Be sure to give yourself lots of flexibility and you will be more satisfied.  Of course, if you saw a restaurant earlier in the day and you want to go back...do it, but DO NOT go through your guide book to find a restaurant every night.  There are simply too many for any book to every list and most of the really great ones are not listed.  Just start walking and wandering through the small streets and you will find numerous quaint, excellent restaurants.  My favorite restaurants were the ones I found when I wasn't expecting it.

Another thing I loved about Paris was that many of the owners would stand outside by their menus and help explain it to you and offer the best table. They were some of the nicest people I have ever met in my life and it was hard to say no, but you can't accept everyone's offer. Just go with your instinct and eat wherever it looks good to you.  I am not going to endorse any specific restaurants because it would not be fair to all the other wonderful ones in the city.  To be honest, I never chose a restaurant from out of a guide book.  I have never even tried.  All I can say is to just trust you instinct and go out and find something that looks good...you probably will not be disappointed.

By the way...most Parisians do not eat dinner until at least 8:00 and usually it's closer to 9:00, so if a restaurant is empty at 7:00, that does not mean it is not good...no one has arrived yet! For the real experience, go to dinner later with everyone else and observe the Parisian crowd. Paris tends to be a lively city at all hours of the night if you find the right places.

Be sure to have some of the bread because it is trure that real fresh French bread is truly great.  Many restaurants offer something called a Menu price-fixe.  This is a fixed-price menu and is usually a safe bet.  Most restaurants will offer a choice of two or three different menus, with each one offering more options and better dishes.  You will typically get a salad or appetizer, an entree, and a dessert.  There are some upsides and downsides to this of course.  The food offered on these menus tends to not be anything too spectacular, but on the other hand, it is a guaranteed good meal.  If you feel daring, go ahead and order from the full menu, but just be aware that it will cost you more.  I like the fact that you can eat at a nicer restaurant, but not have to pay an arm and a leg.

For information on tipping, please go to the etiquette section!