French restaurants display a culinary elegance and a deftness in style that is not found in any other place in the world. Certain restaurants across the country have risen to such prominence that they are known the world over, whether it is for a signature cuisine, historic location or a list of awards that brook no competition.
Taillevent was opened in 1946, and has become a culinary and cultural node for France and the city of Paris where the restaurant makes its home. The restaurant is regarded as one of the best in the world, having maintained three star Michelin quality since 1973 according to Gourmet Magazine. So well known and highly regarded is the restaurant that when its long time owner and operator, Jean-Claude Vrinat died in 2008 it was viewed by many Parisians as a death in the family of the culinary elite.
Taillevent
17 Rue Lamennais
75008 Paris, France
01 44 95 15 01
taillevent.com
La Tour d'Argent sits along the River Seine and is considered a national French treasure with an unparalleled view of Notre Dame according to The New York Times. The fame of the restaurant was born in the 1890's when it began issuing certificates to those patrons who ordered pressed duckling. The first of these birds was served to King Edward VII. The menu is devoted in large part to various presentations of duck with constantly rotating preparation methods.
La Tour d'Argent
15 Quai de la Tournelle
75005 Paris, France
33 1 43 54 23 31
latourdargent.com
Le Chantecler is housed in the world renowned Negresco Hotel, one of the oldest and most recognizable on the French Riviera according to travel review website Destination 360. The restaurant has the distinction of being one of the only restaurants in France housed in a National Historic Monument. As of 2010, Le Chantecler is headed by award winning executive chef Jean-Denis Rieubland. The chef took the position in 2007 after winning the Auguste Escoffier Trophy Normandy in 2005 and the France Craftsman of the Year Award in 2007.
Le Chantecler
Hôtel Négresco
37, Promenade des Anglais
06000 Nice
33 0 4 93 16 64 00
lechantecler.com
