Paris, between Opera and Louvre, looking for excellent food but casual atmosphere

[LulusMom]

My husband is headed to Paris today for work, and while he may only get a few chances to eat out on his own, I'd love to give him some recommendations. It has been a couple of years since I've been to Paris (more's the pity), so I am turning to my fellow Chowhounds for advice. He needs someplace near his hotel, not a problem getting in at the last minute, doesn't need to be fancy at all, but reliably great food. Any suggestions?
thanks very much in advance.
LulusMom

[Parigi]

In that 'hood I used to like l'Absinthe (24 Place du Marché Saint-Honoré) very much. Then everyone said it had gone downhill. Recently people say it is "recovering" nicely.

[LulusMom]

Funny- we've been there. We had our wedding party in a place of the same name in NYC and couldn't resist. That is all I remember about it, unfortunately, but I'll mention it to him. Thanks.

[igorm]

Advise him to try Chez Georges close to the central bank. He would definetly enjoy the atmosphere as well as the food.

[LulusMom]

That would be a perfect location for him. But I thought that place was fairly popular; will walking in and asking for a table really be possible?

[igorm]

It is popular but he can call them that day and probably get a place for one.

[souphie]

If he's ready to go that far, there are indeed more options -- the Japanese on rue Sainte-Anne and rue de Richelieu (loved Isse's sake bar), the wine bar around the Palais Royal (Willy's, Maceo, Les Juvéniles). The Good restaurants on rue Molière (Au Gourmand, Cibus), the good restaurants on rue de l'Arbre sec (Spring, Adrienne) and of course Chez Denise.

[LulusMom]

Wonderful - I had already suggested Willi's and Maceo (forgot about Les Juveniles, although we've been there together). I'll give him your suggestions. Are they really such a far walk? Thanks again souphie.

[Laidback]

Staying within your requested locale, we have enjoyed Bistro Volnay(on Rue Volney)

[LulusMom]

Thanks, I'll send him that info too!

[souphie]

Not very far, no, but a solid 15/20 min walk (depending on where in the neighborhood he is).

[LulusMom]

Anyone about to eat a great meal should probably walk that much ; )

[LulusMom]

Looked up Chez Denise and now want to fly over and meet him (kidding, but only just). That place looks wonderful.

[LulusMom]

I haven't heard much from him so far (who wants to email when you have Paris in front of you?!), but he did have one dinner at Maceo, and he said it was spectacular. There was, apparently, some major service snafu, but he said it didn't make any difference, he still loved the dinner.

[souphie]

It's not a great neighborhood for that -- it's full of palaces and world class jewelry shops. There are the bistrots on Place du Marché Saint-Honoré, all decent. And there's the Soufflé and Lescure on rue du Mont Thabor. And the little bistrot on rue Cambon -- can't remember the name, close to the back exit of the Ritz hotel.

[mangeur]

Soup, do you have any experience with Vin et Maree, 165, rue St-Honore? Our desk clerk likes it but that means ???

[souphie]

Not even second hand.

[fanoffrance]

I had a light late-night fish (daurade?) à la plancha there after attending the Comédie Francaise 3-4 years ago. It wasn't bad, but very ordinary, uninteresting sauce, indifferent service.

[LulusMom]

Thanks so much souphie. You've given me excellent advice before. I'll pass this along.