VIBE

Prepare to be swept away by the grandeur of the early 20th century, Versailles-inspired décor at this impeccable Michelin-starred restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris. The elegant, high-ceilinged, pearl gray dining room is accented with glittering chandeliers, lush carpets, gorgeous flower arrangements, potted palms, and even custom made cutlery, china, and linens. Service is equally lavish (expect attentive touches like reading glasses offered before you scan the menu), and the seasonal haute cuisine is some of the best in the city.

CROWD

A cosmopolitan mix of well-heeled hotel guests, the international business power set, and Parisian elite.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

The dress code is elegant casual for breakfast and lunch and formal in the evenings. (Jackets are required for men after dark.) We’d wear a fun day dress and flats for breakfast or lunch but take things up a notch to a chic cocktail dress accessorized with pearls and heels in the evening. (Designer accessories are rumored to help with scoring a primo table.)

GO HERE WITH

A date; parents; friends; colleagues or clients

WHY WE LIKE IT

The setting is drop-dead gorgeous (it’s ideal for impressing clients), and the frequently changing menu always has a tasty seasonal treat or two that we drool over for weeks afterwards. (Definitely save room for the sweets on the dessert trolley.)

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

If you’re not charging your meal to an expense account, you might need to remortgage your house to pay for dinner. Also, some grumble that the recent change in kitchen leadership (Eric Briffard from Les Elysées is now in charge) has led to a dip in food quality.

GOOD TO KNOW

Don’t be put off by the pomp–kids are welcome, and there’s a children’s menu available.

CLOSEST COMPS

Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée (Paris); Restaurant Le Meurice (Paris); Taillevent (Paris)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Paris