La Grenouille is a bastion of old-world glamour, elegance. and manners—complete with an exorbitant budget for floral arrangements. Although this storied enclave still attracts a devoted following, there’s always room for locals, newbies and blinged-out tourists. Everyone looks good in this lavish dining room, where red velvet banquettes, polished wood veneer, and softly lit tables bathe the space with rose and apricot hues.

Classic and classy, this is French cuisine worthy of high praise. Delicate ravioli is stuffed with chopped lobster hinting of tarragon and dressed with creamy, tart beurre blanc; while seared beef tenderloin arrives with foie gras and pommes souffles. For dessert, the île flottante is heaven under a cloud of spun caramel.