Paris Restaurants

Les Zygomates:

7 rue de Capri, 12th, 0140 19 93 04. Metro: Daumesnil, Michel-Bizot.

In this former butcher's shop, which has its original hand painted ceiling tiles, an etched glass partition divides the 2 dining rooms which seat 18 each. The old custom of saying hello to the room at large when you arrive is alive and well here.

Recommended: Marinated duck liver shaved over mixed greens with pine nuts; mixed mushrooms in puff pastry; canneloni stuffed with chèvre. Roast lamb, grilled sea bass and stewed rabbit are each accompanied by potato gratin, grated sweet and sour beets and parsnip or rutabaga puree.

Lunch & Dinner: 3 courses, $36.40; 2 courses, $28.60 Wine: Burgundy, $19.50/half bottle.


Les Bouquinistes:
53, quai Grands Augustins, 6th, 0143 25 45 94. Metro: St. Michel.

This very modern restaurant, one of four of Guy Savoy's establishments, looks onto the book stalls by the Seine. Savoy plans the menu and Chef Caussimon supervises the kitchen.

Recommended: The tender Hereford steak with pureed pumpkin and chestnuts; fresh figs roasted with honey and served with black currant ice cream.

Lunch: 3 courses incl a glass of wine and a cup of coffee, $34.45 Lunch: 2 courses incl a glass of wine and a cup of coffee, $30.55 Dinner: à la carte from $65.


La Truffière:
4, rue Blainville, 5th, 0146 33 29 82, www.latruffiere.com. Metro: Place Monge.

The exterior of this 17th century stone house with potted plants trailing down wrought iron gates, is just as charming as the candle-lit interior with exposed beams.

Recommended: Salmon served with diced beets in vinaigrette and mashed potatoes; slow-cooked lamb shoulder; cod with fennel, leeks and mushrooms. Dishes from the southwest are a specialty; the more expensive items incl truffles and foie gras.

Weekday Lunch: 2 courses, $24.70 Dinner: Prix fixe $71.50 & $93.60; à la carte from $80 Wine: $5.20/glass at lunch.


Chez Maître Paul:
12, rue Monsieurle-Prince, 6th, 0143 54 74 59. Metro: Odéon.

Mirrors, fresh flowers and exposed old stone are signatures of this long-established bistro featuring cooking from the Franche-Comté region. Jean François Debert is an attentive host.

Recommended: Chicken dishes — with morels or in a creamy cheese sauce.

Lunch & Dinner: 2 course prix fixe, $37.70 Wine: House Bourgueil (red or white), $7.80/half bottle.


L'Os à Moëlle:
3, rue Vasco de Gama, 15th, 0145 57 27 27. Metro: Lourmel.

Yellow cloth runners on wooden tables and big windows give this small bistro an airy feeling. Tables are close together; the French clientele are friendly. Chalk board menu changes daily.

Recommended: Amuse-bouche (marrow bone topped with chopped parsley and coarse salt, accompanied by a small spoon and toast); one of Chef Thierry Foucher's soups, such as pumpkin cream poured over mini ravioli stuffed with Comté cheese or cold celery cream with morels and croûtons.

Lunch: 3 courses, $42.90 Lunch: 6 course tasting menu, $49.50 Dinner: 6 course tasting menu, $49.90 Wine: $6.50/glass.