Michelin Star restaurants, Paris. Pierre Gagnaire or L'Arpege?

Ahleckz

Ahleckz

Ahleckz

Soldato
Joined
7 Nov 2009
Posts
19,854
Location
Glasgow
I have secured provisional reservations for both Pierre Gagnaire and L'Arpege.

Half of me is tempted to eat at both, as one is Saturday and one is Sunday but I reckon that's just utter mental. So, has anyone (I'm looking at you randomshenans) eaten at these restaurants and be able to recommend either? Obviously they are both 3 stars so they'll be awesome but wondering if one wins over the other. I also don't speak French...
 
Last edited:
Swaying towards Pierre Gagnaire, purely because L'Arpege is geared towards vegetables and I'm very much a fish & meat guy first and foremost.
 
What are you looking for in this meal?

I am a big fan of La Tour d'argent in Paris. It used to have 3 stars but is down to 1. It is probably the most famous restaurant in the world. (The restaurant in Ratatouille is based on it). It has amazing views and is somewhere that every foodie should really go to once in their life.

Pierre Gagnaire is fantastic but doesn't have the history or atmosphere. (The food is seriously good though)

I think one of the best tables in Paris at the moment is at La Bigarrade. It has a set tasting menu which changes every day. It has 2 stars (it had just 1 when I was there) and is one of the current darlings of the Paris scene. Amazing food and great service.

I haven't been to L'Arpege but it is on my 'hitlist'
 
I'm after the 'wow'. I've never eaten in a 3* and feel that this trip presents the perfect opportunity. I am a little bit worried about my lack of French however.

I've also been looking at Guy Savoy, which is also tempting but I've read it's crazy expensive.

Bigarrade looks very good, and liking the surprise menu of it. Could maybe go there for lunch.

I briefly considered La Tour d'argent, but whilst the views are fabulous I could only stretch to one Michelin dinner and one lunch and don't really fancy going 1 star.
 
Arpege

I'm thinking of going later this year, the only top end place I've been to in Paris was Pierre Gagnaire and I wasn't that impressed, but everyone I know who has been to L'Arpege raves about it
 
Haha I hadn't been to either so didn't come in, sorry! Just seen it. Only done touristy paris, not had a chance to go do some touring. You'll have to let us know what it's like.

Taking the Mrs? Got a ring in your pocket per chance? ha
 
Funnily enough we have booked a table @ Otto's Restaurant in London for their 'pressed Duck' : http://www.ottos-restaurant.com/pressed-duck.html

Almost exactly the same as you would be served in La Tour d'argent, but significantly cheaper! Very reasonable wine list as well. Can't wait!

Enjoy Paris though Ahleckz! I am not a fan on the whole, but did have a very good meal here on our last visit: http://www.lespapillesparis.fr/
 
Last edited:
randomshenans said:
Haha I hadn't been to either so didn't come in, sorry! Just seen it. Only done touristy paris, not had a chance to go do some touring. You'll have to let us know what it's like.

Taking the Mrs? Got a ring in your pocket per chance? ha
Click to expand...

Fair enough, thought you would have checked a couple out. I'm sure you will in due time though!

I am taking the Mrs, but there is none of that going on! I do hope that she doesn't expect one!
 
TheDean said:
Funnily enough we have booked a table @ Otto's Restaurant in London for their 'pressed Duck' : http://www.ottos-restaurant.com/pressed-duck.html

Almost exactly the same as you would be served in La Tour d'argent, but significantly cheaper! Very reasonable wine list as well. Can't wait!

Enjoy Paris though Ahleckz! I am not a fan on the whole, but did have a very good meal here on our last visit: http://www.lespapillesparis.fr/
Click to expand...

You sure that's significantly cheaper? Says €70 for the duck on Andy Hayler's site..
 
Ahleckz said:
I'm after the 'wow'. I've never eaten in a 3* and feel that this trip presents the perfect opportunity. I am a little bit worried about my lack of French however.

I've also been looking at Guy Savoy, which is also tempting but I've read it's crazy expensive.

Bigarrade looks very good, and liking the surprise menu of it. Could maybe go there for lunch.

I briefly considered La Tour d'argent, but whilst the views are fabulous I could only stretch to one Michelin dinner and one lunch and don't really fancy going 1 star.
Click to expand...

La Bigarrade is very good for lunch. Very good value for what you get as well. It will be a long lunch though.....

I can also recommend Helene Darozze for lunch. 2 stars at her restaurant and does some really great food. The lunch is a bargain. I can't remember the exact price but very good value for money. I think only, maybe £30-£40 a head.

http://www.helenedarroze.com/en/home.html

If you are just going for a "wow" experience don't discount La Tour D'Argent. Having the duck there is a truly spectacular experience. Don't order anything else other than the duck - one of the world's truly great dishes.

Lack of French will be an issue in some restaurants. I think both Pierre Gagnaire and La Tour can be a bit arsey to non French speakers. My French is OK so I can handle restaurant situations. The wine list at La Tour is immense - one of the best stocked cellars anywhere. It can be a nightmare to navigate unless you know your wine. There is such a thing as too much choice.

If you go to Pierre Gagnaire I think you will be guaranteed a great meal. Probably the best choice for this - but do go to La Tour at least once in your life.
 
Ahleckz said:
Fair enough, thought you would have checked a couple out. I'm sure you will in due time though!

I am taking the Mrs, but there is none of that going on! I do hope that she doesn't expect one!
Click to expand...

Haha I'm certainly not expecting that nonsense .
 
lol I only say that as my sister just came back from Paris, my step Bro did it last year too... seemed common theme :p

I really like going to places for lunch. I have often found much better deals, and not just that but I've been in there hours before. They don't chase you out, trying to fit in their next evening booking etc.
I've done 2 in one day before, did Ledbury lunch at 12, didn't think I'd be there much past 2pm, but got out at 4:30 and stuffed. Had a table booked for 8pm for another place, couldn't move.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom