Paris dinners question

[Anonymous]

Did you find that you need reservations to find a nice but not fancy dinner in Paris? We would rather not be tied to certain locations or times, but also don't want to be wandering around not able to sit down for a hot meal in the evening. This is for two adults in February.

[Anonymous]

We just got back and did make reservations for every night, and then realized we didn't really need them because I ended up moving the times with zero issues. But I did like knowing that we had something just in case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just got back and did make reservations for every night, and then realized we didn't really need them because I ended up moving the times with zero issues. But I did like knowing that we had something just in case.

Yes, and even moreso in February. Only top end places will require a reservation then

[Anonymous]

You will always find a place to eat but it'd be wise to have a list of places you'd like to go to and in the locations you expect to spend most of your time. It comes down to how well you want to eat. Not every restaurant in Paris is great or special.

If in doubt and wandering without a plan, Vietnamese is typically reliable and enjoyable. Anonymous bistros? Less so.

[Anonymous]

I went in December (so yes, peak winter tourism/holiday season) and found that yes, you did need a reservation for most of the places that looked appealing at prime dinner time. We were turned away from several places one night while walking around Saint-Germain because of this. Also another night in the Marais. In both cases we were so hungry and desperate to be seated we ended up just sitting down at the nearest giant touristy brasserie that would seat us. Still good food, but not the cute Parisian locals restaurant experience I was looking for.

I think some of it comes down to luck and timing (we ran into an American couple exiting one of the restaurants as we were walking in who told us that they had no issue but were seated at 6:15), but next time I go to Paris I am definitely making dinner reservations!

On the topic of dinners in Paris, if you like steak, try Le Severo. Reservations are definitely required. But it’s the best steak I’ve ever had!

[Anonymous]

I would make reservations not because they are essential but because dinners in Paris can be tricky especially if you do not want a high level of formality. The options sometimes are appealing and super crowded or empty and unapproachable.

[Anonymous]

I went during the Olympics and did walk-in or same day reservations for all of our dinners and had no issues at all having amazing dinners at amazing restaurants.

[Anonymous]

I feel like it’s pretty similar to DC. You won’t get into most of the more sought after places with no reservation but you won’t starve. Odds are also better for you considering it’s low season and just two of you.

[Anonymous]

Really depends on the time of year and location, but I don't think it hurts to have them for some dinners, and certainly I'd have a map or back pocket list of places you might want to try.

If you're willing to eat earlier you'll have an easier time snagging a walk in as Parisians like a lot of Europeans eat out later.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went during the Olympics and did walk-in or same day reservations for all of our dinners and had no issues at all having amazing dinners at amazing restaurants.

It might have helped that all the non-Olympic tourists stayed away during that time and Paris was quieter than usual.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel like it’s pretty similar to DC. You won’t get into most of the more sought after places with no reservation but you won’t starve. Odds are also better for you considering it’s low season and just two of you.

Agree with this. Also, 2 people can sit at the bar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You will always find a place to eat but it'd be wise to have a list of places you'd like to go to and in the locations you expect to spend most of your time. It comes down to how well you want to eat. Not every restaurant in Paris is great or special.

If in doubt and wandering without a plan, Vietnamese is typically reliable and enjoyable. Anonymous bistros? Less so.

Agree with this. Pick out some top notch places ahead of time. Not necessarily fancy or expensive, just good. Otherwise you might be disappointed. As far as reservations, probably okay without unless it is a popular place.