Paris Restaurant Tips by Callavetta

Restaurant Name: Le Jules Verne

The day after Christmas, my daughter and I decided to treat ourselves with a splurge at le Jules Verne. It was a wonderful experience!

The elevator that takes you to this "restaurant in the round" is private and doesn't require standing in the 30 minute plus lines that folks trying to ascend the tower must stand in. Arriving at the coat check, you immediately know you are in a very luxe place. While we were not seated right next to the window, we were close enough to have fantastic views of all of Paris. (Get there early for the best seating).

Favorite Dish: We ordered from the menu, chosing a selection of amuse bouche, delicious fresh breads, soup, an entree and dessert. When we thought we would absolutely burst, our check came with a plate of wonderful little ganache delicacies. The 3 hour meal cost the equivalent of $150. I had two glasses of wine.

After eating, diners can choose to take the next elevator to the top of the tower, or can proceed down directly.

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Theme: French
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: Tél : 01 45 55 61 44
Address: 2e étage de la Tour Eiffel
Directions: We made reservations through www.reservethebest.com
Website: http://www.reservethebest.com/_fr_/restaurant.php?Id=176

Restaurant Name: Ponte Vecchio

My very favorite restaurant in Paris isn't even French! Ponte Vecchio is a tiny Italian jewel. The fantastic Italian dishes were developed by the handsome Sardinian proprietor and his Corsican wife.

The restaurant is very small, with only a dozen or few tables. When the weather is nice, the front opens up to allow another few tables. Across the street you see the flying buttresses of Notre Dame lit up, providing a very Parisian view.

Favorite Dish: I've never had anything I didn't like from the menu, but my favorite has been the eggplant starter, which truly melts in the mouth. The house red wine is a Sardinian Monica, hard to find anywhere else, very modestly priced, and having a special chocolaty aftertaste.

I've never ordered dessert, preferring to savor another glass of the wine, but my dining companions have raved about the various choices.

I go to Ponte Vecchio every trip to Paris.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Address: Quai de Montebello
Directions: Ponte Vecchio is on the left bank, adjacent to the bridge at the rear of Notre Dame. It is easy to hail a taxi for your return home.