Restaurant Write-Up Policy

Occasionally I will write up a restaurant on the site. These are not traditional restaurant reviews; I don’t visit three times, I don’t take notes, I don’t go in disguises, and I’m not qualified to critique certain cuisines and wine lists.

When I write up a restaurant it’s because I think it’s a place of interest to readers, whether you live here or not. Dining out anywhere can be a variable experience, depending on the guests, the staff, and other factors, and even the most reliable restaurant can have an off-night, so readers may have a different experience than I do.

The blog reflects snippets of my life in Paris and elsewhere, and while I do keep the My Paris page fairly up-to-date (which lists restaurants), individual blog posts go back many years (5+). During that time, restaurants can change.

Generally speaking, I look for the positive in restaurants when I dine out and don’t go out looking for flaws or for something to criticize. While I try to write about restaurants I think are very good and will be enjoyed by readers, that’s not always going to be the case for every restaurant and readers experiences will vary.

My time does not permit me to go back and update the nearly one thousand blog entries on the site, but each entry is dated so you can read when the restaurant was written up. In addition, readers are welcome to leave constructive comments regarding their experiences at a restaurant, good or bad, to share with others. So you may wish to scan them to get other opinions.

I provide phone numbers for the establishments listed. Most places in Paris require reservations, and they’re a good idea even in smaller places. (You’ll get treated much better if they know you’re coming rather than if you just show up unannounced.) Unlike restaurants in America, and elsewhere, reservations can often be made a few days, or the same day, except in places that are very popular.

I highly-recommend calling restaurants and any establishment listed on this site, regardless of whether a reservation is required, to be sure they’re open before going.

Although many places in Paris have websites, few respond to e-mail requests and it’s best to call. Usually there is an English-speaking employee available if you don’t speak French. It’s to ask, “Parlez-vous anglais, s’il vous plait?” first, no matter how shaky you think your French is. They appreciate the gesture.

And because out-of-towners have a reputation for not showing up, whether deserved or not, it’s best to call and re-confirm your reservation the day before.