l’Avel: Seafood in the Shadows of the Towers.

With a stunning and unimpeded view of the Eiffel Tower directly down boulevard Pasteur and the equally imposing Montparnasse Tower just around the corner, l’Avel is a seafood-lover’s dream. Specializing in fruits de mer, l’Avel serves up fresh seafood from its outdoor oyster bar. Only the unfortunate worker in the sailor uniform has to stand outside in the cold, though; they’ll serve you all the seafood you want inside, where it’s nice and cozy.

The décor of the restaurant is decidedly Norman fishing village with blue and white stripes, safety orange, knotted ropes, and nautical brass bric-a-brac. You may feel like you’re more at a seaside resort rather than in Paris. But if you’re on the terrace (which yes, is open even in the wintertime but is heated), you won’t for one minute forget where you are, especially at night when the lights on the Eiffel Tower start twinkling.

The waiters at l’Avel are very attentive and will help you determine what type of seafood platter to order. Then it will be prepared freshly just for you. Besides fresh oysters and fish, there’s an abundance of shrimp, lobster and other select seafood to choose from.

One of the best items on the menu is the authentic Marsaillaise bouillabaisse. (Try saying that with five times in a row.) This rascasse and safron stew is served in copious quantities and gets rave reviews.

Besides sea-based delicacies, l’Avel also serves land-based delights, including such traditional items as Os à Moelle au Sel de Guérande and house foie gras. Dinner at l’Avel will cost just north of 50 euros a person, but lunch can be less than half that much. It’s located at 65, boulevard Pasteur in the 15^th and the closest Metro station is Pasteur. It’s an ideal place for a light dinner date or for a business lunch. For reservations, call 01 43 20 21 22.