France is a nation of tradition. Many would agree the French are the connoisseurs of a sacred tradition: enjoying their time over a delectable meal with or without aromatic, delicately aged wine. In a city like Paris, the enjoyment intensifies in the company of your beloved. The choice of restaurants is endless, as the city surprises its locals and visitors with the continual openings of new eateries. April is known as the official month when lovers of the world rush to inhale the earliest signs of spring. Time is a great luxury; so if you have it, romance it away in the city of lights where culinary artistry abounds. Bon appetite to all amoureux!
1. CHEZ JULIEN
1, rue du Pont-Louis-Philippe, 75004 Paris
(33) 01.42.78.31.64
Owned by a proud French woman, this charming restaurant has been serving the finest traditional cuisine for twenty years. In the summer, select a sidewalk table framed with fresh flowers to enjoy the enchanting view. One side of the restaurant offers a scene of the immense cathedral. The front is facing one of many bridges where lovers gaze at the dazzling stars. First order an aperitif, an excitement in liquid form, and then begin an assault on the taste buds. If it is nippy in Paris, a fireplace warms up the cozy interior. The clientele orders popular dishes such as safari de la mer au Champagne for two. The famous dessert profiterole is now served as an entrée, but filled with les escargot et son beurre (snails drenched in butter) instead of sugary cream. Have fun with fraises a la Romanoff (fresh strawberries), perfumed and delicious. The service seems slightly pretentious, although time spent is, beyond a doubt, romantic.
2. AUBERGE DE LA REINE BLANCHE
30, rue Saint-Louis en l’lle, 75004 Paris
(33) 01.46.33.07.87
It is impossible to overlook a dining experience at Auberge de la Reine Blanche. The eatery is nestled in the well-known area of Paris, Saint-Louis, where elegance stems apart from the nobility of its residents. For many years the legendary cook, Monsieur Genty, managed a different eatery where even president Mitterrand once indulged in his finest cooking. Inspired by his father’s profession, Patric Genty in 1988 discovered a 17th century house, fell in love with its charm and opened his own small restaurant. Though the location is the most prestigious in Paris, the provincial atmosphere overflows with hospitality. Nowadays, Patric’s sister, Françoise, runs the business, making sure each dish spoils everyone’s palate. She vividly describes any item from the menu. Françoise is especially attentive to the romancing patrons. Begin with foix gras melting in your mouth the second it touches the tongue. Then, order the tender delicacy - rack of lamb, followed by coq au vin swimming in aromatic wine sauce. The wine list is as impressive as the cost. Pricey, but certainly priceless.
3. 1728
8, rue d’Anjou, 75008 Paris
(33) 01.40.17.04.77
Dining in this “museum” can be as memorable experience as visiting the lustrous quarters of Luis the XIV in Versailles. The ostentatious surroundings present the beauty in its purest form. Pass through the lounge to feel the space of a dinning room, and have a seat. Before studying the elaborate menu, please an eye with the collection of “tableaux classique” on the walls and sculptures made of the finest marble. In addition to contemporary cuisine, a new indulgence is available in the lounge. An aromatic tea is accompanied with the celestial pâtisseries Pierre Hermé bakes daily. Regardless of the decision, the experience is unforgettable. The romantic moment intensifies once classical music begins to tantalize your ears. To balance your meal, the knowledgeable staff will thrive in choosing wine from the noted cellar in France, Augé. Breakfast and lunch is served as well. Reservations recommended.
4. LE COUPE CHOU
11, rue de Lanneau, 75005 Paris
(33) 01.46.33.68.69/01.43.54.36.54
Three French comedians had an urge to open a place where actors and audience could congregate after the evening show. Perhaps a strong desire to calm a rumbling stomach superseded a desire to discuss the just-seen performance. In 1962, they opened “Le Coupe Chou” and it has been full ever since. The ambiance precisely depicts the marvelous era of Louis XIII where love and beauty flourished. Plan to arrive early. A charming host escorts you to an exquisite, antique-furnished salon. Plunge into the velvet-smooth armchair to notice an aperitif on the small pedestal table in front. Listen to a classical melody while a drink cleanses your palate for a new sensation. Everything suggests love and harmony, beginning in the salon and continuing in the elegant dinning room. The restaurant has a few rooms with one elevated area with a table for two. Even though this section is open, intimacy is assured. The extensive menu includes dishes prepared in advance to achieve maximum tenderness. Ask for carre d’agneau a la menthe fraîche, the superbly flavorful young lamb with fresh mint. Discover luxury – even royalty. Reservations preferred.
5. LA ROSE DE FRANCE
24, place Dauphine-ILe de la Cité
(33) 01.43.54.10.12
Meet your dearest near the famous fountain Saint Michelle, cross Pont-Neuf to enjoy the glow of the river and finally arrive at place Dauphine. La Rose De France is directly in front. Replacing his legendary uncle who brought a long-lasting fame to the restaurant, a handsome young nephew now owns it. A rare treat awaits a lucky one, as each dish is prepared with love and culinary knowledge inherited from older generation. Uncommonly, the owner employed a few chefs who take turns in cooking. Energetic and skilful, they are one friendly team that knows how to electrify the palates of their clientele. Discover the supreme tenderness of the entrecote, enriched with Roquefort sauce – the popular entree. The house is small in size, yet grand in intimacy. Any sweetheart will blossom at La Rose de France as a beautiful red rose in the garden. Reservations recommended.
6. LA BAUTA
129, blvd du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris
(33) 01.43.22.52.35
For many decades, the historical Boulevard Montparnass has been one of the famous areas in Paris. The most celebrated artists, painters, and writers gathered there to express, to challenge, to discuss, and to create. Had La Bauta been then established, the allure of it along with authentic Italian (Venetian) cuisine would have attracted the bohemia. The closeness of the tables, and the ancient, walls-crowded books, create an intimate home-like ambiance. Adding to that, the odor of lip smacking home-cooking Venetian delights inflames the room with a sumptuous sent. Not to mention the extensive velvet quality selection of wine. After dinner, continue your romantic evening and stroll towards Hemingway’s once favorite restaurant, Closerie des Lilas, to have a drink. Vivre Hemingway, vivre l’amour!
7. LA MAISON ROSE
2, Rue d’Ambreuvoir, Paris 75018
(33) 01 42 57 66 75
In the afternoon-glory, climb up a hill that leads to the most recognized area of Paris, Monmartre. It has been a “home” for the Parisian artistic elite for decades. Once you reach a corner of rue des Saulles and rue d’ambreuvoir, half way to Monmartre, notice a two-story pink house. Delightful and romantic, La Maison Rose features specialties like tagliatelles au magret (flavorsome salad with smoked duck). Once served, the delicate scent of soupe a l’ognion au porto (onion soup) wraps itself around. Have a spoon of it and the savor is everlasting. If you have always hesitated the taste of snails, this is the place to try it. Conquer your fear to celebrate a victory over the palatable les escargot de Bourgogne. After lunch, continue ascending the hill to discover many touristy shops, bakeries, and painters selling their art. Your facial features might be a source of inspiration, as painters always desire to draw new faces. In another few blocks stands tall the grand church Sacre-Couer, which steps unfold a breathtaking panorama of Paris.
8. CAFÉ DE L’ESPLANADA
52, rue Fabert, 75007 Paris
(33) 01.47.05.38.80
Gazing through the large windows of the chic Café De L’esplanada, the Parisians can still be reminded and visitors learn about the notorious Napoleon. This cafe faces the historical monument, Invalid; the museum exhibits the unforgettable facts of French history. For lunch, it seems the restaurant houses only locals, discussing business over croque-monsiuer ou madame with frite (fries). The evening brings guests from all over the world. To heighten one’s senses, ask for steak de thon laque au balsamique (a piece of tuna fish, glazed with salivating ponzu-balsamic sauce). Share the longing sensation of the foie de veau aux raisins (veal foie with raisins) with your beloved. Before continuing your nightlife in the city, “close the curtains” and taste one of their desserts - empowering profiterole. Despite of some complaints about the slow service in Paris, café de l’esplanada stands apart.
9. COSTES (Hotel, restaurant/lounge)
239, rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
(33) 01.42.44.50.50
Situated in the most prevalent part of Paris, Hotel Costes gained its giant reputation for being classy, chic, fashionable, and terribly romantic. The setting for romance is dazzling. Once a hostess leaves you at the table, plunge into the cushioned chairs, covered with embroidered fabric. Dimmed lights, tall slim candles on each table, and pleasant tunes enhance the romantic atmosphere. The time to fall in love begins, including the chef’s superb creations. In addition to various flavorful salads, the appetizers include caviar with blinis at an astronomical price. The tender texture of belle tranche de foie de veau, jus au balsamique (finely sliced pieces of veal enriched with balsamic sauce) is inspirational. If you already had dinner elsewhere, just come for a dessert and a drink. Treat your dearest with the syrupy macaron framboises (macaroon, sopped in raspberries) accompanied by vanilla bourbon. Don’t flinch at the price; just come for the wonderful experience.
10. ASIAN
30 Avenue George 5, 75008 Paris
(33) 01 56 89 11 00
If your sweetheart is in the mood to savor something exotic, invite her to the most gorgeous “palace” of Asia. The size of Asian is impressive, yet the “statuesque” looking hostess will find a cozy table for two in one of their dinning rooms. It’s like being in Asian wonderland, eating superb food and having beauty around you. The high-ceilings rooms are stylishly furnished with exquisite antique from the East. In addition to the mouth-watering tapas and a great selection of sushi, other delights of the sea abound. This restaurant has two floors and a “VIP” room where a big family can enjoy a meal together. For those who love tapas and sake, a happy hour offers a slight discount. If you are lucky, the celebrities might pay their visit to Asian. Dinner reservations preferred.
The Top List of Romantic Restaurants - Paris, France