Dedicated to my friend, Patricia R., who will be visiting Paris soon:

Bistrot Paul-Bert. 18 rue Paul-Bert, 11th arrondissement.  Métro: Faidherbe-Chaligny.

Andy Herbach recommends traveling out to this truly neighborhood bistro experience with its traditional decor and blackboard menu.  It has an extensive wine list for such a small place. Try the entrecôte (rib-eye steak). Prices are in the 20-30 euro range.  Closed Sunday/Monday and in August.  No website.  Telephone:  01 43 72 24 01.

Le Train Bleu. Gare de Lyon, 12th arrondissement.  Métro: Gare de Lyon.  RER A and RER D.
Located in the Gare de Lyon train station in the 12th arrondissement.  The beauty and grandeur of this Belle Époque restaurant compensates for the relatively expensive pedestrian food.  In all fairness, I was with a group of about 20 people and we ordered from a special menu.  At about €20 each, the pricey cocktails may incite another French Revolution.  As I said, the food was unexceptional, but everyone else I know of who has eaten here likes it. Reservations recommended.  No A/C.  Website: www.le-train-bleu.com.

Le Beurre Noisette. 68, rue Vasco de Gama, 15th arrondissement.  Métro: Lourmel or Porte de Versailles.
This hideaway is hard to get to and there won’t be many tourists there either. Chef Thierry Blanqui, formerly of the storied La Tour d'Argent reinvents traditional French cuisine in a delectable way.  The menu darlings are the seafood dishes finished off with the baba au rhum dessert.   Service is friendly and casual, the food is good.  If you are in the area, it is the place to be.  About €100 for two.  Website:  www.lebeurrenoisette.com.