You’re coming to Paris to celebrate your special event, lucky you! Whether that be a surprise proposal or engagement, wedding, elopement, vow renewal, birthday, anniversary or any other special event in your lives, Paris is the best place in the world to celebrate it! In the City of Light, you’ll find incredible beauty and romance.
From the ornate bridges crossing the Seine River like Pont Alexandre III, to the sweeping monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Louvre Museum, to the beautiful gardens and parks, brimming with nature’s colors, Paris is a treat for the visual palette and the palate, too!
This guide contains my favorites 13 Romantic Restaurants to celebrate your special day in Paris, and to have a night to remember! !
What to Know About Paris Restaurants
First things first, you may think that dining in Paris can’t be all that different from dining in your home country, right? Wrong? Here are some key differences in Paris dining compared to what you might be used to:
Before the Meal
- Tipping culture – tipping is appreciated but not expected, in fact a tip is already included in your bill. Go ahead and leave an additional euro or two if the service was exceptional, but it’s not mandatory. Those who work in the restaurant industry in France are seen as professionals, and are compensated accordingly, so tipping is not mandatory.
- Server etiquette – your restaurant server will be discreet and there for you if you need them, but they won’t be coming around often to check on the food and say, how’s everything tasting, can I get you anything? Unlike restaurants in the USA, in France the server assumes everything is okay unless you ask for something, and is very careful to not disturb you while you’re enjoying your meal. I know I’ve had situations where I’m in the middle of devouring my meal and the server interrupts me. This is considered poor etiquette in France, so you will be left in peace to enjoy your meal.
After the Meal
- Timing – unlike what you may be used to, you won’t be shoo-ed out of the restaurant if you’re there more than 45 minutes. French dining is an art form and takes time. Expect to spend at least 2 hours at the restaurant, and you can relax and enjoy yourselves, because no one will asking for your table. It’s much more relaxed than other cultures.
- Time for the bill – the server will bring you the bill, but not until you ask. Just say, “L’addition, s’il vous plaît (ladishione see voo play). Again, the culture is more formal and they would never disturb you during a meal by bringing the bill, so be sure to ask for it when you’re ready.
- Paying by credit card – most restaurants in Paris accept credit cards from around the world, and instead of going to a desk as you leave, the restaurant will either bring the machine to your table, or take your card with them to run it through their machine, and bring you the receipt.
What Food to Try in a Paris Restaurant
Paris is an international city, therefore, you’ll find all kinds of cuisines to suit you. That said, you’ll probably want to try traditional French food. Here are some of the best French foods to try:
Traditional Favorites
- French Onion Soup – it’s becoming more rare to find this French specialty in restaurants, but it’s oh-so-worth it if you do. It’s absolutely delicious, a bit salty sometimes but with a sweetness from the onions. It makes a great starter.Coq au Vin – chicken simmered in wine sauce is simply delectable and a classic French dish you must try
- Quiche Lorraine – oh la la, this is one of my favorites! I love a quiche Lorraine with ham. This dish is a savory tart, which uses puff pastry dough for its base, and is filled with a mix of eggs, crème fraiche and meat or vegetables. This dish comes from the Alsace region in eastern France
Meat and Fish Dishes
- Steak Tartare – this one takes some getting used to, but it’s raw steak served with an egg! It’s very French!
- Confit De Canard – a duck dish, if you like fowl, you’ll love this dish, usually served with potatoes or vegetables.
- Bouillabaisse – fish and shellfish soup that originated in the southern city of Marseille, it’s not one of my favorites as I don’t love fish, but if you love fish, it’s a must try!
- Escargot – snails are a big fine dining treat, served with garlic and pastry
Don’t Skip the Carbs!
- Pomme Frites – I don’t know what they do to them, but the French fries in French cooking are incredible! Crisp, salty and delicious, they make a perfect accompaniment to any meal!
- Bread – just like the pomme frites, the bread in France is incredible. Often served with cheese (there are so many cheeses to try in France you could never try them all), the bread is deliciously crusty and crisp on the outside, and tender and soft on the inside
Don’t Forget to Try French Wine
It goes without saying, any amazing Paris meal should be paired with a delicious French wine. Choose from red, white or rosé (which is great in the summer!). If you like spirits, don’t forget to try a Kir Royale. It’s a delicious combination of crème de cassis topped with champagne. It’s excellent!
My Top Choices for a Special Occasion Romantic Meal in Paris
L’OISEAU BLANC IN THE PENINSULA HOTEL
A great view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance, serving delicious food. Located in the glass covered rooftop of the Peninsula Hotel. The service here is wonderful and the views, to die for.
https://www.peninsula.com/en/paris/hotel-fine-dining/french-rooftop-loiseau-blanc.
LES OMBRES
Les Ombres is a restaurant at the Museum Quai Branly, very close to the Eiffel Tower. It has many positive reviews from clients, and has a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower. It’s super romantic!
http://www.lesombres-restaurant.com
TOUR D’ARGENT
A very famous restaurant in Paris, and one of the most expensive. Overlooks Notre Dame Cathedral. Referenced in the Disney film, Ratatouille. This one is a Michelin-star restaurant and serves excellent food along with its views.
CAFE DE LA PAIX
A very famous restaurant located across the street from the Paris Opera Garnier. Famous for its green chairs and beautiful view of the Paris Opera Garnier.
CAFE MARLY
Classy restaurant that overlooks the Louvre Courtyard. It’s a great view of the Louvre and glass pyramids of the Louvre!
KONG
Made famous by an episode of Sex & the City, this Japanese restaurant offers great views of the Paris architecture and Seine River.
GIRAFE
Girafe has a terrific view of the Eiffel Tower. It’s a popular spot for lunch and dinner.
Web site: https://girafe-restaurant.com/en/paris/
LE CALIFE
Le Calife is an excellent dinner cruise on the Seine river. They serve an amazing 4-course meal, with nice service, and a stunning view of Paris by night, with the monuments lit. I highly recommend it. Prices for the meals are also quite reasonable when you consider you also have a dinner cruise included. I took a group of 30 on Le Calife, and everyone had an amazing time. Staff speaks great English and have wonderful customer service. As a Paris wedding photographer, my clients love this romantic dining boat.
http://www.calife.com/english/index.html
DUCASSE SUR SEINE
A new river cruise experience by the name of Ducasse sur Seine is being delivered up on the banks of the famous river. Beautiful glass windows, a four-course meal, and views of Paris lit at night, docked right near the Eiffel Tower. Well worth checking out for your special event!
https://www.ducasse-seine.com/en/#experience
GRAND COLBERT
This exquisite French bistro was featured in the movie Something’s Gotta Give with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Located just behind the Royal Gardens (Jardins Royale), it is beautiful and the portions are generous. Their specialty is chicken.
LE GRAND VEFOUR
Famous as being Coco Chanel’s favorite spot to dine, this restaurant is an institution in Paris with very high prices. But very elegant decor, and was featured in the movie, Midnight in Paris. It’s absolutely beautiful inside and close to the Louvre Museum.
http://www.grand-vefour.com/en
LA DUREE
The famous macaron shop also has some very tasty food (not fine dining). I recommend the Ladurée on the Champs Elysees, near the Arc de Triomphe. My favorite is the cinnamon French toast, hot chocolate, and of course, a delicious macaron for dessert!
MONSIEUR BLEU
A popular restaurant at the Palais de Tokyo Museum, not far from the Eiffel Tower, and the outdoor terrace has a partial view of the Eiffel Tower open during the warmer months of the year.
https://www.palaisdetokyo.com/en/page/monsieur-bleu
So there you have it, my top recommendations for a romantic meal in Paris! Naturally, you’ll want to immortalize your time in Paris with a romantic couples photo session or maybe you’re getting married! I’d love to work with you, feel free to contact me here, I look forward to speaking with you!
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