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Dinner in Paris
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Dinner in Paris
Even though Paris does not have a renowned regional dish, it is still the food capital of the world. Apparently, restaurants were invented in Paris in 1767 by the Parisian Boulanger. There are now about 8,000 restaurants. It is also here where Paul Bocuse tested his Nouvelle Cuisine.
Going to a restaurant in Paris is special. Tables are usually small, but you don't experience this as uncomfortable. Prices are in no relation the appeal of the restaurant. You can eat in a most enjoyable restaurant for 15 euros a head or you can end up in an 'eating factory' paying 30 euros a head. How do you avoid the 'eating factories'? By observing from a distance how busy a restaurant is.
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The best way to choose a restaurant is during your walks through the city. You pass by hundreds of restaurants, so there must be one that takes your fancy. As soon as you have decided where you will be dining tonight, book your table. Many good restaurants are always full, even during the week.
In Paris, the kitchen doesn't close early. Even at 11 p.m. you can easily have a full dinner, so you can go out for a nice meal after attending a cabaret or concert.
If you are looking for an inexpensive restaurant, then we advise you to go to the Quartier Latin (Blvd. St.-Michel). Most alternative restaurants are also based here. The area also offers many impersonal self-service restaurants, near the Centre Pompidou or at the Place Clichy for example.
Tip 1: a romantic dinner on one of the luxury tour boats is a unique and unforgettable experience. The special restaurant boats leave their moorings around noon and in the evenings. Our best experience was on the Bateaux Parisiens tour boats near the Eiffel tower. Go to the ticket office for information and reservations. Websites: Bateaux Parisiens - Bateaux Mouches
Tip 2: the price of a drink at a café or bar tends to change, even in the same establishment. It is cheapest to have your drink standing at the bar. If you go inside, you will pay a bit more. Prices may also go up after 11 p.m. and your bill will get even higher if you sit out on a terrace.
You may not have noticed it yet, but all the chairs on the terraces always face the street. In the past, people used to sit down on a terrace to watch people go by and to get noticed themselves. Sitting out on the terraces never had anything to do with the weather; many cafés and restaurants use their terraces all year round. That is the reason why drinks on a terrace are more expensive.
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Picture: © iStockphoto.com/Erick Nguyen
Text: GVDV - © AT-Europe bvba
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