This post is dedicated to Leslie. She is a reader who recently sent me a sweet email asking for restaurant recommendations for a special family celebration in honor of her husband’s 70th birthday.  It will be their first time in Paris, and she was looking for a place with great food. Hopefully, a great view, for under €50 per person. (And to clear up any confusion upfront: her children are adults, so child-friendly was not needed.)  Hmmm, I thought.  

Now I know Paris is full of amazing restaurants with mouth-watering food for less than €50 a head; full of amazing restaurants with spectacular views that would sweep you off your feet. But what about the three together?! It was a triangulation challenge I happily accepted.

I must admit, most of the restaurants in Paris with the anticipated spectacular views are, I’m afraid, either extravagantly priced (think Le Jules Verne in the Tour Eiffel); or disappointing in terms of food (think Georges on top of the Centre Pompidou). In France, mouth-watering meals are often a private affair, and therefore usually take place in the corners of dark, intimate bistros or exclusively priced gourmet restaurants away from the sweeping views of the city and, in conjunction, other prying eyes.

However, after much reflection, I realized that there was a lovely compromise. Well-priced restaurants that were only a few steps from some of the city’s greatest vantage points. Therefore, one could enjoy a divine dinner; then go for a lovely evening walk around the corner and have a view of the Tour Eiffel or the Seine for dessert. (Or, rather, a second dessert… dessert after your first French dinner is obligatory.) On that note: 

Here Are My Top 5 Restaurants For Family Dinners in Paris

Café Constant 

Christian Constant’s Parisian homage to Southwestern cooking, located on rue Saint-Dominique along with two of his other culinary concepts. I have listed this as my favorite bistro in Paris – and with its fantastic classic cuisine, relaxed ambiance, and friendly waitstaff, it’s not difficult to see why. No matter who is sitting around the table, someone must order the Parmentier de cuisse de canard, which I believe is the best duck in town.

After dinner, you can take a stroll one block west of rue Saint-Dominique and into Champ de Mars, where you’ll see the imposing Tour Eiffel in its glittery grandeur. The only caveat with Café Constant is that it doesn’t take any reservations – but if you come early enough, around 19h or 19h30, you should have no problems getting a table.: 139 rue Saint-Dominique 75007, +33 1 47 53 73 34

Aux Lyonnais

Like Christian Constant, world-famous Alain Ducasse also has his own better-priced bistro. In fact, this was my first favorite gastronomic love affair (at prices that made a long-term relationship sustainable) even before I moved to Paris! Dishes from Lyon are often quite heavy, but here Ducasse somehow makes them lighter yet equally delicious. It was in the corner of these burgundy-colored interiors that I discovered quenelles and the true meaning of French charcuterie. The wine selection from Burgundy and the Rhône valley are also impressive.

After dinner, take a 10-minute walk down boulevard des Italiens to see the Opéra Garnier in all of its opulence. (But trust me, the dinner alone is worth it. In fact, this is the only restaurant to which I can say, I have brought my parents and two (ex)-boyfriends for special meals. No, not all at the same time. 🙂 But I think that says a lot):  32 rue Saint-Marc 75002, +33 1 42 96 65 04

Chez Janou

This Provençal restaurant, at the edge of the Marais, serves elegant fare with modern finishings and has one of the best open terraces that can take in the sunshine at all hours of the Parisian summer. Unfortunately, you cannot make reservations for the terrace, but you can for the indoor seating. Don’t forget to sample their selection of pastis (I think they may have the widest one in Paris).

Beforehand, I wasn’t a big fan of pastis at all, but my favorite waiter offered my parents and myself a melon pastis. Which was simply delicious. (See, I have taken my parents here also.) Chez Janou is also renowned for its mousse au chocolat. It is one of the best ones I have tasted in my life. After this lovely dessert settles, you can go for a stroll in the lovely Marais. Including the beautiful Place des Vosges. :: 2 Rue Roger Verlomme 75003, +33 1 42 72 28 41

Restaurant Chez Julien 

This is perhaps the priciest option on the list (more towards the €50 end than well below it), and the food is more solid than spectacular, but I had to include it simply for its fantastic views of Ile St-Louis, the Seine, and Notre Dame. It is one of the Costes Brothers’ establishments and has been featured on several television shows and movies because of its amazing location. And it’s true. The terrace is simply too beautiful. With the backdrop of the Saint Gervais Church behind you and the view over the river in front.

Afterward, you can go for a walk across one of the two small islands sitting amidst the Seine and take in the beauty of Paris on the river at night. :: 1 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe 75004, +33 1 42 78 31 64

Le Comptoir du Relais

It is said that it was Yves Camdeborde who invented le grand Bistrot. And Le Comptoir definitely lives up to any expectations that one would have of someone who invented this concept! With its exceptional menu, and a lovely terrace overlooking one of the most dynamic spots in St-Germain, it is nearly impossible to get a table here. They take no reservations during the weekends or holidays; but if you’re dining during the week, you’re in luck. They take reservations for dinner at 20h30. Call months in advance to secure one! It will be well worth the wait.

The restaurant is located in the heart of St-Germain, so there are plenty of places to see after dinner: St-Michel and Notre Dame are a 15-minute walk away, Marché St-Germain and the spectacular Saint Sulpice are 5 minutes away, and the Seine is simply a 7-minute stroll down rue Mazarine. The options are endless – but, alas, the tables are not – so book early. :: 9, carrefour de l’Odéon 75006, +33 1 44 27 07 97

Top 5 Restaurants For A Family Dinner in Paris – Summary

And that concludes the results of the triangulation challenge: great food, good views, at €50/head or less, for a family looking to dine in Paris for the first time! I would be so pleased if any of these recommendations turn out to be helpful as that first dining experience in Paris is simply so special that one must make all efforts to make it exceptional…

PS. All of these restaurants normally have vegetarian options. If it is not obvious on the menu, feel free to ask the wait staff, as they are often happy to create a vegetarian dish for the evening.