One of the fancier meals we ate during our recent trip to Paris. Our tween wanted to eat here as this was the restaurant where Napoleon proposed to Josephine; we indulged her because we wanted to experience fine dining in the country that invented the Michelin star. We arrived on the dot for our 7 pm reservation, and were graciously welcomed. They took my jacket and our backpack - and we were happy to be seated after several hours on our feet at the nearby Louvre museum. Service was impeccable - we were made to feel welcome and everything was explained to us. We were seated at the Fragonard table, within sight of where Napoleon proposed to Josephine! So far, so good!! We started with house bread and olive oil, and drinks - mocktails for the girls, a cocktail for the missus, and an old-fashioned for me (they didn't have any of the single malts that I like). After a lengthy discussion, we decided to go for the three course dinner menu by Chef Guy Martin, plus wine for the adults and soft drinks for the girls. Here is our verdict: Starter - Albacore tuna tartare, chia seeds, ginger, avocado and pomegranate. I loved this, but our tween didn't like it at all - she only ate the pomegranate seeds! Her sister and mother tolerated it. Entrée - Pan seared duckling filet, black currant polenta and a reduction jus. Our teen and I ordered our duckling rare, the others ordered theirs medium well. We all enjoyed the meat, except for my wife, who found it quite tough. One thing we could all agree upon was that the polenta that was served with the duckling was practically inedible. Dessert - Light mousse of grapefruit, fresh pineapple and Espellete pepper, gingerbread and cognac ice cream. This was probably the dish we were all looking forward to, and the fact that all three ladies left theirs unfinished tipped this review towards its final 3 star rating. None of us expected to NOT enjoy dessert at a Michelin star restaurant in the most exclusive part of Paris! Total bill was €400 (tax and gratuity included), but I tipped them an additional €50 because the service was so exceptional. Wish the food had been a little more to our liking. read more

Le Grand Vefour - Starter - Albacore tuna tartare, chia seeds, ginger, avocado and pomegranate. - French Near Me - Paris, 75

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* nice people * amazing food (I recommend the steak!) * super old, quiet, and has the target audience of the wealthy upper class read more

Le Grand Vefour - the steak - French Near Me - Paris, 75

What an amazing restaurant! The food was very flavorful, the service was friendly, and the restaurant itself is beautiful! Their dessert was absolutely incredible. read more

Never order the signature dishes. Never. My husband and I booked Le Grand Véfour for our last night in Paris. The setting is stunning, the service polished, and the atmosphere steeped in history -- it's a beautiful dining room. But we made the mistake of ordering their signature dishes. The "Roasted langoustines, caviar Kaviari, cauliflower, romanesco cabbage, coconut milk with parsley emulsion sauce" (98€) arrived with only four tiny langoustines. Attractive description, but utterly underwhelming on both the plate and palette. The "Beef cheek parmentier with black truffle" (118€) had a few visible truffle shavings, but no truffle aroma or taste whatsoever. Instead, it was simply mashed potatoes piled on top of shredded beef -- bland and one-note. Think pot pie. Both dishes sounded extravagant, but were small, flavorless, and forgettable. The prix fixe menu (59€ for two dishes, 68€ for three) was what most guests seemed to order, and I suspect they were much happier overall than we were. The bread was shockingly the worst we had in Paris, though their olive oil was superb. Chateau Margaux by the glass was excellent. Unfortunately, a serious service lapse marred the evening: my husband's second glass of wine, ordered well in advance, was brought only after he had finished his beef course. At this level, that kind of mistake is hard to excuse. A beautiful room, but ultimately a regrettable and disappointing experience. read more

Likely THE most elegant restaurant in Paris -an historic spot where Napoleon used to bring Josephine for lunch! Divine in every way. Worth every penny. read more

There are meals which are memorable because of the company, and there are meals that are memorable because of the restaurant and then there are meals which are memorable because of the food and the wine and the ambience. This was a combination of all three. The meal... Scallops and Rizzuto. Both were amazing. The restaurant... Napoleon proposed to Josephine #EnoughSaid. The company... gracious and easily complemented the surroundings The moment I knew it was going to be a memorable meal was when the doorman asked for my jacket. At first, I refused, knowing what was underneath. Upon his continued insistence, I yielded the jacket and felt tremendously underdressed, yet confident of being in a 5 Star Restaurant wearing compression sleeves and a running t-shirt, knowing that over my left shoulder is where Napoleon proposed to Josephine. read more

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Great service and amazing dishes; order the signature caviar excellent and 3 courses dinner and wine , every dish was perfect It's pricy but so worthy read more

What a place and what an evening! We've travelled lots in our life. In various continents in countless countries. Seen a whole lot of wonderful France as well. And this here was one of the very very best dining experiences in our lifes. Had a reservation (highly recommended) and were taken care of in the best ways from the moment we've stepped through the door. Lots of staff will take care of you. Your coats, your drinks, your wine, to serve and to clean the table. To help you with the menu. Staff was excellent - all of them. Professional from beginning to end. The setting is breathtaking. It's the oldest restaurant in Paris. Napoleon dined here before. It's an amazing setting. And we got a wonderful table for two to enjoy the night. The menu has interesting items. There were some specials as well and a lower priced fixed 3-court menu, but we didn't go for that. Got served some very nice bread with olive oil. A bottle of mineral water with that. For starters we ordered a portion of Caviar and Foie Gras (Canard) Terrine. Two glasses of Chablis with that. Caviar was wonderful. Not too fishy, not too salty. Perfect balance of flavours. 20g portion, which was a nice size for one person. The Foie was equally great. Possibly the best one I've ever had ... and I've had many! For the main we chose one of the Chef's Specials. The beef filet with truffle sauce, mashed potatoes and spinach. The meat was perfect and perfectly cooked by order. Soft, tender, meaty. Amazing. And the truffle sauce was divine. And there was a LOT of truffle sauce - they certainly didn't hold back there. Spinach was great too. High quality. Even the mashed potatoes were amazing. Everything just had such a high standard. We were pretty full after that. But ordered a cheese platter to share. A nice selection of soft and hard french cheeses. Loved it. For the main we ordered a bottle of red wine. "Vosne-Romanée" - Les Barreaux from 2019. A Burgundy. And what a Burgundy. Smooth, silky, rich. With balanced tannins. 150 Euros for that....and worth every single cent. It's been a while since we've tasted wine this great. A perfect evening. Staff, food, setting. Everything top-class (and more). You pay a bit more here, yes (we were aware of that). But you really get quality for the price here. Drinks, food, staff. We've spent about 460 Euros this evening. And really felt it was worth it. I don't mind spending that much once in a while when we get this much in return. A night we won't forget. Highly recommended! read more

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Hey- this is Cousin Critics!! We review restaurants!!! This restaurant is a diamond in the rough. Me, at the age of 12, my cousin who is 14 and my 2 grandparents visited this restaurant on our first night in Paris. Our parents had visited this restaurant at our age, and this inspired us to come back. My grandma had ordered the cold egg with Granny Smith apples and a leek soufflé. She did not enjoy. Even the though she had eaten it all, the service and manager were very amazing and gave her baby zucchini for her troubles. For my appetizer, I ordered the green salad. My only complaint: the GREEN salad had PURPLE leafs mixed in!!!!!! My cousin had ordered caviar, if she's not spoiled then who is?!? My grandpa had asked for the terrine fois gras. He enjoyed it very much!! We probably ate their whole stock of bread, and the olive oil was to die for!! For main meals, the whole plate was devoured for each of us!!! I got the skirt steak and shared it with my cousin. We both ate the steak as it came with mashed potatoes and mashed tomatoes!! My grandparents got langostines with foam, And the pork tenderloin slow cooked. They both were veryyyyyy good. Overall, this restaurant was amazing!!! DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!!!! - [ ] read more

Le Grand Vefour - This is my "green salad"!! Even though it had a mix of the 2 colors it was great!!! - French Near Me - Paris, 75

Le Grand Vefour is exactly what you picture when you think of a "well-done" French restaurant experience. A beautiful interior Friendly staff who will engage with you as much or as little as you wish (we quizzed ours about the interior) good wine selection wonderful selection of dishes, but with a limited scope to keep you focused on traditional dishes, done very well A valet service that not only meets you when you pull up, but is waiting for you when you leave! (they must have some hand signals to let them know) Will definitely be back soon. read more

the skirt steak is "immangable" yet the manager charged me. After a battle royale where she wanted to charge me half, she took it off the bill but insisted i ate the steak which was totally tough as shoe leather. read more

We came here mostly out of curiosity after it was mentioned in series Emily in Paris but also for its long standing history! 200 yrs of serving food! The main dining room is very opulent so you'll also want to dress the part to fit in but smart casual is accepted and I saw a few men in shorts but they sat elsewhere. We are greeted by friendly and welcoming staff who even pulled out the table for us to sit down. That's a first! I decided to go with the two course menu of the week which was duck breast served with poached turnips. Mashed turnip and slices of sir dried duck! My fish was delicious and the duck was super tender. Hubby ordered a la carte the sirloin steak with mashed potatoes and bok choy grilled. It was very tasty but I think it was flank steak and not actually sirloin. It was still tender, not like my duck but also not so stiff your jaw hurts after a few bites! We also shared a fois gras that came with toast and an assortment pickled vegetables which were a nice complement to the very rich fois gras. For dessert I had the crème brûlée which came with a bite of sorbet and a piece of poached rhubarb. Again balanced flavours and an interesting take on a classic. Keep in mind the offer for a cheese pl Overall I would recommend it if you're looking for modern French cuisine for a great price in a historical restaurant. Bon apetit! read more

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A must-visit in Paris. An experience for all seven of your senses. It feels like you've stepped back in time, the decor reminded me of Versailles but not quite that over-the-top. The service is friendly, impeccable, fun and funny, but also very proper. I thought one didn't know how to smile but then he made a joke when we asked a question about one of the dishes. They know how to serve food, particularly cheese, and that course seemed like an art in it of itself. I joked "find someone who looks at you like our server looks at cheese." Dress up just a tad! A woman we saw eating was wearing a dress that I would've worn to Prom or something similar. She had her boyfriend take so many pictures of her eating, drinking, and then many of her standing on the staircase and beneath the chandelier. There were other restaurant guests who seemed less like tourists celebrating an occasion and more like business people. Who knows? Le Grand Verfour is steeped in history and is in a great location near the Louvre. I'd recommend coming for lunch. They said our set meals were 4-courses but there were so many "the chef would like to give you this" dishes that it seemed like 10 courses! Everything was just so good. Some dishes were unique, but everything was complex. There was a creamy dessert that combined black cherry, meringue, and radish. The fois gras was the best I had in Paris--very creamy but not overwhelming. I heard the duck truffle was a chef specialty, and I liked my duckling filet. You will need only one visit here to provide you with your food for a day and a half! read more

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The grandness of Le Grand Vefour is no longer apparent. Based on the reviews I read, I was really excited to dine here and was ready to drop a lot of cash on this meal. However, Guy Martin has decided to turn in his 2 Michelin stars in favor of an upscale brasserie. It's a gamble I don't think is going to pay off in the long run for this historic restaurant. Sure, it is always nice to spend hundreds of dollars less on a meal, but you can certainly tell you are spending so much less. The look and feel of the restaurant is nice though I only got to experience that during the second half of my dining experience. Although we had reservations, the wife and I were sat completely alone outside facing a low grade movie theater. We didn't say anything at first, but as time passed and no one else was sitting in our area, we began to wonder if we smelled bad or if this was the French being rude to Americans? We weren't sure. So a few minutes before our main course arrived, I asked why we were the only ones sitting in this whole area and they promptly told us they could move us in the restaurant, and sat us in their upper room. Why didn't we get seated there in the first place? Our wine was perfectly matched and starting course was delicious. I had the steak for my main course. I've had much better steak in pretty much every restaurant I've been to before. It was really nothing special and a huge disappointment. My dessert was beautifully presented and so interesting with it's various texture combinations that were both surprising and delicious. I would certainly recommend the dessert. Overall, I would not come back here considering all the other options in Paris but was glad I had the experience. read more

An incredible gastronomical experience setting you back in time ... so much history within these walls, and a splendid lunch by Guy Martin. Although one could deem this meal "classic" in terms of cuisine style, execution is perfect and lots of originality is out in the assemblage of flavors. At luch, the 4-course menu is more of a 10-plate tasting experience. Everything was perfect. There are three options for appetizer and main. We tried two of the three and I do not think you can go wrong. The sommelier had interesting wines by the class that we enjoyed a lot. Great interaction with him as well as all the staff. The cheese cart is a poem. The desserts are incredible ... with bits of macaroons, chocolates, nougats, for your coffee. I was really impressed. You do feel like royalty eating here, and the efforts the team and chef put in your lunch is well worth the €115. I am certain I will come back for a wonderful experience you will not get anywhere else. read more

The worst meal I've had in my many trips to Europe. Our waiter was nice but spoke no English. My salad was forgotten and when I asked for it it came with a dressing of vinegar topped with a heavy dusting of salt. I asked they remove it as I was done and to not bring me another though it came. The foie gras was dry and surrounded by tepid pickles and a strange mush of what I think might have been seaweed. My main of flavorless pork cheeks looked like dog food. A slop of brown on a plate. The apricot dessert was outstanding. The waiter was thoughtful but he kept kicking my chair as he moved. Basically unqualified. The staff was polite but with so few tables the timing was not smooth. 550 e for three. My companions were of a like mind. I have been in the restaurant business all my life. I'm an expert. Skip this place. read more

Lovely park spot !! Meander here & sip rose through your Parisian afternoon. Try a sorbet ! read more

Le Grand Vefour - French Near Me - Paris, 75

This restaurant is famous because it is old and for its interior decoration. Tables are packed tightly. My wife ordered cod for her entree and I ordered the flank steak. Both disappointed. The cod was overcooked and rubbery; the flank steak stringy. Service is attentive and kind. Not a repeat experience. Many alternatives in Paris. read more

Situated at the foot of the Palais Gardens (which are not in bloom in the winter/early spring), Le Grand Vefour is widely considered Paris' first "grand restaurant". Frequented by Napoleon and many other notable people in history, everything from the decor, the silver, and the menu have stayed in tact as they celebrated their 232rd year "in the same place, doing things the same way" as the waiter continued to refer to it. It's hard not to feel royal in a place like this and the history alone helps justify the prices. However, there are some shortcomings that have reduced this once 3-Michelin Star restaurant to a 1-Star (still very good). We did the tasting menu which was paired with a different wine for each course. Neither my wife or I can consider ourselves wine experts, but if the wine doesn't feel right, we aren't afraid to kindly ask for a different glass. That was not the case this evening as each of the wines were paired extremely well with the food. Several of the dishes included fresh-shaved truffles (a first time for me), which surprisingly was extremely mild compared to dishes with truffle oil. Not bad, but I think I like truffle oil better. They did a great job coating many of the dishes with a warm cream that always adds to the taste. The assortment of cheeses was as good as we have ever seen it and the waiter was very knowledgeable with his assistance finding the right cheese for our pallet. Dessert started there and peaked at the cheese in my opinion. Much of that may be because we were unbelievably full by then (never let anyone tell you that you will walk away hungry from a quality restaurant with small portions), but the waiters brought out several "surprise desserts". They were high quality and I managed to take at least one bite from every item, despite feeling like a balloon at that point. All in all, Le Grand Véfour was extremely good and did, in fact, stand out during a 10 day trip through Paris and Nice where good food was never ending. The service was a bit slower than I'd prefer, but I have to admit we were still getting used to the French dining experience, which we learned is generally slower than in NYC. Sometimes it's meant to be that way out of respect for your experience, but every now and then you just want someone to ask you if you need anything. I am comfortable giving this restaurant 2.5 stars for the history and decor alone. The food was great, but we found food similarly elegant for 1/4 of the price. I would never make a reservation for a fine dining experience without expecting a massive check, but those looking for a taste of French elegance on a budget, will need to steer clear of Le Grand Véfour. The only thing you'll miss is the history. read more

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When I decided to go to Paris, I wanted to dine at one of the multiple Michelin star restaurants to experience the glory of old school Parisian dining. After exhaustive reading, thought and worry, I chose Le Grand Vefour for dinner with my wife. I could not have been more pleased. Eating at Le Grand Vefour is an experience moreso than a meal. Don't get me wrong - the food (which I will discuss below) was delightful. But overall, it was the pure exhilarating experience that made this one of the best meals of my life. I would like to get the price issue out of the way first. There is simply no way to sugar coat the money required to eat dinner at Le Grand Vefour. It's expensive. Very expensive. As in do not expect to eat dinner here for less than $600 a couple. Because my wife does not drink, I easily saved $150, making my meal with tip a nice and pleasant $750.00. But hey, how many times do you get to sit in a restaurant where Napoleon used to dine while being waited on by a team of 7 people? So the service was outstanding. Really the service is what makes this restaurant so special. From the moment we walked in, to the moment we sat down, to the moment we were provided the 8th free chocolate dessert treat ... the service never ended. It was a constant stream of polite, prompt, courteous, efficient, and beautiful teamwork that (1) offered you whatever you needed, (2) served everything at exactly the right moment, and (3) smiled in the process. Your water was constantly filled. Your plate was perfectly removed when done. The dishes were carefully finished table side. The food by Guy Martin was likewise a special experience. My wife's appetizer was the winner of the evening: a foie gras stuffed ravioli topped with a black truffle cream sauce. I am sitting here at my laptop smiling just thinking about this dish. There is unfortunately no way in Memphis I could ever have anything that even closely resembled this work product. My main course was sweetbreads, and these were simply so nice and delicate. Served with onions and peppers in a sweet sauce, I would have easily asked for seconds. Then came my favorite part - the cheese cart. Many Parisian restaurants offer cheese - but none I frequented had the cheese selection of Le Grand Vefour. Their cheese cart could feed an army for a week. I asked for a variety, and simply smiled enjoying what could only be described as an aromatic, delicious precursor to dessert. The wine was perfect. The dessert was outstanding. It's been here since 1784. I don't think I can say anymore. 5 stars. read more

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Le Grand Vefour is worthy of the most special of occasions. Located within the arcades of the Palais-Royal, it is indeed one of the great and grand restaurants of Paris. As you walk in, you feel like you've stepped back in time. Opened in 1784, its list of famous diners includes Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine, Victor Hugo, Colette. Beautiful tapestries, gilded mirrors, and paintings adorn the walls. The booths with plush red velvet seats have brass name plates above them showing who sat there in the past (e.g. Honore de Balzac). My husband and I came here to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. Since dinner there is so very pricey (around 700 euros for two people), we decided to go for the prix fixe lunch. 5 magnificent courses of truly haute cuisine. For starters, my husband had the duck liver terrine with crunchy vegetables perfumed with star anise, and fennel purée. I had the 3 presentations of sea bream fish (with ras el hanout spice, marinated in escabèche and raw in thin slices). Entree was roasted guinea-fowl breast, crystallized tomatoes, verbena pesto tofu. The list goes on and on. The cheese course is amaaaazing. They roll a cart to your table and you choose from a dizzying selection of cheeses (see pic). Super decadent. Dessert was almost too beautiful to eat yet so achingly good. The service was impeccable. It was fun to watch the hierarchy among the wait staff, each specializing in his / her own area -sommelier, cheese waiter, captain etc. There were so many of them! It was quite a show without being intrusive. Men must wear jackets even at lunch. Reservations must be made far in advance for both lunch and dinner. I would advise at least a few weeks in advance if not more. Plan for 2 hours for lunch. My husband was originally hesitant about spending $300 for lunch but by the time we were done, he said it was totally worth it! I couldn't agree more. A spectacular dining experience. read more

Le Grand Vefour - French Near Me - Paris, 75

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This was a gastronomical experience! Elegant and beautiful setting. They had a beautiful multi course meal for lunch which left us super full. Like literally couldn't move after eating. The desserts were amazing. The cheese plate was so diverse. I got Pearly cod and it was pretty good. Veal rump was super tender and flavorful as well. The dessert was so much. Extra macaron and marshmallows and chocolates galore. read more

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Chef guy Martin is an absolute genius. From flavors to quality, dish after dish he surprises you with an incredible array of cuisine. Go for lunch and enjoy an amazing 2.5 hours that will be the highlight of your trip. Not only is the food the best meal we had in Paris but the restaurant itself has so much history as it had regulars such as Napoleon Bonaparte and Victor Hugo. From the special Japanese twist on French cuisine, the restaurant will go from 2 to 3 michelin stars very soon at this rate. For only 115 euros each you can enjoy a 3 course lunch menu with about 10 plates in total. Chef Guy Martin is also very sweet and sent us the signature truffle foie gras ravioli in addition to our meal! My favorite was the side dish of the truffle mash potatoes, a recipe of his grandmother that's just as delicious as it looks. The pear dessert and array of plates was as spectacular as anyone could imagine. I will be a regular here every time I visit Paris. There was more to the meal but we couldn't even snap pics of the cake and special wrapped toffees they brought at the end. read more

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Dinner last night, what a disappointment!! We had a party of four, two meals were delivered late and our wine glasses were empty most of the time. Please leave the wine on the table and I'm happy to pour it myself. The server was rude, she walked away halfway through taking our order. The food was flavorless. One bright spot was the dessert. read more

This was the most magical experience of my life. There aren't words to describe the excellence of the food and the superior service that I experienced. The prix fix 10 course was sublime and I had to do breathing exercises to finish all the courses. This will be the penultimate meal of my life for myself, my mother and my sister! read more

While beautiful, and a classic in terms of reputation, only the food and décor live up to the reputation. The service is a disaster. Communication with the restaurant is nearly impossible on-line, as we waited weeks for a reply that never came. After updating the reservation to increase our guest count long ago, upon arrival we were told it was for two instead of three and we were told to wait outside. After a bit, they came out and said it was a mistake and seated us. The lobster was flawless which made up for the awkward start. However, even after the delay at the beginning, they came by at 9:15 saying they needed the table for the next service, essentially sending us out. Never in France have I been told it's time for you to leave! I guess if you choose to go, get the second seating unless they throw you out at 11:15 too. But a friend said of the country that invented Champagne, foie gras and the art of the table, "do you really expect customer service too?" Well at these prices I do, and we were let down. read more

Le Grand Vefour is steeped in history and full of old world charm, but the dining room is not as elegant, comfortable, and tastefully decorated as some of the other famous restaurants in Paris. However, the food is excellent with service to match, as one would expect. What stands out most though are the incredibly beautiful and creative presentations of the courses. Each dish was truly a delight to behold. read more

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Wow. Best meal and dining experience of my life. When you visit Paris, if you like good food, make sure a high-end Parisian dining experience is on your list of things to do. Food and service are a valued event in this city, Lunch is more affordable. And this place was perfect. Two Michelin stars now ( three stars were at least 4 times more expensive for lunch) and $115 per was a steal. This is an old, historic, and elegant restaurant with a top-rated chef. (Also open on Monday which was a true find,) This prix fixe menu was three courses but by courses I mean you order one plate and get about 3, lol. Plus an astounding cheese cart course. AND two amuse bouche tastings. You will be more than satisfied with your experience. Exquisite food and presentation and service. Every single item served was eye-rollingly delicious and beautiful - from fish to duck to dessert. And desert was like a fireworks finale - you get your menu choice,THEN you get a cake serving, THEN you get a candy course - lol - it was fantastic - and you could tell they enjoyed serving it. By the end of the meal the entire seating in the dining room was talking about it. There were locals as well as tourists as patrons, locals are always a good sign. It seemed several of them were celebrating some event like a birthday and wanted special place so they came here. Do it. You will not regret it and it will be one of the most memorable experiences of your trip. read more

We had a reservation for 8PM guaranteed with credit card. Arrived and promptly and warmly seated. We were the 1st in the restaurant and we thought - uh oh no french people means a tourist trap? Ok, fears allayed as the french began to pour in and the place quickly filled up. The service was just ok and not that they didn't try but we seemed to be that table that fell through the cracks. We asked to have a wine pairing with our meal and the sommelier was less interested in our request as to his preference; which is ok, but we seemed to have a failure in communication as our main courses were meat and fish we did not want to share a bottle of red wine... we preferred a half-bottle each of red and white and he snapped that we'll have to have by the glass, which too was ok, except he missed our wine with our main course! He came over to pour our wines after our main course was complete and we said no that were were done. He was very snappy/rude and pulled the bottle back and turned abruptly and walked away - AS IF... hey we didn't screw this up; you did! The food... really a lot of pomp and nothing to back it up. The appetizer round was very good with foie gras ravioli and lobster salad the stars, but the truffle salad was without imagination just a lot of truffles. Main course of Coquille St Jac was just ok and the lamb good... Desserts as well just ok... We asked for L'addition as it was hot and we wanted to leave... took 10 min to get the bill and then another 10 minutes of waiting, we got up to our check to the front desk ourselves... Seems we wore out our welcome. 770 euro was excessive in our book for what we got and missing a pouring of wine to boot! read more

Over thirty years ago, my father told me he was going to take me to the most beautiful restaurant in Paris, and off we went to Le Grand Vefour. This month, I did the same for our son, who soaked up the atmosphere and the food in equal doses along with his old parents, who remain barely tolerable only because of their ability to fund such outings. We went for lunch, and lunch is the time I like to go because the room glows and reflects the light, and you can see the treetops of the Palais Royal over the frosted windows. The walls are covered with paintings and mirrors that date back to la belle époque, depicting fish and women with baskets of flowers. It is the prettiest, most historic and sumptuous jewel box of a dining room. When you are greeted and seated at a lush red velvet banquette in this room, you will join the likes of Victor Hugo, Collete and Cocteau who have been among the famous who have dined here over the past 200 years. The food is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. You will never forget the meal you eat here, whatever it is you choose. And the prix fixe lunch is a true bargain, and includes, miraculously, a cheese course from a beautiful trolley of cheese that can only make your head spin with all the wonderful choices. I selected four from the cart but there were probably over 50 kinds of perfectly amazing cheeses calling to me from the display. Can't find that many places! After cheeses some the desserts (formidable!) and then house made chocolates and coffee. After such an adventure, be sure to do a few laps around the Palais Royal to try to work off some of the wine and calories. The service is warm and yet completely professional and correct. I was touched to be thanked for passing on the love of fine cuisine to the next generation by our maitre d. I told him that I was carrying on the tradition my father began with me. If the world stays right, I hope some day my son will introduce his son or daughter to the joys of this wonderful and historic restaurant and keep the tradition going. Please dress well when you visit this restaurant. It is worth the effort! read more

One of the great pleasures in my history was being able to dine at Le Grand Vefour, a restaurant that is without question the greatest I have ever been to. Nestled within the arcades of the Palais-Royal, this small traditional French masterpiece is itself a sight to behold. Gold covers everything: the walls, ceilings, chairs, tables, flooring- it truly does look as if the dining room has gone unchanged since the days when Napoleon sat in the corner wooing Josephine. That's not invented imagery, by the way: Napoleon himself actually did frequent this restaurant. Oh, where to begin... If you're coming here, you're going to be experiencing the dégustation menu, which is unrivaled as far as I'm concerned. Things are kept very traditional here, but that doesn't mean you won't see incredible feats of gastronomy. My rabbit was to die for, as was the fois gras soup. The cheese course is a magic show in and of itself: I had the best roquefort I've ever tasted here. Desserts are, as to be expected, phenomenal. Soufflés are perfectly risen and light as air, yet still rich and substantive. And if there was ever a time to have crème brûlée, it's now: see how it's truly done by the masters. The wine list is without equal, as well. No matter what your level of vino IQ, step aside and let the sommelier do his work. You'll be beyond glad that you did. We had a bottle of Cristal to begin with, both because it suited the meal and because, hell, why not? We're here, why not go all out? The service is legendary. Despite your instinct making you expect the waitstaff to be snooty, they're anything but. Our waiter was attentive without being too so, funny, personable, and helpful (my sister is not quite as culinarily inclined as I). There's an indefinable quality that a truly great waitstaff gives off, and it's here in spades. La Grand Vefour is the best restaurant I've ever been to, and in all likelihood will continue to be until my last day. If you at all have a chance to experience it, please do. It is without equal. read more

Actually, if I could I would give it an overall 3.5 stars since the restaurant was above average. I've been to a few Michelin starred restaurants, so I do have a point of comparison. First let me say, the restaurant is beautiful and filled with history, but what separates a Michelin starred restaurant with the rest are the fine details. Let's start with the table. A restaurant will always have a less than desirable table, and unfortunately, we were the lucky recipients. But they could've moved our table inward more, there was plenty of room to do so. We were literally the first table to your left as you entered, so the foot traffic for the army of servers was annoying. Note, this table has been unfavorably written up in previous reviews. We could've asked them to move our table, but we decided to do it on our own. I made this decision after having a few near misses with a tray. With an army of wait-staff you would think they would be more attentive. For example, when I went to the restroom, at minimum they would at least refolded my napkin and place it back on the table or in some Michelin starred restaurants, I've actually gotten new napkins. This is the type of fine detail I'm referring to. The service was above average, but I expected more. For example, our water wasn't always filled, and later we had to ask to have our tea refreshed. The service also felt a bit rushed. There's just no excuse for this caliber of restaurant. As for the food. Overall the dishes were above average, but nothing outstanding. My favorite savory dish was actually the cheeses. Their breads were fabulous and accompanied with the nice choice of unsalted or salted butter, it was a nice touch. The desserts were fabulous. God knows you get enough of them. It should've been called the dessert tasting menu. I would not recommend this restaurant if you're diabetic. Overall, it was a disappointing experience, I expected more. I understand why it lost it's pizazz, as a result they actually lost their 3-star Michelin rating to a still respectable two-star rating. If they're not careful, they may lose another star(s). I think what carries this restaurant is it's name recognition and status. For me, it was a one off restaurant, and we'll probably not go back. read more

We've been coming here now for 25 years, and absolutely love our 2-3 hour lunch each time. The head waiter has been here 24 of those 25 years and we always have a nice visit with him to start the experience. This time my wife was seated in Josephine de Bonaparte's seat, and I as her vassal was seated to her side. Delicious creamy foie gras, a piece way to large for a starter. Except it wasn't our starter - we had two earlier samplings compliments of the chef. For my main I had the tete de veau, a part of the animal seldom served and seldom eaten. Yummy. As always, their cheese selection was the world's best (see photo from about six years ago). Then we started our three rounds of desserts, which is also a trademark of the restaurant. A terrific white Chateauneuf du Pape accompanied the meal. This is classical French cuisine in an extremely classical setting. It's an experience you won't get anywhere else. There are places with food as good or better, but never with such a perfect and delicious classic presentation. read more

A meal at Le Grand Véfour is always a memorable experience. Not only is the food excellent and the atmosphere full of history, but the staff are really outstanding - combining attention to detail, service orientation, with knowledge, humour and elegance. In my experience, the best among service staff anywhere in the world. You can't go wrong with Guy Martin's classic masterpieces, e.g. the frog legs in black garlic, the potato salad with truffles, or the lobster dishes. We were slightly disappointed with the foie gras raviolis. The cheese trolley is a spectacle in itself; just follow the staff's recommendations if you're overwhelmed. Same with the wine - listen to the sommelier. read more

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Oh my God Can I repeat of my God Heaven on earth in so many ways Impeccable beyond words Food Service Ambiance History Decor History Attention to detail It is all just 5 Stars read more

It has been a couple of months since I was here, but the fabulous memories of this place are extremely vivid. First is the stunning room. A step back in time to an age of old world grandeur. The service is very good and accommodating (I sent some minor dietary restrictions to them by email). The preparation and ingredients are superb. A wonderful dining experience. If the appetizers and desserts were not alone a reason to come here (which they are) the dessert finale definitely sweetens the occasion. It is is amazing and delicious. A parade of desserts comes out that by itself is worth going for. read more

Best dining experience ever with quality of cousins and excellent service! The historical background of this restaurant also makes unique atmosphere. read more

Another one of those expensive French restaurants in a prime location that has seen better days. Absolutely stunning interior, located at the corner of the Palais Royal garden. Unfortunately, and to our regret, the food was just good, instead of outstanding, as it should be for that price. A good foie gras with a very average little side of pickled vegetables, nothing stunning, nothing surprising, nothing justifying the price tag twice as high as in decent other restaurants in Paris. A bavette d'aloyau (flank steak) that neither convinced due to texture, quality or preparation with decent mashed potatoes, caramelised onions and endives. A presentable desert with pineapple and passion fruit. The wine was perfectly forgettable (at 26 Euros a glass!). We were very surprised that the service was neglectful with a hint of snootiness. If anything, we would have expected vastly better in such a setting and in a place that has that history and those price tags. On the table and, in addition to the menu, the chef recommends his signature dishes wich all almost touch 100 Euros per plate. Our choices were vastly more reasonable but, as described, also a lot more common fare. There are literally hundreds of restaurants in Paris where you can eat better and for less. If you want to spend this much, there are still lots of places where you can do this and receive much better food served with more grace and attention. Regrettably, we cannot recommend this restaurant. read more

This really is perfect french food. Beautiful restaurant. It's just so expensive, it kind of takes away from the experience. Great food, but for the price is should really be sensational. read more

Yes, the place looks great, and you can feel a lot happened here. The staff explains it very well, is very friendly and helpful. A lot of lobster and caviar on the menu. We took the 7 dish gastronomic menu with pairing wine; it was a bit disappointed to see that the signature dishes such as lièvre à la royale wasn't featured on that menu. The wines were really good. All this had a hefty price, around 430€ each. All in all, I was expecting a little more finesse from a 2* Michelin restaurant (example, the snails dish mixed too many flavors with the caviar and chestnuts). read more