Wednesday, August 27, 2014


Haagen-Dazs has been delighting people since 1921 and is classified as 'heaven' for ice cream lovers all over the world as it offers some of the best ice creams available with an extremely wide variety of flavours that use only the finest natural ingredients.

The famous Haagen-Dazs ice-cream house has a chain of shops around the world and although the ice creams are considered more expensive than many others, the quality speaks for itself and hence why you will find these shops often situated in very prominent positions and they set the standard for many of the other companies to aspire to.


From France to Japan the Haagen-Dazs brand has become an international phenomenon and with over 850 Haagen-Dazs shops in 50 different countries, plus the exclusive use of natural ingredients that comes with a guarantee of no colourings or preservatives in their products, this has ensured the delight and pleasure of all of their consumers.

And all of the flavours that are available in Europe are always manufactured to the same specifications as their American counterparts, which are produced at the Haagen-Dazs plant in Arras, France, that is approximately 140 kilometres to the north of Paris.

When in the City of Paris you will come across a Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream House situated in the 8th Arrondissement and on the most beautiful and prestigious avenue in the world, the Champs Elysees, which has been designed as a showcase shop.

The shop itself is on three floors and is organised around the different moments of the day and outside there is a terrace that can seat two hundred people, which is actually the largest terrace on the Avenue de Champs Elysees and is like a chic garden with beautiful flowers.

The styling of the whole building is elegant and modern, combining warm colours, natural materials and access to the latest technology.

As you enter this shop, you will be greeted by numerous different flavours of ice cream to choose from such as the traditional Cookies and Cream flavour through to some of the more recent varieties such as Summer Berries and the Caramel Apple Crumble, that you can eat there or take them away.

Then you can go into the cosy atmosphere of the café with its sofas and daily papers that is a great way of being able to enjoy a nice cup of coffee whilst perhaps checking your emails, as they have a free WiFi service within the Haagen-Dazs Shop.

The Gold room within the shop is for snacks and maybe a breakfast with a difference, as it is a mix of different styles and a friendly get together type of atmosphere, however you can sit quietly in an alcove for a bit more privacy.

On the third floor you will find a bar, called the Ice B&**228;ar, and this is a place where you can listen to music from a DJ, whilst taking in the fantastic views as the sun sets, sipping on a cocktail made with ice cream.


Address & Contact Details:

Haagen-Dazs Paris Champs Elysees
49/51 Avenue des Champs Elysees
75008
Paris
Ile de France

Telephone: 1 53 77 68 68


Originally the setting for Korova inspired by the cult movie Clockwork Orange, the restaurant has now changed hands and been renamed the Libre Sens, which is located in the 8th Arrondissement of Paris.

Located close to the Avenue des Champs Elysees, It has a great friendly atmosphere and is a trendy mix of old with contemporary styling that is run by the company Groupe Bertrand who also run the famous Angelina tea room, which is near to the fabulous Louvre museum.

With a chic interior and design by Jonathan Amar and different areas providing entirely different styles and moods from the rich reds through to whites and translucent, plus there is a lovely bar with its dark brown wood, so there will always be a place to fit how you feel.

The cuisine is traditional French comfort food and some of things you may find on the menu could include steak with chips and béarnaise sauce, roasted sea bass fillet and risotto with Grana Padano cheese, spring rolls with duck confit and salad, fresh crab with lime, cucumber and coriander, crème brulee, and much more.

Restaurant Guide Key Points

The Libre Sens is open from 9am through to 3am every day of the week and serves breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

For a fun and different meal out, you can experience the atmosphere of this restaurant and bar for an average cost of €24 upwards without drinks.

The nearest Metro station is the Franklin D. Roosevelt.


Address & Contact Details:

Libre Sens
33 Rue Marbeuf
75008
Paris
France

Telephone: +33 (0) 1 53 96 00 72



Would you like to try your luck in the leading casino in France?

Well now you can with games tables from Roulette to Black Jack and Poker and slot machines at the Casino Barrière d'Enghien-les-Bains, which was the first casino to open its doors in France back in 1901 and offers a fantastic atmosphere with original games, fun and recreation.

Although opened in 1901, only ten years later it was rebuilt and had a theatre added. Then in 2001 with the 100 years celebrations slot machines were added, which expanded in 2003. But then in 2005 the casino had another complete makeover and an atrium was also added.


The Casino Barrière d'Enghien-les-Bains can be found in Enghien-les-Bains, which is a common department of Val-d'Oise and was a commune created from scratch back in 1850 with its beautiful lake that the casino looks over and this is the only casino in Ile de France region.

This unique spa town is situated only 11 kilometres to the north of Paris and only 14 kilometres from the famous Avenue de Champs Elysees and this casino is the only place that has slot machines around Paris, so as you can imagine, it is very popular.

The Casino Barrière d'Enghien-les-Bains now has around 350 slot machines and around 40 gaming tables, where you can wander at your leisure between these on two floors and there is also the exclusive Salon des Princes, which was recently redesigned by decorator Jacques Garcia and is a more intimate location that is reserved for the high-stake games.

Also at the casino you can benefit from restaurants and bars for a bit of relaxation in between trying your luck along with the theatre that holds all types of shows from cabaret, comedy, variety and dance shows.

Also you can go to the bar-restaurant of machines, Sub, which is a place to get salads and grills plus enjoy cocktails at night whilst listening to music and is open daily from noon until 2am.

The Baccara restaurant is situated in the heart of the hall that holds the games tables and is spacious yet distinguished and sits slightly higher than the game tables, so it offers food lovers the opportunity to follow the surrounding activities while savouring the refined traditional French cuisine or you can enjoy the French food out on the terrace. This restaurant is extended by the bar and Baccara lounge with a great atmosphere holding music every Saturday evening, but it is advisable to make a reservation when ding here and this can be done by telephoning 1 39 34 12 91. The Baccara is open from 8.30pm through to 12.30am every day.

The Bar of the Salon des Princes is where you get exclusivity along with its fantastic service at the bar, then try the terrace that overlooks the lake which opens from 9pm through to 4am. However, there is an additional fee payable to get into the Salon des Princes and all restaurants require smart or formal dress plus the Salon des Princes is regarded as a sanctuary by players worldwide having always attracted the elite players to the this Paris casino who enjoy the whole games scene.

The casino itself and the restaurants are only available to people over 18 years of age and you have to have proof that you are able to enter, and for tourists, this is in the form of their passport.

The slot machines range in price from 0.5€ to 20€, whereas the games tables have a minimum bet of 2.5€ for English Roulette up to 20€ for Stud Poker, but if you wish to be one of the privileged in the Salon des Princes for the Great Games Privilege, this is a minimum of 500€.

There is access for the disabled and the Casino Barrière d'Enghien-les-Bains is open every day of the year from 10am through to 4am.

The slot machines are available for use all the time the casino is open, whereas the table games run from 4pm to 4am and the Salon des Princes runs from 9pm to 4am.

The payment to enter the casino is 10€ during the weekdays from 10am through to 4pm, but on weekends, the eve of national holidays and from 4pm onwards the cost is 15€. However, it would be advisable to check as the pricing is subject to change. Also as mentioned before, it is strictly for adults only, smart dress is required and no jean or trainers are allowed.


Address & Contact Details:

Casino Barrière d'Enghien-les-Bains
3 Avenue de Ceinture
95880
Enghien-les-Bains 
Ile de France

Telephone: 1 39 34 12 91
Fax: 1 39 34 13 01


Le Cafe Marly is not your ordinary museum restaurant and has become known as a hip and trendy restaurant, where you will often find celebrities eating and has excellent dishes such as foie gras.

This charming restaurant and cafe has a plush red and striking gold décor with amazing views as well as sumptuous continental cuisine, that make it one of the nicest places to dine. But having a terrace, you could choose to just have a late evening drink at sunset, but it is also great for a snack and cold drink on a beautiful summer day in Paris.


You can find the Cafe Marly situated in the 1st Arrondissement and located under the arcades of The Louvre museum in the Richelieu wing and the terrace looks directly onto The Louvre pyramid, which has definitely got to be one of the best places to sit and recover after walking around this very famous museum in France.

This cafe and restaurant in Paris is a little more expensive than some, with a club sandwich coming out at about 15€, but when you consider the view of the glass pyramid that is only around 50 metres away, especially upon sunset or after dark when it is all lit up, then you will no doubt say that the cost is worth every penny.

Restaurant Guide Key Points

Le Cafe Marly in Paris is open from 8am through to very late evening every day of the week and they serve breakfast, snacks, lunches, brunches and evening dinners.

The food is refined and traditional French cuisine and a reservation is recommended for either a lunch or dinner, being that it is such a popular venue and an a la carte meal will cost approximately 50€ upwards.

However, they do provide a Brunch which is around 35€ for an adult and 20€ for a child, or you could opt for just a snack, which is a cheaper option.

The dress code for outside on the terrace is a very big mix from people in smart and casual dress to shorts and trainers, whereas for a dinner inside in the evening, you would want to make sure you dress up for the occasion in smart fashionable attire.

Obviously, if you can get to The Louvre, then you can get to this restaurant! But the nearest Metro station is actually called the Palais Royal.


Address & Contact Details:

Le Louvre
Cour Napoléon
93 Rue de Rivoli
75001
Paris
France

Telephone: 1 49 26 06 60


The French holiday company called Club Med that is known for its locations in exotic places has now opened a leisure centre on the edge of Paris without accommodation, called Club Med World.

It was over fifty years ago that Club Med first thought of the idea of providing holidays to exotic places that were affordable to the majority rather than to the minority, and yet it had faltered at times, especially with its laid back attitude to 'fun', but things have changed over the years and the Club Med World is going to other places around the globe.

Another idea of the sites is to try and keep regular Club Med members in touch with each other and the Club in between their holidays along with introducing Club Med to a new clientele.

Within the Club Med World Paris you can eat at a choice of three different restaurants that are all based on different themes such as the Mediterranean and there are also bars. There is an amateur recording studio, a travel agency, a library and a stage for shows, plus a club that is open until way into the early hours of the next morning.

Something else that is quite unique, is the fact that it has a circus school where people can learn the trapeze. From the age of six and above, which includes adults, you can learn to fly the trapeze and there are different courses, but you can also get one-off sessions that last an hour as well. You would need to contact them.

Situated in the Saint-Emilion courtyard in the Bercy area and in the 12th arrondissement of Paris you will find that the prices at Club Med World are relatively low in comparison to places such as Disneyland Paris Resort and can provide children with an entirely different experience from the norm.

There is a nightclub which is more like night come day as it is open to the very early hours, plus it has a show venue and restaurants that are all located within one centre in Paris itself and is a hive of activity. However they do tend to change the organised programme from time to time, which means you are better to check what is going on before arriving, otherwise you could be extremely disappointed.

We mentioned earlier about having trapeze sessions and classes, but these are sometimes cancelled as well, due to the location of the actual rig itself. In fact it is set up in front of the stage and the platform is accessed from the first floor restaurant, but it must be dismantled before a major event for obvious safety reasons!

The technical level of the trapeze troupe is among the highest in Club Med yet there are a lot of mixed feelings about the Club Med World Paris for several different issues, including the cost of drinks within the nightclub and the fact that some of the staff do not seem as friendly as they would be in a lot of other places you would visit around Paris, but then again, there are also the favourable comments of people saying how great the food and service is within the restaurants and how good the shows are, such as the trapeze group performances that are sometimes provided within the early evening and then there are the cabaret acts that are fantastic.

The Club Med World Paris is situated in Bercy Village, which is opposite to the Cour St Emilion metro station. If you are travelling by car, then there is easy access from périphérie by exiting at the Porte de Bercy exit, or you get direct access via the voie Georges Pompidou. There are car parks situated at the St Emilion and Bercy Expo.

The Club Med World Paris is open on a Tuesday to Thursday from 11am through to 2am, a Friday and Saturday they are open from 11am through to 6am and on a Sunday they are open from 11am through to 8pm, but are closed on a Monday.


Address & Contact Details:

39 Cour St Emilion
75012
Paris
France


Above the Avenue Daumesnil there is a 19th century viaduct that original had a railway track and until 1969 this served traffic between the Bastille and St Maur, but now this has been turned into an elevated garden that runs next to the tracks.

Yet underneath this in the vaults, the viaduct has been transformed into a vast number of different boutiques, cafes, galleries and workshops for numerous different crafts such as antique restoration and repair shops, and this is where you will also find the Viaduc Cafe.


This café in Paris has a very modern and contemporary feel, yet with its high ceilings, glass front and stone walls set into one of the arches makes for a sophisticated spot for a drink and a time to relax, especially on a lovely day out on the terrace.

The Viaduc Cafe is more upmarket than some of the other cafes and restaurants in Paris, with items on the menu such as foie gras and salmon or perhaps you would rather opt for a glorious salad, but all of the food is cooked fresh from the nearby Marché d'Aligre and therefore the menu changes frequently.

Situated in the 12th Arrondissement of Paris it takes its name from the Viaduc des Arts and it is a great place to sit and relax with a coffee or refreshing alcoholic beverage whilst you are whiling away the time watching other people go by.

However on a Sunday they hold a Jazz Brunch with live musicians playing Jazz and this plus the meal is available from noon until 4pm and you can expect to pay around £20 for this.

Cafe and Restaurant Guide Key Points

The Viaduc Café is open seven days a week. From a Monday to Saturday it is open from 9am through to 3pm and then from 7pm through to 3am. On a Sunday it is open for the Live jazz brunch from noon until 4pm.

There is no particular dress code and it is suitable for families plus you will be pleased to know that reservations are not needed, but it is very popular, especially on a Sunday, so you may at times have to wait for a table.

The closest Metro station is the Gare de Lyon.


Address & Contact Details:

Le Viaduc Cafe
43 Avenue Daumesnil
75012
Paris
France

Telephone: 1 44 74 70 70
Fax: 1 44 74 70 71
The Double Fond is a very unique place to eat and sip a cocktail, as it is dedicated to magic and translated it means Double the Substance.

Dominique Duvivier decided that he wanted to create a place that was dedicated to magic, and although people thought that this would be impossible, the Double Fond was established over 20 years ago and has become known as the Premier Pub of Magic in Europe.

Today the Double Fond is known throughout the world as it has become an essential venue for magic and entertainment not just in France, but throughout Europe and attracts more than 10000 visitors every year.

But this is a magic venue with a difference. You will not just sit there and watch magicians performing magic on stage even though you can go to a show here in their atmospheric stone vaulted cellar, but many tricks will be done right in front of you at your table and the magic shows will enthral both young and old alike.

Situated in the heart of the Marais district of Paris on the small square called Market St Catherine, which is right around the corner from the Place des Vosges, the Double Fond has a range of around 10 different magic shows that change each year and you will be completely enthralled by the humorous sketches and miracles that take place.

It is not really any more expensive to have a cocktail in the Double Fond than it is elsewhere in Paris, but when you take a certain type of drink, the person who serves you will do a magic trick at your table that is specific to that particular cocktail that you have ordered.

One particular cocktail is called Caipiroska d'Onosaka and is named after Ton Onosaka who owns a magic shop in Tokyo and is one of the most well-known magicians in the world, being a creator of the multiple effects scene with close up magic and in particular special card tricks. This particular cocktail contains lime, cane sugar and vodka and is accompanied by a special card trick to enjoy.

Another cocktail with a theme is called the Cocktail Levitation, which contains champagne, white rum, galliano, pineapple juice and pulco. As the name portrays, you will get to see a grand illusion that utilises the art of levitation, which defies the laws of gravity.

However, if you are unable to have an alcoholic drink, don't worry, there are non alcoholic alternatives drinks, so you do not have to worry about missing out on the magic and action.

But if you have ever thought about learning to do some magic yourself? Well, you can have a one hour personal session by a professional magician to learn some the magicians secrets and learn two impressive, yet easy to implement magic tricks. Obviously, this facility is only by available by appointment, and to book you can telephone them on 1 42 71 40 20 and the cost is around 55 Euros.

Or there are group sessions of tuition available that work out at around 20 Euros, per one hour course, or you can book a full course if you are staying in Paris for a few weeks and they are available for adults and children aged twelve or more. Again, you would need to contact the Double Fond to find out more information with times and the costs for the different courses available, as they don't just teach you magic tricks, but also how to present yourself to an audience and how to get over stage fright, etc.

The Double Fond is open for shows every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night all year round at 9pm. Also they do shows at 11pm on a Saturday night except in July and August.

On the first Sunday of each month at 7.30 in the evening the stage is open to amateur magicians who want to try out in front of a real audience, and if you would like to take part in the show, then you would need to register for this, and it is a great place for a budding magician to start.

The Double Fund is an ideal place for a family outing and also to celebrate a birthday and birthday parties can also be arranged for children from the age of five upwards. There are also lots of other parties and different options available so you would have to contact Le Double Fond for further information, and although we have given you a general idea on some prices, please do bear in mind that prices do change, and details are always going to be subject to change.

Throughout the winter Le Double Fond is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 7pm through to 2am and during the summer months it is open every day except Monday from the afternoon until 2am.


Address & Contact Details:

Le Double Fond
1 Place du Marché St Catherine
75004
Paris
France


The Zebre de Belleville has been converted from a converted former neighbourhood cinema into a cabaret circus that was opened in 2003.

The owner of this place, Francis Schoeller, who set up the Cirque de Paris and Une Journée au Cirque or A Day at the Circus wanted to create an original entertainment option, which he has succeeded in doing with this circus cabaret show and dinner combined.

The Zebre de Belleville is actually the smallest cabaret venue in all of Europe and only seats around two hundred people at a time and hence reservations are a must for all the shows.

A venue that is great for all the family, you can expect to see numerous different acts from circus acts like tight rope walkers to trapeze artists and jugglers to magicians along with cabaret routines.

The Cabaret Cirque Zebre de Belleville is situated in the 11th arrondissement of Paris and they have different shows at set times during the week, for example on a Friday and Saturday night is when you can book for a complete dinner show.

The atmosphere is lively and you are encouraged to join in the fun, and when you having your candlelit dinner, you can see the performers not only on the stage but also above your heads and coming round to your table to perform in between your courses. And seated at small and intimate round tables, when their acts are finished, they may take a drink with you and even get you up dancing and this can make for a very warm atmosphere and a top quality evening for everyone.

The cabaret circus dinner shows are around 80 Euros for an adult and around 35 Euros for a child and start from around 8pm, but there are also other shows that you can go and see that are not quite as much for the pocket. For example, on a Monday you can see a show which is around 18 Euros and starts at 8.30pm, but there are fine wines and snacks served from 7.30pm and with this you can get to see acts such as a puppeteer, magician, dancer and contortionist.

Again, even with the basic shows, you do have to reserve this as space is of course very limited, but even these are suitable for children and adults, although from what we can gather, it appears that it is only children over the age of five that are allowed in, even on the dinner nights.

So while you are on holiday in France and you fancy a night out in Paris with a difference, then this could be the place for you in this unusual setting. But beware of the servers and the artists, who can walk among you in the evening, as they are always ready to make jokes, yet amaze you.


Address & Contact Details:

Le Zèbre de Belleville
63 Boulevard de Belleville
75011
Paris

Telephone: 1 43 55 55 55 from 10am to 6pm

Au Pied de Cochon is a very traditional type of restaurant that first opened its doors back in 1947 and since then has never been closed. Yes, you read correctly, this venue is open 24 hours a day, every day!

Subtly combining the old traditions with the modern, for many years Au Pied de Cochon has been a tradition to many Parisians as the stop off point after a late night out to have their famous onion soup prior to going home.

Yet this legendary establishment provides some fantastic seafood dishes like different varieties of oysters that you can wash down with some champagne at the bar, but it also remains true to its name with numerous different pork dishes from grilled pig's feet with béarnaise sauce, knuckle of pork, stuffed pig's trotter, pork chops and much, much more.

Situated in the 1st Arrondissement in the Chatelet district of Paris near to The Louvre, The Pompidou Centre and Les Halles, you are also able to purchase some of the freshest oysters outside this restaurant in Paris.

Some of the other dishes served are a little less unusual and would be more suitable, especially for the not so adventurous tourist, such as a shin of pork caramelised in honey and served on a bed of sauerkraut, or grilled pork ribs with sage sauce and chips.

The dining room, with its white tablecloths and pig details dotted all over, make the place feel cheerful with good humour and the terrace that extends into an open-plan kitchen in the picturesque pedestrian walkway is an inviting temptation to try the traditional French cuisine on offer.

Restaurant Guide Key Points

It is open 24 hours a day seven day a week.

Suitable for the whole family, although late nights and early hours of the morning are more suited to the person who has been out partying.

There is no particular dress code and the approximate cost for a meal is anything upwards of about 25€, but bear in mind that reservations are recommended for typical Parisian lunch and dinner hours.

The closest Metro stations are Les Halles or The Louvre.


Address & Contact Details:

Au Pied de Cochon
6 Rue Coquilliere
75001
Paris
France

Telephone: 1 40 13 77 00
Blue Elephant Restaurant In Paris

The Blue Elephant Paris is one of the restaurants in a chain of restaurants that can be found throughout the world in places such as London, Bangkok, Dubai, etc and they specialise in Royal Thai cuisine.

When you walk into the Blue Elephant Paris you will feel like you are in Thailand with the lush plants, beautiful flowers, colourful orchids and the sounds from the waterfall along with antiques, paintings, sculptures, and furniture that make this place authentic and a real treat for all the family.


The Thai food is prepared by a team of Thai Chefs who have all been raised and trained in Thailand. So along with the delivery of the traditional herbs, spices, fruits and other goods used in Thai cuisine that are flown directly from the Bangkok market every week, this ensures that the cuisine is the ultimate to maintain the Royal Thai culinary traditions, preparations and presentations within the restaurant.

The Blue Elephant Paris is situated in the 11th Arrondissement of Paris and you will be able to experience the scents of tropical flowers along with the aroma from the exotic herbs and spices that are utilised in Thai cuisine, plus the staff even dress in their traditional costumes for Sunday brunch.

The menu items are succulent and you can choose from dishes such as salmon soufflé served in banana leaves or grilled fish with passion fruit. But with so many different delicious dishes to choose from including vegetarian options you may have a hard time make up your mind, so why not consider the Plateau Royal, which is a main course of gastronomic discovery consisting of a varied choice of the Blue Elephant's principal dishes.

Don't forget to discover the fabulous Blue Elephant Sunday brunch at this restaurant in Paris where you will find a buffet from the starters to main courses through to the desserts, not forgetting the traditional soup like you would get on the streets of Bangkok and also you should consider experience some of the buffets home made pastries and fantastic exotic fruits, which come in from Thailand every week by plane.

Restaurant Guide Key Points

The Blue Elephant Paris is open every day of the week.

Open for lunch is between noon and 2.30pm from a Monday to Friday and for dinner between 7pm and midnight. On a Saturday it is also open in the evening from 7pm through to midnight.

On a Sunday they serve a Sunday brunch and it is open between noon and 3pm. Then for a Sunday evening dinner, the Blue Elephant Paris is open from 7pm until 11pm.

All major credit cards are accepted and it is a venue suitable for all the family, although reservations are highly recommended plus there is access for the disabled.

The set menu is around 50€ for dinner and if opting for your own choices, then a main course can be approximately 25€ upwards.

The Sunday Brunch Buffet is a cost of approximately 39€ per person, but a child from the age of 5 to 12 years will only pay 2€ per year of the age of the child, so a maximum of 24€.

The nearest Metro station is the Bastille.


Address & Contact Details:

Blue Elephant Paris
43-45 Rue de la Roquette
75011
Paris
France

Telephone: 1 47 00 42 00


The Chicago Pizza Pie Factory in Paris is a large American style pizza restaurant that is an ideal place for families or groups and especially great for the younger generation with its loud rock music.

This restaurant is like having a piece of America located in France, with the style being that of a country and western bar, yet combining American rock music and waitresses that look like pom-pom girls, along with all the extravagance you would expect from America and in fact, around fifty percent of its clientele are usually Americans who are on holiday.

Sometimes when you are on holiday in France, you end up wishing to go somewhere that feels like a restaurant you would eat at back in your home country and at the Chicago Pizza Pie Factory, you will definitely not find any traditional French food on the menu. But what you will find are plenty of speciality Deep Pan pizzas plus other delights from the all American cuisine along with glorious desserts such as cheesecake.

Being situated in the 8th Arrondissement of Paris just a few metres from the famous Avenue de Champs Elysees, means that you can let your children, or yourself for that matter, rest those weary feet and have a completely different style of meal that will never fail to please.

Restaurant Guide Key Points

The Chicago Pizza Pie Factory is open every day from noon until 1am.

The nearest metro station is called the George V and as mentioned earlier, is just off of the Champs Elysees.

The average cost for a meal is at the Chicago Pizza Pie Factory is about £15, which will certainly not break the bank compared to some other restaurants in Paris.

This restaurant in Paris is suitable for families and people of all ages, but children, teenagers and anyone wishing to have a meal more like they are used to back home will certainly enjoy their time here.

No booking is necessary, but if you did wish to make a reservation, this can only be done if you want to pre-arrange a booking for a group of fifteen people or more at a time.


Address & Contact Details:

Chicago Pizza Pie Factory Paris
5 Rue de Berri
75008
Paris
France

Telephone: 1 45 62 50 23
Fax: 1 45 63 87 56


This traditional bistro was opened over twenty years ago by Jacques Lacipiere and with the name Bon Accueill meaning good welcome in English, you know that you will enjoy yourself and the surroundings, which has become an increasingly popular place for both tourists and the locals.

The place was re-vamped in 2003 and turned into an elegant bistro type restaurant that now attracts even more people than ever, and with a menu that changes with the seasons, due to what fresh food that is available at the different times of the year, plus pleasing staff that speak more than one language, you can be sure of a meal to remember.

The Au Bon Accueil restaurant is situated in the 7th arrondissement of Paris and on a fine day you can be served your meal sitting outside on the pretty terrace, which has an absolutely fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower that is only a few metres away, but this is also a great place to view the Eiffel Tower on a warm summer evening when everything around get s lit up.

The dining room is small, cosy and intimate and only holds just over 50 people at any one time, yet you will enjoy exceptional French cuisine with a twist, where there is such a varied menu prepared from the freshest food available that day and at a reasonable cost, especially for this area of Paris.

Depending upon the season some of the dishes on offer at this bistro restaurant in Paris include fresh sole, skate, seared Tuna, shredded beef with creamed potatoes, grilled wild turbot, roast loin of lamb, poultry, marinated sardines with spring leeks, braised beef in red wine and stewed rhubarb, asparagus from Provence with minced vegetables and cheese, apple tart, caramel ice cream, raspberry tartelette and much, much more to get your taste buds tingling.

Restaurant Guide Key Points

The Au Bon Accueil bistro is open from noon until 2.30pm for lunch and from 7.30pm through to 10.30pm for dinner.

It is open from a Monday to Friday yet is closed at weekends and is also closed during the month of August.

Due to its continued popularity, reservations are a must.

This is a family restaurant with no age limit and no particular dress code and even dogs are allowed to sit beside you on the terrace.

For a three course A la Carte dinner at Au Bon Accueil with moderate wine will cost around £70 per person and the average cost for a main course is 45€. However they also have a lunch menu, which is approximately 30€ and a set dinner menu that is approximately 38€, but there are also other less expenses options available as well.

The nearest Metro station is the Alma-Marceau.


Address & Contact Details:

Au Bon Accueil
14 Rue de Monttessuy
75007
Paris
France

Telephone: 1 47 05 46 11
Fax: 1 45 56 15 80


Taillevent was the original restaurant that opened in 1946 and has three Michelin stars, but when the son of Andre Vrinat took over he decided to open another restaurant, which he called l'Angle du Faubourg.

This restaurant opened in 2001 and is a complete contrast to the Taillevent and yet still has a great focus on wines, as there are over 200 wines on offer, all established by Les Caves Taillevent, which is also run by the same company which has a wine cellar with a selection of over 1,300 types of wine, and is situated just up the road from l'Angle du Faubourg.

Known to many as a wine bistro, you will find that inside is contemporary with cement floors and brick toned walls, but with a warm atmosphere where there is not just the main dining room, but also a cellar dining room that is used for lunches, wine tasting events and private functions.

The A la Carte menu or in French Carte des Mets is always constantly being updated and is based upon traditional and classic French cuisine, with dishes such as lamb shoulder and veal available. Yet the Carte des Vins, or wine list that is pages and pages long, is also always being updated and you can purchase wine by the glass or by the bottle.

Situated in the 8th Arrondissement, this restaurant in Paris has six cooks and a pastry cook, and even though it has only been open since 2001, l'Angle du Faubourg already holds one Michelin star and yet is still a great place to eat out with family or friends at a reasonable cost, for Paris.

Restaurant Guide Key Points

This restaurant is open on a weekday for lunch from noon and for dinner from 7pm, but the l'Angle du Faubourg is closed on a Saturday and Sunday, plus it also closes from the end of July through to the end of August.

There is a daily menu which is approximately 35€, an A la Carte menu at around 50€ upwards and a tasting menu at approximately 75€ per person, but these prices do not include drinks

The wine is either served by the glass from 4€ or you can order by the bottle from as low as 15€ upwards.

It is suitable for all the family but reservations are highly recommended and you can reserve a table by telephone from 9am on a weekday.

Les Caves Taillevent is situated just up the road at 199 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore where you can visit this fantastic wine place that has a selection of over 1,300 wines ranging from 5€ for a daily wine to some of the very rare vintages.

The cellar dining room can hold a maximum of ten people and is used for private functions, lunches and wine tasting events, which need to be booked in advance.

The nearest Metro stations are the George V or Charles de Gaulle-Etoile.


Address & Contact Details

L'Angle du Faubourg
195 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore
75008
Paris
France

Telephone 1 40 74 20 20 
Fax 1 40 74 20 21



Joel Robuchon who retired in 1996, was hailed as one of the greatest chefs in France, but after a while he decided to enter back on the scene and chose the Pont Royal Hotel in Paris for his innovative restaurant venture.

Already a Michelin two star restaurant, the L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon is actually more like a sushi bar, where you eat at high stools around a bar, rather than what he and most of us are used to, with the formal tables, and there is a lively atmosphere with everyone interacting with one another.

Having an unusual decor of red and black and a mix of Spanish and Japanese atmospheres with ham hanging from the ceiling and bamboo plants with the kitchen open, where you sit watching the waiters, chef and other staff prepare the cuisine and serve, this innovative concept in Paris has become extremely popular and combining the French food with a hint of the Mediterranean and other cultures blended in, will make for a different yet meal to remember.

Located at the distinguished address of the Pont Royal Hotel on the Left Bank of the River Seine and in the 7th Arrondissement of Paris it is situated in the heart of Saint Germain des Prés, just a few steps away from the Musee d'Orsay museum.

Opened in 2003 within this restaurant in Paris there is only room for just over 40 diners at a time, and although the team at l'Atelier de Joel Robuchon supervises breakfasts, room service and private dinners for the hotel guests it is open for lunch and dinner every day of the week.

There is something for everyone on the menu such as steak tartare, spaghetti carbonara, deep fried whiting, caramelised quail with shallot sauce, avocado with crabmeat, ravioli of crayfish with foie gras sauce, chicken liver terrine, roast duck with spices such as ginger, shellfish shipped fresh from Brittany, fresh seasonal vegetables and much, much more to tempt you.

Restaurant Guide Key Points

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon is open for lunch from 11.30am through to 3.30pm, with dinner being from 6.30pm through to 11.30pm.

It is open every day of the week, but reservations are only taken for the first sitting at 11.30am for lunch and at 6.30pm for dinner and the rest of the time it is pot luck, whether you will be successful in getting to dine here.

The cost for a main course is around 30€ upwards and there is a fixed price menu for approximately 120€ but you can also opt for tapas style small dishes and others that are less of a cost, which start from around 10€.

Suitable for all the family, smart dress is required, but it is more suited to intimate dining than it is for groups.

The nearest Metro station is the Rue du Bac.


Address & Contact Details:

Hotel Pont Royal
L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon
7 Rue de Montalembert
75007
Paris
France

Telephone: 1 42 22 56 56


The Baz'Art is a stylish yet cosy and friendly café with a bar and an art gallery, which has a busy upbeat atmosphere of a lunchtime, but the afternoons seem to calm down with people reading the complementary newspapers and checking their emails via the free WiFI and it is an even quieter, more intimate atmosphere of an evening.

The café was first opened in 2001 and the interior is circular with a large central pillar and the decor is very typical of a bistro in Paris with its wooden floors and wrought iron chairs along with new and old objects that are displayed in this unusual and original setting.

Although the food is generally French cuisine it has a bit of a twist with different spices and a more inventive touch yet with subtle flavours that can be enjoyed either inside or out on the terrace when it is a nice day.

The Baz'Art Cafe is situated close to the Saint Paul Village with its arched passageways, stone streets and numerous antique shops in the 4th arrondissement of Paris and is a great place to relax with some good quality and reasonably priced cuisine before venturing to another place like the Bastille, which is also only a short walk away.

This cafe in Paris is popular both with the locals and tourists for its friendly atmosphere, pleasant staff and the subtle background music that will accompany your meal such as a delicious swordfish steak. Plus it is a place that has an ever changing menu incorporating fresh produce, where you can even enjoy a Sunday brunch.

Restaurant Guide Key Points

The Baz'Art Café is open daily from 7.30am right through to 2am plus there are English speaking staff.

They have a free WiFi hot spot and newspapers to peruse.

Although this cafe style bistro in Paris is popular especially with the locals, there is no need to make a reservation, just turn up and enjoy.

And from that comment you have probably gathered that there is always a very mixed type of clientele and no dress code, you go as you are.

The menu is an approximate price of 25€ and they also have a good selection of wines and other beverages.

The nearest Metro station is the Bastille.


Address & Contact Details:

Baz'Art Cafe 
36 Boulevard Henry IV
75004
Paris
Ile de France
France

Telephone: 1 42 78 62 23



Pinxo is a Michelin rated restaurant that is linked with the hotel Renaissance Paris Vendome and is a brasserie type restaurant that is associated with the incredible chef, Alain Dutournier, who also happens to own his own gourmet restaurant nearby.

This is a reasonably priced brasserie that has a casual atmosphere in a modern style with black and white decor and a bar that looks onto the kitchen, also this an ideal place where you can go for a quick bite to eat at a lunch time or evening, or have something more substantial.

Alain Dutournier from the stylish and plush Le Carré des Feuillants restaurant decided he wanted to moved away from the traditional French style of eating and their hours and followed the chef Joel Robuchon of L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon by creating an unusual, yet intimate and fun setting, where you can actually share the dishes.

Situated on the Right Bank of the River Seine close to The Louvre museum in the 1st Arrondissement this small hotel restaurant in Paris serves tapas style portions in sets of three for people to share. Also, the unusual yet very apt name Pinxo means to pinch in Basque and you will find that lots of the food is actually eaten with your fingers.

Alain Dutournier was originally from the Pyrenees and you will find items on the menu that are traditional to this region in France, such as a dish called chipirons, which is basically sweet and crunchy baby squid.

You will find that the dishes are always light without being complicated or too fancy and the menu does change with the seasons but you can expect ingredients within the dishes such as octopus, foie gras, beef, ham, herring, goose, crab, mushrooms, seasonal vegetables, pate, fruits, etc.

And if you are with family or friends then you can sit at a table, but when dining alone, the bar is a good place to sit and eat, where you can even watch the chefs and kitchen staff doing their magic with the cuisine.

Restaurant Guide Key Points

Pinxo is open every day of the week from noon until midnight.

With casual yet smart dress, the restaurant is suitable for all the family, however, being only able to hold around 55 people at a time, it is advisable to book a table before turning up.

An &**192; la carte meal is upwards of 35€ without drinks, however, you can mix and match from around 10€ upwards with a main course an average cost of between 16€ and 20€.

The wine can be purchased by the glass or by the bottle and the list is cleverly done, so that rather than showing the selection by wine regions, it is listed in price order, which is great if you are not a wine connoisseur and haven't really got a clue about what is likely to be good or bad!

The nearest Metro station is the Tuileries, however, if you are staggering back to a hotel in this area extremely late at night, then you may wish to stop at the Au Pied de Cochon, which is only around a kilometre away, and is a complete contrast with its very traditional French meals, but is open 24 hours a day every day!


Address & Contact Details:

Pinxo
Renaissance Paris Vendome
9 Rue d'Alger (Rue du Mont-Thabor)
75001
Paris
France

Telephone: 1 40 20 72 00
Fax: 1 40 20 72 02


Apollo is a very original and large restaurant designed in the 1970's pop art style and is situated in the former baggage handling office of the Denfert Rochereau RER train station that dates back to 1846.

Although this is one of the largest places to eat out in Paris it is a friendly place that also has beautiful sunny terraces where you can sit and relax enjoying a family meal or just catching up with friends over lunch.

The décor at Apollo includes bright tables, multi-coloured bubble lamps and curved mirrors all done in a very 70's way, but the menu is far from being in the 70's, in fact it is more like the name - space age!

Situated in the 14th Arrondissement in the Montparnasse area this is most definitely a family restaurant in Paris and they cater very well for children, with activities such as face painting on a Sunday, plus a dedicated menu.

There is also a bar where they even have Happy Hours and you will find that Apollo is also very popular for meeting up with friends, and combining fantastic world cuisine with prices that will not hurt the pocket, it is a great place to eat out more casually than some other restaurants in Paris.

Just some of the dishes on offer include roast thick slice of "Label Rouge" Quercy lamb with seasonal mushrooms, gnocchi and Parmesan cream, griddled "Label Rouge" Scottish salmon, steamed green vegetables and sauce vierge, lamb's lettuce, artichoke, smoked duck breast and vinaigrette with pine nuts, raw tuna in sesame and poppy seed pastry, daikon salad, Kikkoman and much more.

This is no ordinary restaurant, but spacious, welcoming and inviting, and you will leave the place wanting to go back again.

Restaurant Guide Key Points

The Apollo restaurant is open every day from noon until 3pm and then from 7pm through to 11pm.

The Apollo Bar is open every day from noon until 3pm and then in the evening until midnight.

They have what is called a Formule Brunch for around 27€ every Sunday from 11.30am to 3pm.

On a Mondays to Friday but not on public holidays they have a set Lunch, 'orange' menu which includes the dish of the day for approximately 15€ and another set meal with either a starter and main dish, or main and dessert for around 18€

For dinner there is also a set 'green' menu available that includes a starter, main course and a dessert for around 25€

There is also a children's menu, which is around 13€ and consists of a main course, dessert and a 20cl drink., plus on a Sunday lunchtime they have activities for the children such as face painting and colouring.

There is a 'Happy Hour' on a Monday to Friday from 4.30pm to 7.30pm and on a Sunday from 6pm to 11pm where cocktails are half price and you can get a pint of beer for the price of a half.

They also hold entertainment shows on specific days, such as a magician, so if you want to see some family entertainment, then it would advisable to check the agenda.

There is no particular dress code and the Apollo restaurant is accessible to the disabled, plus there is also WiFi access available.

The metro station is the Denfert-Rochereau.


Address & Contact Details:

Apollo
3 Place Denfert-Rochereau
75014
Paris
France

Telephone: 1 45 38 76 77
Fax: 1 43 22 02 15


Abricadabra is a company that presents shows for children, and also for the very young children, with the age starting from as low as one year old, they have a special play dedicated to the doudou, which is the French word for a child's cherished little blanket.

Abricadabra and Company is a non-profit organisation that was founded in 1996 after they took over from the SANVIC Company, which was originally created way back in the year 1978.

In the year 2002 they decided to base the centre for the children and their parents aboard the boat called Peniche Antipode and since then plays for both children and adults have been presented regularly.

The Abricadabra Theatre on board the Peniche Antipode is docked on the River Seine across from 69 Quai de la Seine, which is located in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, France.

Also for the pleasure of parents, there is a lovely bar that offers a variety of fair trade products to buy, but bear in mind that it is only docked in Paris from the beginning of September until the end of June, but excludes the month of January.

This is a unique experience with a wide variety of shows and concerts and you can have a look at their website that is full of photographs, but it is in French only, but you can translate this using someone like google.

They also do theatre classes and for adolescents these are held on a Wednesday from 4:30pm through to 6:30pm and for adults they are held on a Monday from 8pm through to 10:30pm. For more information you can contact them on telephone number 1 60 15 24 99.

The Fair Trade Bar is open at different times and has themed activities from different discussions and exhibitions through to educational games and you can get to meet like minded people over a fair trade drink.

On Saturdays and holidays it opens from 2pm and on Wednesdays and Sundays it opens at 5pm. If the weather is not nice or it is cold, then this will be held within the boat, or if it is warm, then drinks, etc are taken on to the deck, which enables everyone to enjoy the views.

The Peniche Antipode can also be rented out for your cocktail party, conference, photo shoots, shows, weddings etc and the boat is very well equipped with light and sound, a bar, stage and a lovely deck area, which definitely make a venue with a difference.

For further information about renting this, you can telephone them on 1 40 03 03 84 or the mobile 06 50 09 64 75.

The children's theatre has lots of different productions according to age, so it is always advisable to check when these are being shown and you can do this by telephoning 1 42 03 39 07 and the venue has a specially converted space and exhibitions for your children.

This lovely boat is designed to be friendly and welcoming and for the older people amongst us, there are productions and comedies and floating concerts along with unusual evenings on a Thursday, which are known as "Jeudis de la Ziq. Along with fair trade snacks available it is a reasonable price ranging from 5 Euros to around 15 Euros depending upon the show.


Address & Contact Details:

Abricadabra Théâtre
Peniche Antipode
Bassin de la Villette
69 Quai de la Seine
75019
Paris

Telephone: 1 42 03 39 07




The Atelier Maitre Albert is an old fashioned restaurant that has been revamped into a warm and friendly rotisserie with the menu being designed by famous Michelin star chef Guy Savoy and chef Emmanuel Monsallier.

The interior has an unusual décor, which is a mix of traditional and modern with modern type tables, glass surfaces and grey chairs, marble floors, old timber beams and limestone walls, plus a very large ornate fireplace in the main dining room that dates back to the 13th century and is considered one of the most beautiful fireplaces in Paris.

At the end of the room there is a rotisserie and apart from the old fireplace, it is this roasting spit that dominates the space where you will see duck breast, veal, ham, beef, guinea fowls, chickens, wild boar etc all roasted before your own eyes.

As you can no doubt imagine, this restaurant in Paris is very popular place, with a warm, friendly and lively atmosphere and of course the specialities are the roast meats, which is a dying tradition in many of the French restaurants, but there are lots of other choices you have as well, such as oysters, squid and monkfish.

Situated on the Left Bank of the River Seine in the Latin Quarter, just across from the Notre Dame Cathedral in the 5th Arrondissement it has two sittings of an evening and is open until late, so you can even enjoy a meal here after you have been to the Opera or even after cruising the River Seine admiring the city all lit up.

Every day there is an additional different starter, main course and dessert, like a Today's special, which is specifically selected to incorporate the produce and different flavours that are available that day and the delectable aromas that you smell the minute you walk in to Atelier Maitre Albert, make this place one you will not forget and one you will want to revisit when you next go back to Paris.

Restaurant Guide Key Points

Atelier Maitre Albert is open in the evening from 6.30pm to 11.30pm on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.

But on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday it is open in the evening from 6.30pm to 1am.

This restaurant is open for lunch from noon until 2.30pm Monday to Friday.

It is suitable for all the family, however, reservations are highly recommended, as they get extremely booked, even though they have two sittings every evening. We would say it is a must to book in advance!

Although there is no particular dress code, of a lunch time you will find many business men and women in suits and in the evening, like the Parisians do, you will find many people dressed elegantly and smartly, but it is not essential, people do turn up in jeans, etc!

For those of you who like to have a smoke, there is a cigar room.

You can have a three-course meal from 40€ upwards not including drinks.

There is also a wine cellar that is devoted to (obviously) wine, but also wine tasting and this can also be booked for small private gatherings.

The nearest Metro station is the Maubert (line 7).


Address & Contact Details:

Rotisserie Autour de la Cheminee
1 Rue Maitre Albert
75005
Paris
France

Telephone: 1 56 81 30 01
Fax: 2 53 10 83 23

Wednesday, August 20, 2014





L'Astrance is a very small restaurant that was only opened in the year 2000, but with the quality of the cuisine from chef Pascal Barbot who got his first Michelin star straight away, this incredibly popular place has now been awarded two Michelin stars.

The small yet charming and contemporary dining room with its the gilt-framed mirrors seats just 26 people at any one time and as you can imagine getting a table here is not easy as they are always booked well in advance, but it is definitely well worth the effort.


They do not do an A la Carte menu, just a tasting menu with numerous courses and the idea is to surprise you. But this particular restaurant in Paris will consider your likes and dislikes by asking you prior if there are any things you will not eat, and then they will pair the wine with each course to absolute perfection, so as to compliment the cuisine to its fullest.

L'Astrance is an intimate, cosy and romantic restaurant with a very unique experience, which is located on a small side street close to the River Seine and the Eiffel Tower in the 16th Arrondissement of Paris.

The accomplished owners Pascal Barbot and Christophe Rohat who both worked at L'Arpège, which is a three Michelin star restaurant in Paris bring you quality in both the service and cuisine that is hard to beat with their attention to the finer details.

Some of the delights on offer with the contemporary French cuisine include crab and avocado ravioli, roast guinea fowl, monkfish with pomelo fruit and shredded braised pork, delectable mussels, zucchini and baby turnips, turbot with herb caviar, roast endives with lime zest, foie gras marinated in vergus with mushrooms, and much, much more, but bear in mind that all dishes are a surprise and are cooked fresh from what is available for that particular season.

But whatever the dishes, this incredible restaurant in Paris needs to be discovered for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Restaurant Guide Key Points

This restaurant is only open from a Tuesday to Friday and is closed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. They are also closed throughout August.

Reservations must be made and we recommend at least two months in advance and sometimes this can be more dependent upon the time of year. They need to be made via phone between 10am and 3pm Paris time.

L'Astrance offers a lunch menu that is approximately 130€, a dinner menu for around 160€ and a wine pairing option that works out at around 250€ per person.

This is not really suited for the disabled as going down a staircase to the basement accesses the restrooms.

The dress code is smart, dressy.

The nearest Metro stations are the Trocadéro or Passy.


Address & Contact Details:

L'Astrance
4 Rue Beethoven
75016
Paris
France

Telephone: 1 40 50 84 40
Fax: 1 40 50 11 45


Aux Lyonnais is a Paris version of a Lyonnais bouchon that was actually first opened in 1890 and with a passion for the traditional French bistro, the world renowned chef Alain Ducasse, decided to bring the old fashioned restaurant back to life but still keeping the Lyonnais specialities on the menu.

Still offering a style of cooking based on the very best regional produce from the Lyon area of France like pike, crayfish, frogs from the Dombes, chicken, beef, cheese from the Isère, cooked pork meats from Lyon and wine from the same region, dining here will make you realise why Lyon is called the gastronomic capital of France.

This bistro style restaurant is a reasonably small and quaint place that has retained much of its original character both on the outside with its engraved plaques, statues and frescoes and on the inside with its tiled floor, mouldings on the high ceilings, a zinc bar and the original woodwork.

Situated in the 2nd Arrondissement of Paris in a very quiet location, there is also a small lounge area upstairs, which is accessed by the original mahogany staircase with brass rails where their patrons can enjoy a drink whilst waiting for their table.

The Aux Lyonnais bistro style restaurant in Paris has an A la Carte menu with dishes such as pike dumplings, foie gras, coq au vin, watercress soup over frogs legs done in parsley, steak served with sautéed shallots and a cheese and garlic mash, Grand Marnier souffle, poached pear with creme fraich. But there is also a set menu for a lunchtime, which is cheaper, but you do not get many choices on this, only whatever the dishes of the day are, which do change by the seasons with what fresh produce is available.

Restaurant Guide Key Points

Aux Lyonnais is open from a Tuesday through to a Friday for lunch and from a Tuesday through to a Saturday for dinner.

There is a set lunch menu and a set dinner menu which are approximately 30€, but there is also an A la Carte option which is an average cost of around 45€ upwards not including drinks.

Reservations are required and they are very particular about punctuality, but because of where it is situated, if you are no familiar with the area, it may be an idea to have a map. If you are late turning up to Aux Lyonnais, you may end up not being able to dine as there are actually two sittings per evening and your reservations must be confirmed.

Also the dress code is smart casual, but leaning more towards dressy and this type of attire is expected, so no jeans etc here!

The nearest Metro station is the Grands-Boulevards.


Address & Contact Details:

Aux Lyonnais 
32 Rue St-Marc
75002
Paris
France

Telephone: 1 42 96 65 04
Fax: 1 42 97 42 95



Angelina was once known as Rumpelmayers and this tea salon was first established back in 1903 and was once a favourite of famous people like Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel, more recent Angelina was taken over by the Groupe Bertrand in 2005.

And although it is known as a tea salon, it does serve breakfasts, lunches and desserts, so is therefore more like a cafe. Plus their African hot chocolate served on a silver tray with cream separate, is what has made this place so famous over the years, and you will be hard pushed to get a hot chocolate anywhere near as good elsewhere.

The interior decor with its marble topped tables, gilded ironwork and mirrors makes for a really traditional stop to rest those weary legs after you have been trudging around The Louvre which is situated just opposite Angelina's and designed by the famous architect, Edouard-Jean Niermans, it combines elegance, charm and refinement.

This traditional Parisian café doesn't actually have air conditioning, so it can get rather stifling inside on a hot day and if you leave it until late in the morning, you could end up in quite a queue just to get a seat. But there is a lovely pastry counter near the entrance, so you could always purchase something from here and enjoy it within the Tuilleries gardens that are just across the street.

Located in the arcades of the Rue de Rivoli in the 1st Arrondissement of Paris they serve some excellent salads and quiches plus light dinners, but it is the chocolate lovers that flock here. And although it is popular both with Parisians and tourists, very little English is spoken, so it may be an idea to brush up on a few bits of French, like knowing that their signature hot chocolate is called chocolat L'Africain.

But this is still a very unique place to enjoy the famous hot chocolate and the incredible Mont Blanc gateau, with the old recepe still being a closely guarded secret along with the terrific decor.

Cafe & Restaurant Guide Key Points

Open daily from 8am through to 7pm

Angelina is situated near to the Jardin de Tuileries and to the West of The Louvre next to the Hôtel Meurice on the Rue de Rivoli.

Their famous hot chocolate is around 7€, with a bowl of chips approximately 6€ and also renowned for their pastries, an apple tart around 5.50€.

There is no particular dress code and casual attire is fine.

The closest Metro stations are either the Concorde or the Tuileries.


Address & Contact Details:

Angelina
226 Rue de Rivoli
75001
Paris
France

Telephone: 1 42 60 82 00
Fax: 1 42 86 98 97



Guy Savoy is a top table restaurant that was named after the owner and chef when it first opened back in 1980 on the Rue Duret, but then moved to its current location on Rue Troyon in 1987 and is a very classy three Michelin starred haute cuisine restaurant that puts just as much emphasis on the atmosphere as it does on the cuisine.

This restaurant is actually classed as one of the very best tables in Paris and a lot of this comes down to Guy himself and his philosophy, where he feels that having fun and enjoying the surroundings are just as important as eating well and this comes across in all ways, from the moment you enter to the friendly staff that always around to be of service, to the uniqueness of the cuisine and the very talented and unique chef.

Your visit to Guy Savoy will be a sheer delight in more ways than one, with lasting memories of the revamped dark wood decor, brightly coloured paintings and some unusual statues and sculptures dotted around the dining areas that have sliding partitions so the space can be changed to divide into several rooms and private dining areas.

But for most people it will be the delicacies that are offered at this fabulous restaurant in Paris, yet also how they are presented and you will find that certain dishes on the menu have a specific style of plate that they use for serving the dish. For instance, a particular turbot dish would be presented on a dish that has tiny holes in it, which is then placed on another dish. Once you have eaten the first part of the fish and the produce that accompanies it, the plate with holes is removed and underneath you will find another course with turbot and other accompaniments.

Now I am sure that you have heard of wine pairing and this is certainly a great option when you have an expert sommelier who will know exactly what type of wine is most suited to each individual dish that you have ordered. Well at Guy Savoy you have the opportunity of the wine waiter's expertise at your finger tips and many wines can be taken by the glass rather than having to purchase a bottle. Yet something that is a little more unusual is the art of bread pairing and this is also something else that you can opt for, so that the breads chosen will work in harmony both with the dishes and wine and make for an even more memorable meal.

When it comes to the cuisine, this changes with the seasons and therefore you will get certain items only when they are in season, but some of delights you can expect to see on the menu at different times are duck foie gras with red cabbage juice and cabbage with horseradish and mustard, seared blue lobster with orange root vegetables, hot sea urchins and Chinese artichokes with sea urchin butter, lentil and truffle stew, grilled sea bass with sweet spices, artichoke soup with black truffle and layered brioche with mushrooms and truffles, roasted veal with potato puree, Breton grilled lobster with carrot puree, strips of carrots, lobster coral and white wine stock, chicken breast with lemon balm and lemongrass along with a ragout of ribbed vegetables and Swiss chard, thinly sliced truffles, pearl onions, carrots and button mushrooms, to name a few!

The Guy Savoy restaurant is situated in the 17th arrondissement of Paris close the Arc de Triomphe and the famous Avenue des Champs Elysees. But Guy Savoy also owns other restaurants and bistros in Paris, which include the Atelier Maitre Albert, La Butte Chaillot, Les Bouquinistes, and Le Chiberta although these are managed by the highly trained and competent chefs appointed and trained by Guy himself.

So if you are looking to dine at an establishment marked with distinction and in a class of its own, then you need not look any further than the Guy Savoy for a fabulous meal with friendly, yet professional staff who will make you feel welcome and you will be able to go away with happy memories.

Restaurant Guide Key Points

The Guy Savoy haute cuisine restaurant is open on a Tuesday to Friday for lunch from noon through to 2pm and for dinner from 7pm through to 10.30pm. Then on a Saturday they are open from 7pm until 10.30pm but are closed all day on a Sunday and Monday.

As they state, attire is to be in harmony with the aesthetics and the elegance of the surroundings and is very much appreciated. In other words, smart, elegant is the dress code and definitely not casual.

There is also a valet parking service, air conditioning, private dining upon request and by prior arrangement, plus private functions are also possible on a Sunday and Monday, which would have to be arranged in advance.

Now, the average cost for a meal not including any wine or other drinks is around 180€ upwards for the A la Carte, but there is also a Prestige Menu for around 275€ and another called the Menu Couleurs, Textures et Saveurs which is around 345€. With the Prestige Menu there are around nine courses and this is served to the whole table, whereas the Colours, textures and savours menu is classed as a supreme tasting menu that has even more courses and is also served to the whole table.

However the Guy Savoy restaurant also offers an exclusive tasting menu each day at lunch for people that wish to discover the delights of a French gourmet restaurant and do not want to take on board the costs for a full A la Carte or evening dinner. From the entire menu you can choose a half entrée, one main dish, and a half-desert, for the cost of around 100€ and wines recommended by the expert sommelier will start at 10€ for a glass, but this particular special is only available if you book this online!

Please also make sure that you plan ahead as reservations are normally required at least one month in advance.

There are numerous different languages that are spoken at this haute cuisine restaurant that include the obvious French, but also English, Italian, Spanish, German and Arabic are spoken, plus the menu is translated into Chinese, Japanese and even Russian.

Although they have a valet parking service, if you are arriving via public transport then the nearest Metro station is the Charles de Gaulle-Etoile or from the other direction it would be the Ternes.


Address & Contact Details:

Guy Savoy
18 Rue Troyon
75017
Paris
France

Telephone: 1 43 80 40 61
Fax: 1 46 22 43 09



Lucas Carton was a very traditional gourmet French restaurant in Paris that was run by the renowned chef Alain Senderens and was rated three stars within the Michelin guide.

However, Alain Senderens wanted to do something different and gave up his three stars for the Lucas Carton restaurant and decided to create an entirely new restaurant concept which was much more informal, yet still with the same great quality of food for its patrons.

So in 2005, even though in the same building as the original Lucas Carton, he changed the interior decor, getting rid of the fine china and silverware for a more contemporary bistro style and revamped the menu and style of cuisine. Alain named the restaurant Senderens after his own name and came up with creations that would only set someone back around 100€ instead of the 300€ plus, as it would have been.

Senderens bistro is situated in the 8th arrondissement of Paris located on the famous Place de la Madeleine and is definitely a place to go if you are looking for more of a contemporary style of French cuisine but with a renowned chef that still provides the quality you would expect and has already gained a two star Michelin award.

The menu offers new twists on classic French cuisine, with an Asian influence but some of the dishes available include roasted duck with honey and spices, lobster from Brittany and mango salad, veal and langoustine tartar, crab and avocado puree, tempura shrimp with carrot and zucchini, duck with beetroot and wasabi, foie gras with pumpkin puree, smoked Scottish salmon with cucumber and Thai spices, roasted scallops, etc.

You will find that on each course listed on the Senderens menu, there is a wine, which is paired with it as a recommendation, so that it will complement the dish you are choosing, which is also available by the glass.

There is a bar upstairs that is accessed either from the restaurant or if not dining, then can be accessed separately via the Passage de la Madeleine and serves light snacks such as tapas, to go with Spanish wine, or Sushi and Sashimi 'Senderens' style, accompanied by sake.

Although the disabled can access the main dining room of this now contemporary restaurant in Paris, unfortunately the rest rooms are upstairs and can only be accessed via a spiral staircase.

Restaurant Guide Key Points

Senderens is open every day of the week from noon to 2.45pm (last orders) and from 7.30pm to 11.15pm (last orders).

The upstairs Bar opens from noon to 2.45 and from 7pm through 11.45, which is accessible through the Passage de la Madeleine.

There is a Menu du Jour at 36€, which is available at lunchtime and includes an Amuse-Bouche (appetiser), Entrée (starter), Plat (main course) and a dessert.

There is a Tasting Menu that is 150€ including wine or 110€ without drinks, but this is only served during the first evening service, as they have more than one sitting, plus of course an A la Carte option.

In complete contrast to the original Lucas Carton, Senderens offer wine per the glass, which ranges in price from around 8€ upwards, but they also still have a fantastic wine cellar for those of you who know exactly what bottle of wine you would like.

Reservations are required, sometimes weeks in advance and there is a valet service also available.

It is suitable for all ages and the dress code is now less formal than that of the previous Lucas Carton, where smart casual is the order of the day, although you will find that people are far dressier here of an evening.

The nearest Metro station is the Madeleine on lines 8, 12 and 14


Address & Contact Details:

Senderens
9 Place de la Madeleine
75008
Paris
France

Telephone: 1 42 65 22 90
Fax: 1 42 65 06 23