Ryan Z.
Yelp
Taillevent is where food dreams truly do come true.
On my recent trip to Paris, I knew I had to try at least one of the famed grand restaurants. There is no shortage of excellent dining in Paris, but there's an upper echelon of over-the-top gastronomic extravagance that I always dreamed of experiencing. With many fine restaurants to choose from, it was hard to select just one, but I landed on Taillevent and it was everything and more that I dreamed it could be.
I selected a lunch visit; make sure you book far in advance. Entering into the refined foyer, I realized that we would be treated like kings the entire time. What struck me the most was how refined and elegant the service could be while at the same time being so warm and approachable. At no time was was anyone stuffy or snooty.
For lunch, you can order a la carte (very expensive), or partake in the pre fixe lunch (3 courses for 88€, or 108€ with wine, water, and coffee). Yes, that's a lot of money, but it's honestly a bargain in the world of fine Michelin-star dining, and I can say without any hesitation that it was worth every penny. Dinner is significantly more expensive and many of the menu options are the same.
I won't spend too much time on the specific items we ordered as the many changes daily, but be prepared to be wowed by a complex fusion of colors, textures, and flavors. The food is intricate but not fussy, and you will leave full. No minuscule portions here. Your lunch will include an amuse bouche, starter, main, dessert, mignardises, and lots of delicious bread.
Here are some of my tips to make your visit perfect:
- Dress up. Jackets are required. This is one of the most elegant dining rooms in Paris, so don your best suit.
- Volume control. Americans tend to be much louder than the French in public. This is the kind of place where you'll want to use your library voice.
- If you need to get up, say to go to the gold-plated bathroom, make eye contact with one of the waitstaff, and they will come to pull out your chair, open every door on your way there, and ensure you have a new linen napkin when you get back. The staff will panic a bit if you dart out, as you might end up opening a door yourself which they don't like (the horror!).
- Ask questions! The staff are very friendly and approachable. I'm glad I asked a lot of questions because there was a fish dish that I saw at another table which looked boring to me and I'm glad I didn't order it.
- Be patient. The service is efficient, but this is Paris, where fine dining is meant to be savored, not rushed. The lunch crowd generally arrives around 1:00PM; count on at least 2-3 hours for your visit.