Best Traditional Classic French Food in Paris

[kathleen_319]

Hi all, we are travelling to Paris for three days the end of the first week of October. Super excited to return after 13 years!! I have looked through the threads so I apologize if I missed this, but I would like to do one lunch or dinner in a really terrific *traditional* *classic* French restaurant. I would like something that is very old style French. I have looked through the Michelin-rated restuarants and it appears (at least from the reviews on Tripadvisor and the like) that most people say the atmosphere is great, but the food is not that good (??). I would like to go somewhere the food is *amazing* and don't mind paying for that (but not too keen on paying for the atmosphere, but where the food is just ok). Would love to get thoughts on best traditional, classic French cuisine restaurant. Looked at Michel Rostang, but it appeared to get some poor-er reviews? Any and all thoughts would be welcome and appreciated!! (I do have a list of what appear to be excellent bistros, but I am looking for this one lunch or dinner for a more classic traditional non-bistro meal). Thank you!

[mangeur]

If I were looking for traditional, classic French food I would head for L'Ami Louis, Dumonet (Chez Josephine) or La Tour de Montlhéry (Chez Denise).

[ChefJune]

I was about to say josephine, Chez Dumonet would be my reco.

[kathleen_319]

Thank you!

[kathleen_319]

Thank you!! I am looking for something more Escoffier-like, less Bistro-like. Thank you for your help!

[Parnassien]

well, if price is no object, le Grand Véfour in the Palais Royal ... the excellent food is not totally traditional (Escoffier is long dead!) but the whole package is so amazingly historic and parisien... just a wee bit pricey (i.e. second mortgage might be required)

i would also take reviews on tripadvisor with a pinch of salt .

I would definitely keep Michel Rostang on your to-do list.

[kathleen_319]

Well.... I wouldn't say price is *no* object... ;) But I appreciate the suggestion. I had looked at le Grand Véfour and it did seem a little priceier than I was hoping for, but it did seem to have excellent, traditional food (and that is what I am looking for!) Thank you for the confirmation on Michel Rostang as well! One quesion, are there any sites to see in that area (the area of Michel Rostang) should we decide to visit the restaurant for lunch? Thank you again!!

[PBSF]

Escoffier didn't come cheap in his days and it won't be inexpensive now if one can even find a restaurant. Closest is probably Rostang with excellent food but he is more holdover from the nouvelle cuisine days. Lasserre still has a few Escoffier inpired classiques on their menu. And it would be more of an 'Escoffier' experience.

[kathleen_319]

I do realize it will be pricey :) thanks for the recommendation of Lasserre. I had looked there and will look again!

[John Talbott]

Since part of my curmudgeonly role is to suggest the un-Dumonet places, let me suggest L'Auberge des Saints Peres in Aulnay sous Bois, Le (new) Petit Marguery and Le (new) Tour d'Argent. M. Lobrano today noted that the most commonly asked question he's asked is to find a classic French place and his answer invariably centers on Alain Ducasse, so I'll throw in Rech from that category.

[Parnassien]

Rech is indeed a fine place. Especially if you have a yearning for seafood.

[Delucacheesemonger]

Two months ago l had the worst service l can ever remember in LP Marguery. Food was ok/good, but the service will prevent me from returning.

[Parnassien]

Rostang is in a pretty but largely residential quartier with little to offer the sightseer. The Parc Monceau is, however, just a 10-minute walk and perfect for a leaf-kicking after-lunch stroll in October. The walk there is not terribly interesting but you can hop on the #30 on the boulevard Courcelles @ the place des Ternes to save the footsies. And taxis are the one thing that Paris does cheaper than most other European cities: for 7 to 9 € you can get to most sites in the 1st, 2nd, 8th, 16th, 17th and 18th from Michel Rostang. Personally I would never take the métro after a good meal (or even a bad meal). Travelling underground so easily dulls the spirit and makes Paris seem a little ordinary.

[mangeur]

Amen, brother. Friends don't let friends mole.

[Parigi]

"Personally I would never take the métro after a good meal (or even a bad meal). "

:-)
That is also my rule.
The best is to walk home. If not, taxi.

[PBSF]

If you are doing lunch at Rostang, might consider a stroll back up to L'Etoile. I've done that walk and then made it to Palais de Chaillot/Trocadero (great view). That will work off the rich meal.

[ChefJune]

imho you will be missing delicious traditional food if you overlook Josephine.

In my experience, the folks who review at Trip Adviser are not particularly into good food. Just sayin'...

[Parigi]

"Stalking at a funeral is creepy cubed, but makes a certain twisted sense."

Agree. Their focus is travel, not food. They look for different things in their dining experience.

[kathleen_319]

Thank you for all the advice! Was wondering if you all thought a lunch Michel Rostang was "worth it" for us trying to get that most-Escoffier-like experience, but bearing in mind that we will only have 3 days to "see it all"? I guess I'm asking is it worth it to take the cab ride (let's say) over and back (without knowing really how far away it is or how long it will take)? Thank you!!!

[Delucacheesemonger]

If you like quenelle de brochet and potatoes dauphinoise, it is worth it.

[Parnassien]

depends on where you are coming from.... It's a 15-minute walk/ less than 5-minute taxi ride from the Arc de Triomphe ... 10 minutes by cab from the Eiffel Tower... 15 minutes from the Musée d'Orsay

[kathleen_319]

Very helpful! Thank you!!

[PBSF]

Besides the quenelle, order the Canette au sang or the pigeon. Sadly the last two items are not offered on the Prix fixed lunch menu. Can't think of another restaurant in Paris doing those better.