Known for its historic yearly gathering of judges for France's most prestigious literary prize, Le Goncourt, Drouant has been revamped and shaken off its stodgy former … image. There are five salons which may be privatized for groups of 3 to 35 people. For special secret occasions, the Colette salon may be booked for a maximum of two, and their Mezzanine is great for cocktails and PR functions. They serve solid classics, such as Brittany lobster and roasted "poulette" from Challans.[link]

Considered by many as Paris' best restaurant, Taillevent has a number of elegant historic private rooms, and a kitchen overseen by Alain Solivérès, one of the … city's most respected chefs. The Salon Guimet, where the Duc de Morny (the former resident) used to receive his friend Napoleon III, is one of the most impressive, with antiques and period furnishing. Prices start at $102 for a set lunch menu, including dishes such as spelt "risotto" with curried lobster.[link]

Built in the 1840s, this former Napoleon III hunting pavilion is located in the gardens at the bottom of the Champs-Elysées and attracts a moneyed local and … international crowd. Alain Pégouret, a disciple of superchef Joel Robuchon, creates classic and creative dishes accompanied by one of Paris' best cellars, and the manager is a former world-champion sommelier. There are four private dining rooms and one terrace that may be reserved for elegant dining under the chestnut trees. Order their lobster salad for a decadent treat.[link]

Open since the late 1700s, this historic restaurant became a cultural HQ for Paris' literary elite as well as a gastronomic Mecca, as the kitchens were run by culinary … legend Auguste Escoffier. The private dining rooms upstairs still have scratched mirrors where mistresses once tested if their consorts' gift were real diamonds or not, and still draw couples for secret trysts. Cuisine is classic and cosmopolitan with dishes like truffled "shepherd's pie" and roasted Bresse chicken.[link]

Located in a magnificent Napoleon III pavilion in a private wood in Boulogne, this three-star Michelin has 14 private dining areas that can accommodate from 6 to 700 … people. Cocktails can also be hosted for up to 1,500 people on their private terrace. The cuisine is a blend of traditional and creative, and chef Frederic Anton shines in dishes like tempura-style lobster with Japanese dipping sauce (eaten with chopsticks), and what is perhaps Paris' best cheese cart. Service is professional yet relaxed.[link]

Built in 1832, this historical landmark has two floors of private dining rooms, complete with entirely restored period décor and traditional cuisine. Specialties … include vol au vent or a mouthwatering côte de bœuf accompanied by wines from the superb, reasonably priced cellar. Sylvain, the owner, formerly of the cult timewarp bistro Chez l'Ami Louis, makes sure things run smoothly.[link]