La Tour D'Argent

For the best old-school, elegant dining experience in Paris, book a table at this legendary restaurant that dates back to 1582. The recently redesigned dining room, with window walls and a mirrored ceiling that reflects the Seine below, is the platonic ideal of a Parisian restaurant. And that’s not hyperbole—it inspired Ratatouille. The panoramic view and classic French food make it the place to be for an anniversary, engagement, or an absurdly over-the-top meal.

Beyond its decor, which looks a bit like you’re on a modernized cruise ship complete with teak walls and royal blue carpeting, the service is outstanding: Expect a rotating crew of servers in suits who whizz around in an almost symphonic fashion. Once they remove the silver Christofle plates, the show begins and the classic, reliable French hits keep coming. 

While pressed duck “Frédéric Delair” is their signature dish, and prepared tableside—blood and all—it’s not included in the prix fixe lunch, but a delicious roasted version is. The John Dory fish with parmesan foam and arugula pesto wow with its lightness. Even the various breads served with the meal, like turmeric focaccia, are memorable and feel like their own course. And allow them to wheel over the giant wine book that’s longer than a George R. R. Martin novel—the cellar has over 300,000 bottles, or, more accurately, 299,920 since over one million dollars in wine was nabbed. Gulp.