Here are The Traveling Professor's picks for 3 elegant restaurants in Paris:
Les Bouquinistes. 53, Quai des Grands Augustins, 6th arrondissement. Métro: St-Michel.
This left-bank Guy Savoy restaurant is in the shadow of the Notre Dame Cathedral. It is good, trendy, and hip. It was a perfect choice for a Valentine’s Day dinner I enjoyed here. About €200 for two. Website: www.lesbouquinistes.com.
1728. 8 rue d’Anjou, 8th arrondissement. Métro: Concorde or Madeleine.
Satin drapes, chandeliers, candlelit tables, surrounded by 18th century fine works of art make this softly lit and subdued restaurant one of the most romantic spots in town. The menu lists intriguing selections of Japanese/French fusion dishes. It is reasonable (i.e., the €110 tasting menu) for a restaurant of its class and elegance. I wear a jacket and tie when dining here. Website: www.restaurant-1728.com.
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.