Paris Cafes/Restaurants

[JaponicaTroggs]

DH are going to Paris next month for our wedding anniversary. Three day trip, staying about twenty minutes from the Eiffel Tower. We are packing light so will only be taking casual clothing. Can anyone recommend nice places to eat where we don't have to dress for dinner?
Don't want anywhere massively expensive, though we would like to go somewhere special on our actual anniversary. Has anyone been on a dinner cruise on the Seine?

Doh! Me and DH.

I generally eat in traditional Paris restaurants when I'm there as it's usually for work: Chartier (great for a quick lunch), Au Pied de Cochon, Aux Lyonnais etc.

For something a bit fancier but not too bank-breaking you could try Bistrot du Sommelier (on Blvd Haussman, great tasting menu), or if you like seafood then Charlot, Roi des Coquillages on Place de Clichy is amazing - great food and fantastic decor.

Have never been on a dinner cruise on the Seine, I have heard the food is average and expensive, I would recommend finding a little bistro before or after and just having the nighttime cruise. There are some lovely restaurants on the Ile St. Louis near Notre Dame and the Seine cruise goes from there.

There are so many lovely places to eat in Paris it's hard to know where to begin. I can't remember a dud meal anywhere, the French put a lot of pride into their food. You won't have to dress for dinner at any of the bistros. Make sure you catch the eye of whomever is serving before you sit down and just indicate which table you are sitting at.

The only special places I know would require a modicum of dressing up, though I did wear smart black jeans for dinner with a flashy jacket and dressy top last time I dined at L'Espadon. (Thank you Mumsnet S&B team!!) If you plan your outfits carefully then you should be able to find room for a nice pair of shoes and a top, and just wear the jeans during the day too.

Have a wonderful time.

I would echo worldgonecrazy that a dinner cruise would have my "attrape-con" radar pinging. Best to avoid.

Cafe Marly at The Louvre is classy without being too flash or expensive, and overlooks some fantastic works of art

Thanks for the suggestions. Will avoid the dinner cruise, I had a feeling they may be a rip-off. I will look out for the places mentioned. I would love to go to a nice seafood restaurant but DH can't stand the sight or smell of fish. I will be happy with anywhere with a good wine list!

Japonica Do look at Bistrot du Sommelier if you want good wine then! The guy who owns it was Meilleur Sommelier du Monde and they do an amazing tasting menu with each course paired with a different wine. Their website is here

Looks like the tasting menu is ?110 which is pretty good for 5 courses with 5 different wines!

The restaurant at Musee d'Orsay is fabulous - belle époque decor, lovely views, not too expensive (about £18 for two courses). Cafe de la Paix by Opera Garnier does lovely desserts and is also lovely. All the restaurants and cafes around Saint-Germain-des-Pres (the left bank Hemingway-ish bit) are really expensive and not that nice.

I second Cafe Marly though IIRC, the staff will make anyone feel ugly - they are all stunningly beautiful model types. Great food and wine though.

I always enjoy Chartier. Last time we were seated next to a young Japanese couple on their honeymoon and our limited coversation revolved around their Bullet train and us travelling on Eurostar!
Love the way the waiters write your order on the tablecloth as well.