reservations in paris

[ebg]

For the kinds of good Paris neighborhood bistros, etc., recommended by many on this board (i.e., nothing fancy, super expensive, etc), are reservations generally necessary? Is calling the same day sufficient, or do I need to plan ahead a couple of days (or more)?

[John Talbott]

Well, I had a snap-back, heads-up, my world just turned around experience today (I've been saying & writing for years that one should & must make res's in Paris) when I called La Gare after a snafu about my first choice (long story) and was told: "No chance, foggedaboudid, aint gonna happen" and I showed up pulling my forelock and got a primo table. Go figure! Maybe it's like the airlines in the USA, either reserve way in advance or at the last second.

John Talbott, gory details at
http://johntalbottsparis.typepad.com/...

[PhilD]

John, I think that tactic is always worth trying at the hard to get places. We used to have a 66% hit rate at Le Comptoir, we would head down at 7:00 to check to see if they had a table, then head to Fish for an aperitif. However, you do need a good Plan B, if Le Comptoir didn't have a table we knew Hayden would always squeeze us in at the bar at Fish. I suspect it is a tactic that works best for residents because there is always next time....

[John Talbott]

Good point Phil, but even during restaurant week in NYC, I've taken (granted, going to NY on impulse) the opportunity to wander in at 11h45 and asking if there has perhaps been a cancellation.
This is not my rec. I say reserve, but.........................life has its little moments of surprise.
The other thing I didn't say was that today I did ask if I could eat at the bar and was told yes, no rez and no guarantee. That used to work at Gagnaire and Dominique Bouchet; no promises now tho'.

I still reserve every day, no matter what, except...........

[zuriga1]

Time of year has a lot to do with the necessity of making reservations. I was there last month and things seemed very quiet for some reason. That said, I always book ahead if it's a popular place, but I'm a bit compulsive that way.

[potterstreet]

i almost always reserve, and if it's a weekday i usually call a day ahead or that day and never have a problem. even with my godawful french, i've been accomodated well.

[PBSF]

Except for brasseries and cafes, it is always a good idea to reserve. The French appreciates that. Many bistros are small and very popular. How far in advance will depend on the season, day of the week, etc. If it is a particular place that you really want to eat at on a Friday or Saturday evenings, a week ahead would be sufficient, otherwise, 2 or 3 days.