As previously mentioned, I spent three glorious November days in Paris with my mom, aunt and cousin doing nothing but eating, drinking, and shopping with a touch of sightseeing. There were so many shops and restaurants that we wanted to visit so we had to plan it all out — Type A, American style.
To get this right, my cousin Liz and I created a GoogleDoc that we updated for months based on input we received from friends, co-workers, Instagram feeds, magazines, and places we remembered from trips in years past. We also put together a GoogleMap (pic below and linked for you here) that pinpointed all the shops, restaurants, museums etc. so that we could maximize our time and fit everything into our three day stay in Paris.
Below is our well worn GoogleMap of Paris stops that served as our guide for everywhere we wanted to go in the short time that we had. I am by no means an expert on Paris or where all the best places are but our itinerary was great for our limited stay.
I can’t wait to go back.
Part I: Dining Guide listed below.
Part II: Shopping List is up next.
Bon Appetit! And I would love to hear what your Paris favorites are in the comments. 💙❤️
LINK HERE: GoogleMap of our Paris Stops
RESTAURANTS IN PARIS:
Girafe: Perfect lunch spot; patio overlooking the Eiffel Tower (I would choose this for lunch so you can sit on the patio – the evening would be amazing too but go early so you can watch the sun go down.)
Le Voltaire: Classic French bistro; lively atmosphere; traditional food. Loved our dinner here.
Loulóu: Another special location close to the Musée du Louvre (hence the name); we did not get to go here but it will be number 1 on my list of places to go when I go back.
Le Café Laperouse at the Hôtel de la Marine: This was by far one of the best meals I had. Very simple but delicious salad with incredible flavors for lunch. Plus the restaurant is gorgeous.
Cafe Marly: Elegant restaurant next to the Musée du Louvre. An experience.
La Fontaine de Mars: Another classic French bistro – loud, chaotic, delicious, fun.
Ralph’s Paris: I couldn’t bring myself to eat American food during our short stay, but if I had been there longer I would loved to have gone here either for lunch or dinner.
Le Taillevent: My aunt Mary visited Paris on a girls’ trip 20 years ago and dined at this restaurant. It made such an impression on her then that she never forgot it and wanted to go back with the four of us. It was incredible from start to finish. An unforgettable Michelin star dining experience.
Le Relais Plaza, Hôtel Plaza Athénée: New restaurant at the Hotel Plaza Athenee; we also didn’t have time to go here but it is on my list for next time. I went for drinks on a prior trip and it is well worth the visit – an icon.
Le Duc: Also haven’t been here but on my list for the oysters.
Brasserie Lipp: Classic French bistro. Supposedly not big fans of tourists so you’ll need to insist on a good table or wait until there is one available.
Le Procope: Founded in 1686, this is supposedly the oldest cafe in Paris. This one will put you in the Parisian frame of mind.
Quinoa salad 
Grilled squid 
Lobster salad
Classic French dishes at Le Voltaire 
Amuse Bouche
Please share the places to shop in Paris. Where the high end locals go. Not turist