L’Astrance

There is probably no table in Paris that is more coveted than one in this sober 25-seat dining room, with a single set menu for €120 (without wine) or €190 (with matching wines), orchestrated by young culinary genius Pascal Barbot. Lunch is more affordable, starting at €70 per person.

• 4 rue Beethoven, 75016

• 01 40 50 84 40

• Closed Sat–Mon, Aug, Feb (call to check)

• No disabled access

• €€€€€

Guy Savoy

Artichoke and truffle soup is one of star chef Guy Savoy’s signature dishes, in his chic and smart restaurant (jacket and ties required for male diners). One of the city’s best dining experiences (see Guy Savoy). To sample Savoy’s cooking at more affordable prices, try the bistro-style Les Bookinistes in the St-Germain quarter.

Les Papilles

The setting – a wine shop lined with wooden tables – barely hints at this restaurant’s remarkably sophisticated cooking, from a chef who once worked at Taillevent. Pick your wine straight off the shelves to accompany the bargain set menu (see Les Papilles).

Taillevent

Taillevent’s atmospheric oak-panelled dining room is frequented by a mix of businessmen and romantic couples. Crépinette d’andouillette (sausage pancake) with foie gras is one memorable dish and there’s an exceptional wine list. You need to book well ahead to dine here (see Taillevent).

Le Jules Verne

Now in the perfectionist hands of world-famous chef Alain Ducasse, this restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower has entered the 21st century. Revamped with a futuristic brown decor and suitably luxurious menu, replete with truffles in winter. Service is excellent and the panoramic views are breathtaking, but book months in advance for a coveted window seat (see Le Jules Verne).

Brasserie Bofinger

Paris’s oldest brasserie, dating from 1864, is worth a visit for the original wood and glass decor and leather banquette seating. Staple bistro dishes such as oysters and pepper steak.

• 5–7 rue de la Bastille, 75004

• 01 42 72 87 82

• No disabled access

• €€

Restaurant du Palais Royal

Under the arcades of the Palais Royal gardens is one of the most peaceful terraces in Paris, where you can feast on impeccable dishes such as squid ink and lobster risotto, and rhum baba. The red dining room feels particularly welcoming in colder weather (see Restaurant du Paris Royal).

Le Scheffer

One bistro looks much like another, but inside this one in the Chaillot Quarter is a different story. The food is superb and the service is friendly. There’s always a fun atmosphere and prices are reasonable. For all of these reasons, it’s always wise to book ahead (see Le Scheffer).

Le Voltaire

A discreet Seine-side bistro, Le Voltaire attracts celebrities and politicians for its classic French cuisine, notably an exquisite steak-frites.

• 27 quai Voltaire, 75007

• 01 42 61 17 49

• Closed Sun–Mon, Aug

• €€€€€

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon

Take a seat at the lacquered bar to experience a top French chef’s take on contemporary cuisine. Signature dishes are the merlan Colbert (fried whiting), and carbonara with Alsatian cream and bacon.

• 5 rue de Montalembert, 75007

• 01 42 22 56 56

• €€€€€