18èME ARRONDISSEMENT. Second Empire luxury underscores this romantic restaurant's focus on creature comforts. Spectacular floral arrangements add delicacy to the rich decor, which is already opulent with gilt-framed mirrors, portraits, and a lacquered ceiling. Tables feature a king's ransom of silver, china, and crystal, but they're aptly set for Beauvillier's traditional cuisine. Lamb, seafood, and beef are treated to the chef's able hand, and diners can't feast enough on the results. Great wines are an added perk. METRO: Lamarck-Caulaincourt

8èME ARRONDISSEMENT. Third recipient of France's Michelin six-star chef award, Alain Ducasse has been hailed as a genius of haute French cuisine. Upper-scale prices accompany exquisite dishes like Bresse fowl, crawfish and cep fricassee , young roasted pigeon with sweet and sour turnip. Desserts are also worth saving room for ­ as difficult as that might be. Try an appropriate wine from a selection considered to be one of Paris's best. METRO: Alma or Marceau (line 9) or Franklin D. Roosevelt (line 1 or 9)

8èME ARRONDISSEMENT. Elegance abounds at this French fave, which entices diners with foie gras and roasted duck with black pepper or foie gras pan-fried with black radish confit. It's also an excellent place for catching glimpses of Paris's chic set. A superb wine menu distinguishes the restaurant too. METRO: Franklin D. Roosevelt (lines 1, 9), or Saint-Philippe-du-Roule (line 9)

6èME ARRONDISSEMENT. No ordinary neighborhood bistro, Aux Charpentiers lures diners with a warm atmosphere, personal attention and traditional French delicacies. Its fine antique décor pays tribute to the neighboring carpenters' guild. Return patrons include George HW Bush and Dick Cheney. Boudin noir (black pudding), duck confit and foie gras are among the menu's offerings, but inquisitive diners come for the calf's head. End your meal with a classic dessert such as the pear tart, or try baba au rhum, a yeast cake soaked in rum sauce. METRO: Mabillon

4èME ARRONDISSEMENT. Since its premiere in 1864, this brasserie has cultivated a strong local following. Inside, polished wood, gleaming brass and a stained-glass dome (all Belle Epoque Style) distinguish the dining room, where hundreds of patrons are served daily. Choucroute garnie à l'alsacienne (sauerkraut presented the Alsatian way, accompanied by cured meats) is a tribute to the original owner. It, along with ocean-fresh shellfish, are Bofinger classics, served to politicians, literati and city regulars. METRO: Bastille (lines 1, 5, 8)