve Ruff
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by skyduster4
Photo: skyduster4
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Noel
Photo: Noel
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Andy1878
Photo: Andy1878
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Chris Kolbu
Photo: Chris Kolbu
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by marie_evef
Photo: marie_evef
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Courtney Kelly
Photo: Courtney Kelly
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by khalnayak
Photo: khalnayak
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by juaniita_86
Photo: juaniita_86
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by sardana_design
Photo: sardana_design
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Marc Vuijlsteke
Photo: Marc Vuijlsteke
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Alexis Courouble
Photo: Alexis Courouble
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Francesc Perez
Photo: Francesc Perez
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Samantha Nandez
Photo: Samantha Nandez
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Marc IVAIN-DEBOUCHAUD
Photo: Marc IVAIN-DEBOUCHAUD
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by ivanise (zel)
Photo: ivanise (zel)
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by drsno
Photo: drsno
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Craig Thomas
Photo: Craig Thomas
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Raïssa BANDOU
Photo: Raïssa BANDOU
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Ayush Bhandari
Photo: Ayush Bhandari
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Georg F. Klein
Photo: Georg F. Klein
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris photo by Sali Tabacchi
Photo: Sali Tabacchi
 

 
Coupole


An institution
102 Boulevard du Montparnasse
Paris 75014
France
+33 1 4320 1420
http://www.flobrasseries.com
With a list of former regulars that includes Man Ray, Aragon, Picasso and Hemingway, this brasserie has become a Parisian institution. With seating for 450, the dining room is France's biggest. Its decor may have lost some of its sparkle, but the original art deco style, cubist tiling and fresco-covered pillars remain unchanged. Traditional brasserie fare is the order of the day: seafood, Steak Tartare, Cassoulet (meat and bean casserole) and a Meat Curry too.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Coupole photo by Mitchell Aidelbaum
Photo: Mitchell Aidelbaum
Coupole photo by John Aravosis, AMERICAblog.com
Photo: John Aravosis, AMERICAblog.com
Coupole photo by olivier38
Photo: olivier38
 

 
Deux Magots


Luxury and history
6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Paris 75006
France
+33 1 4548 5525
http://www.lesdeuxmagots.fr
A very popular place in the intellectual-chic quarter of St. Germain-Des-Prés. Its legendary terrace was the meeting-point for great writers and thinkers in Paris. Ernest Hemingway regularly propped up the bar, and no wonder that Paris' best bookshop set up shop next door. The legend lives on; it's often full of people sipping a Kir Royal after shopping in the Armani store opposite. Novel addition to the typical Parisian café-restaurant menu: there are mixed platters of salad and cold meats, but also a dish of the day (rustic chicken ratatouille, cold salmon etc).

Review © 2007, Wcities
Deux Magots photo by Mohd Adib Noh
Photo: Mohd Adib Noh
Deux Magots photo by Andre Bertrand
Photo: Andre Bertrand
Deux Magots photo by Clinton McMaster
Photo: Clinton McMaster
Deux Magots photo by Rick Rolston
Photo: Rick Rolston
Deux Magots photo by Laura Sant
Photo: Laura Sant
Deux Magots photo by Olga Khomitsevich
Photo: Olga Khomitsevich
Deux Magots photo by Erin Corber
Photo: Erin Corber
Deux Magots photo by Tracey Skipp
Photo: Tracey Skipp
Deux Magots photo by Melissa Hagan
Photo: Melissa Hagan
Deux Magots photo by Peter Bigler
Photo: Peter Bigler
Deux Magots photo by Cromwell Cornillez-T
Photo: Cromwell Cornillez-T
Deux Magots photo by Dorel
Photo: Dorel
Deux Magots photo by K.Colin
Photo: K.Colin
Deux Magots photo by scifilullabies
Photo: scifilullabies
Deux Magots photo by Tourist Republic
Photo: Tourist Republic
Deux Magots photo by Kaytor
Photo: Kaytor
Deux Magots photo by stella-marina
Photo: stella-marina
Deux Magots photo by Juan Montecino
Photo: Juan Montecino
Deux Magots photo by EuroCheapo.com
Photo: EuroCheapo.com
Deux Magots photo by debster248
Photo: debster248
Deux Magots photo by Jake Bumgardner
Photo: Jake Bumgardner
Deux Magots photo by Catherine GERMIER-HAMEL
Photo: Catherine GERMIER-HAMEL
Deux Magots photo by Rafael Edwards
Photo: Rafael Edwards
Deux Magots photo by Cynthia Morris
Photo: Cynthia Morris
Deux Magots photo by tijana & nebojsa
Photo: tijana & nebojsa
Deux Magots photo by jeanne hsieh
Photo: jeanne hsieh
Deux Magots photo by JimmyFan1230
Photo: JimmyFan1230
Deux Magots photo by britton_g
Photo: britton_g
Deux Magots photo by Shaoly
Photo: Shaoly
Deux Magots photo by Jeffrey George Hladun
Photo: Jeffrey George Hladun
Deux Magots photo by N.kimy
Photo: N.kimy
Deux Magots photo by invisible cities
Photo: invisible cities
Deux Magots photo by Ian Jindal
Photo: Ian Jindal
 

 
Dôme


A glorious past
108 Boulevard du Montparnasse
Paris 75014
France
+33 1 43 35 34 82
This bar-café used to be a favourite venue among artists in the Montparnasse area. Jean-Paul Sartre himself would come and sit here for a coffee. Now it caters to tourists who have all heard or read about its glorious past. However, it has remained a privileged place for a rest away from the bustling city outside. The décor is that of a stylish brasserie and photos are displayed of the good ol' times.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Dôme photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Eiffel Tower


The symbol of Paris
Champ de Mars
Paris 75007
France
+33 1 4411 2323
http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/
Paris just wouldn't be Paris without the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair, at 300m it was then the world's tallest building. Not everyone was happy when it was first built; many considered it an eyesore and wanted it pulled down, but today it is one of the world's most visited monuments. The first and second floors can be reached using the stairs, and lifts take visitors to the magnificent view at the top. Admission (elevator to the top): Adults EUR11,50; Children EUR6.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Eiffel Tower photo by Grant Matthews
Photo: Grant Matthews
Eiffel Tower photo by Simon Laird
Photo: Simon Laird
Eiffel Tower photo by Rachel
Photo: Rachel
Eiffel Tower photo by Gareth Simkins
Photo: Gareth Simkins
Eiffel Tower photo by notlob86
Photo: notlob86
Eiffel Tower photo by Savio Gough
Photo: Savio Gough
Eiffel Tower photo by Keith Havercroft
Photo: Keith Havercroft
Eiffel Tower photo by d. FUKA
Photo: d. FUKA
Eiffel Tower photo by Stephen Garland
Photo: Stephen Garland
Eiffel Tower photo by Matt Makris
Photo: Matt Makris
Eiffel Tower photo by James Winslow
Photo: James Winslow
Eiffel Tower photo by czm11
Photo: czm11
Eiffel Tower photo by mattman23
Photo: mattman23
Eiffel Tower photo by Kimberley Sklinar
Photo: Kimberley Sklinar
Eiffel Tower photo by FatBloke UK
Photo: FatBloke UK
Eiffel Tower photo by Binu Nair
Photo: Binu Nair
Eiffel Tower photo by dim@flickr
Photo: dim@flickr
Eiffel Tower photo by Taylor Miles
Photo: Taylor Miles
Eiffel Tower photo by Cris Nakaj
Photo: Cris Nakaj
Eiffel Tower photo by AdamT200
Photo: AdamT200
Eiffel Tower photo by james_shelton32
Photo: james_shelton32
Eiffel Tower photo by Ritesh Kapur
Photo: Ritesh Kapur
Eiffel Tower photo by Jodi B
Photo: Jodi B
Eiffel Tower photo by Harish Iyer
Photo: Harish Iyer
Eiffel Tower photo by Jessica Neuwerth
Photo: Jessica Neuwerth
Eiffel Tower photo by Rachel Hawksley
Photo: Rachel Hawksley
Eiffel Tower photo by where are the joneses
Photo: where are the joneses
Eiffel Tower photo by Jan McIntyre
Photo: Jan McIntyre
Eiffel Tower photo by Rodrigo Tsuyoshi Ono
Photo: Rodrigo Tsuyoshi Ono
Eiffel Tower photo by Amanda Potter
Photo: Amanda Potter
Eiffel Tower photo by Annabel Sheppey
Photo: Annabel Sheppey
Eiffel Tower photo by pierreyves0
Photo: pierreyves0
Eiffel Tower photo by Johannes Heine
Photo: Johannes Heine
Eiffel Tower photo by lolichat
Photo: lolichat
Eiffel Tower photo by Shannon Kurtas
Photo: Shannon Kurtas
Eiffel Tower photo by Cormac Boyle
Photo: Cormac Boyle
Eiffel Tower photo by Thespis of the Bay
Photo: Thespis of the Bay
Eiffel Tower photo by Calvin Lee
Photo: Calvin Lee
 

 
Georges


Designer dining with the best view in Paris
19 Rue Beaubourg
Paris 75004
France
+33 1 44 78 47 99
Situated on the top floor of the Pompidou Centre, this Costes brothers landmark is itself a work of art. The modern dining room is composed of four bubble-like spaces decorated in aluminum and rubber. Large bay windows and a terrace make the restaurant airy and bright, giving diners a superb view over the capital. The cuisine is light: Millefeuille de Crabe et Champignons (crab and mushroom in filo pastry), Canard au Caramel et au Coco (duck in a caramel and coconut sauce) but don't forget to leave room for the classic chocolate mousse.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Georges photo by Alberto D'Ottavi
Photo: Alberto D'Ottavi
 

 
Maxim's


Legendary symbol of the Belle Epoque
3 Rue Royale
Paris 75008
France
+33 1 4265 2794
http://www.maxims-de-paris.com/
This restaurant's old-fashioned Belle Epoque decor, refined service and sophisticated menu have made it famous the world over. Opened in 1893 by café waiter Maxime Gaillard, it has long been a favourite with movers and shakers in the fields of finance, arts and politics. Designer Pierre Cardin bought the restaurant in 1981, giving its reputation an additional boost. Enjoy your meal in the stunning opulence of the L'Impérial Bar, Le Grand Salon dining room or Le Grill. Savor delicious items, such as Fried Norway Lobsters with Avocado Pulp. Other Maxim's restaurants are located in New York, Mexico City and Beijing.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Maxim's photo by Nathan Gilmour
Photo: Nathan Gilmour
Maxim's photo by jbpilote
Photo: jbpilote
Maxim's photo by mCosturos.com
Photo: mCosturos.com
 

 
Sanz Sans


A must
49 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine
Paris 75011
France
+33 1 4475 7878
http://www.sanzsans.com
This bar has been at the top of the Parisian nightlife scene for 10 years. Launched by the Costes family, its magnificent velvet and golden décor, similar to a members-only club, has made it a favourite with a bejewelled, cosmopolitan youth. The best soul, R&B and hip-hop DJ's regularly play and the atmosphere gets so hot that barmaids sometimes dance on the bar. You can lounge around during the day on the terrace and the restaurant upstairs does great food at affordable prices, Cocktails cost EUR9, a menu EUR8-EUR17, and a bottle of wine around EUR13.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Taillevent


Distinguished dining
15 Rue Lamennais
Paris 75008
France
+33 1 4495 1501
http://www.taillevent.com
French haute cuisine at its very best, chef Del Burgho's finely prepared foie gras, freshly made ravioli and other delicacies have earned the restaurant three stars in France's gourmet bible, the 'Michelin Guide'. Expect kid-glove service, elegant tables and clientele to match. The wine list, under the loving stewardship of Manuel Peyrondet and Marco Pelletier, is one of the finest in the country, even if few bargains are to be found! Jacket and tie are de rigueur for men.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Taillevent photo by Brady Ho
Photo: Brady Ho
 

 
Tour d'Argent


A Parisian institution
15-17 Quai de la Tournelle
Paris 75005
France
+33 1 4354 2331
http://www.tourdargent.com/
A combination of fine cuisine and stylish wooden décor has made Claude Terrail's restaurant one of the most fashionable in Paris. Michael Gorbachev and Bill Clinton came here when visiting Paris. Young, talented chefs ensure that the menu is of consistently high quality, and prices are what you would expect to pay for its sublime offerings of duckling, foie gras and lobster. It also has an exceptional wine cellar. Situated on the sixth floor of a luxurious champagne-coloured building, the restaurant offers stunning views over the Seine and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Tour d'Argent photo by Éole
Photo: Éole
Tour d'Argent photo by Jerome DUVAL
Photo: Jerome DUVAL
Tour d'Argent photo by Christopher Clement
Photo: Christopher Clement
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Paris - Dining & Drinking"
Paris
Paris - Historical Background
Paris - Neighborhood Guide
Paris - Where to Stay
Paris - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
Brussels (267 miles)
Brighton (273 miles)
Antwerp (301 miles)
London (330 miles)
Southampton (340 miles)
Cambridge (400 miles)
Oxford (401 miles)
Lyon (405 miles)
Bonn (405 miles)
Cologne (408 miles)

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