esmerelda

We were a bit nervous going, having read the mixed reviews here from trustworthy reviewers, but we were delighted by the warm welcome and kind treatment. We were accompanied by two mature teenagers, and they also felt comfortable and welcomed. Our French is passable at best, but that didn't seem a problem. The crowd was mostly French. We were surrounded by happy couples (which is one reason that it seemed romantic to me) and had wonderful, creative food, with generous extras. Because the tables are well spaced, it was quieter and more smoke free than others restaurants. My guess is that they have rebounded from earlier problems.

I agree with the Pamphlet recc for reasonably priced romantic; of all the reasonably priced and equally wonderful restaurants we ate in last week, I think it offers the most in terms of setting,gracious and warm service, extras (as noted by the poster, also a tasty squash soup starter), beautifully spaced tables, nice tableware.. the menu was 32 for 3 courses and all those extras..

indeed, paris is awesome. we are also back from a week in paris, and i'd like to thank people on this list, especially john talbott, for all the guidance! we were on a budget, especially considering the dreadful exchange rate. we found many restaurants closed over the christmas holidays (pre verre, temps au temps, le troquet, fish, reminet, l'ardoise, le petit machon, soit y lasse) and some difficult to book (eg, l'ourcine) but had wonderful meals in the 25-32 euro range (for either entree and plat at low end, or 3-course menu for 32) at le pamphlet, le florimond, le timbre, l'avant gout, le repaire de cartouche, as well as great couscous at chez omar, and nice lunches at delicabar and castafiore. so, while i wouldn't call this bargain dining per se, i think the value per euro was extraordinary at all of these restaurants. it was great to have a long list of choices culled from this site, and we ended up with a variety of wonderful, interesting food in restaurants where we felt welcomed and received excellent service.

This is a wonderful site for lurking tourists and egulleteer-wannabees! Preparing for a Christmas time trip, I will need to crosscheck all restaurants against holiday closings.. is there any single source that people recommend as having the best info about holiday closings? Do reservations need to be made further out in time? And John, do any restaurants on the original list come off, or have you simply widened the great choices? Thanks for all your contributions to this forum!