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Restaurants  :  Bistro Nouvelle
Gastronomy finds a perennial welcome in Paris thanks to the luxuriant, sensual nature of traditional French cookery. Superlative ingredients – including premium wines and cheeses – enrich the cuisine, which runs fat with foie gras, escargots, moules frites, and such classics as coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon. Even so, cued by a fashion-forward culture, innovative chefs unabashedly shake up standards, reinventing them in light of globalization and emergent trends. As a result, while incredible bistro and brasserie fare remain strong, fantastic restaurants also offer foods from once-French areas like Vietnam and North Africa. Haute cuisine distinguishes the city, and Taillevent, the city’s grande-dame of the genre, serves as an elegant, long-lived Parisian landmark. Guy Savoy, another mainstay, drifts towards contemporary tastes while holding fast to class and refinement. Hiramatsu, however, leaps boldly forward, marrying Asian and French cuisines in a seamless fusion of romance and flavor. For more casual occasions, the allure of the brasserie runs strong, and Bofinger is a time-tested haven favored by fans of oysters and Alsatian choucroute. And, night or day, when a light snack or sweet is in order, Ladurée ranks among the city’s best patisseries.

Au Bon Accueil
14, rue de Monttessuy, Paris  75007 • 01 47 05 46 11
Description: 7ème ARRONDISSEMENT. Its name means "good welcome," so you know that you'll be well received at Au Bon Accueil. The bistro's popularity continues to rise, and maître d'hôtel Dominique Giorza not only assists diners but is fluent in both English and Italian. Entrées depend on the season and can include dishes featuring everything from skatefish to baby pig. Desserts are sinful and impossible to pass up! METRO: Alma-Marceau (line 9)

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Bistrot de l'Etoile Lauriston
19, rue Lauriston, Paris  75016 • 01 40 67 11 16
Description: 16ème ARRONDISSEMENT. Former restaurant of Guy Savoy, this bistro is now run by a former student. Dedicated to carrying on the high quality and fine cuisine, he creates an innovative menu that ably carries on already-established standards. Friendly service and reasonable prices are also welcomed by patrons in a South of France atmosphere. METRO: Charles de Gaulle-Etoile (line 1 or 2 or 6) or Kléber (line 6)

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L'Avant Goût
26, rue Bobillot, Paris  75013 • 01 53 80 24 00
Description: 13ème ARRONDISSEMENT. A very popular place, both intimate and lively, in a cozy red and yellow interior design, where you will find exquisite food at reasonable prices. Chef Chistophe Beaufront adds his own creative takes to French fare, and the menu is one you won't soon forget! Try sea bass with creamy celery root and almonds for a delicious example of his abilities. Local speciality: pork pot-au-feu. Desserts are homemade, so don't pass them up! Set menu €31. METRO: Place d'Italie (line 2, 5, 6 or 7)

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L'Epi Dupin
11, rue Dupin, Paris  75006 • 01 42 22 64 56
Description: 6ème ARRONDISSEMENT. This place is not known for interior design, but "cuisine", yes, definitively! At lunchtime, you're likely to find a bustling crowd at L'Epi Dupin, whereas evenings are somewhat quieter. Whatever time of day you attend, the rustic bistro is always packed with eager customers awaiting another extraordinary meal from chef François Pasteau. He's especially well-known for his filet of lamb with ratatouille and citrus and chestnut Lillet chaud-froid. With a prix fixe menu at €33, you can't go wrong! METRO: Sèvres-Babylone (lines 10 or 12)

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Le Violon D'Ingres
135, rue Saint-Dominique, Paris  75007 • 01 45 55 15 05
Description: 7ème ARRONDISSEMENT. This bistro is elegant in all respects. The simple decor evokes sophistication but maintains a comfortable feel. Famous chef Christian Constant, formerly at Le Crillon, devotes himself to his bistro and satisfies customers beyond measure. Be sure to try cream of pumpkin soup with sheep cheese or guinea fowl with turnip choucroute. Menu-carte €45. METRO: Ecole-Militaire (line 8)

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Pinxo
9, rue d'Alger Plaza-Paris-Vendôme Hôtel, Paris  75001 • 01 40 20 72 00
Description: There is always an entertaining view in this contemporary bistro be it the street below, the attractive (and attentive) wait staff, or the creamy walls and long, black-granite bar overlooking the open kitchen. Guests are encouraged to share, and share alike, by offering their tablemates a sample, or pincher, from tapas-style dishes. The southwestern French cuisine specialties can be delightfully innovative, but if you are not in an adventurous mood, more traditional options are offered as well. A selection of fine wines is available to complement your meal.

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