There are a number of French restaurant chains with outlets all over the city. Service is usually quick, and there's no need to book, though they're not the best places in which to experience the ritual of a leisurely French meal.Le Bistrot Romain This Italian bistrot (formules from €10) has gone somewhat downhill, but is trying to win back clientele with cheaper menus. Branches at 10 rue Coquillière, 1er; and 9 bd des Italiens, 2e, among others. Daily till midnight. Chez Clément The most brasserie-like of the chains. Three courses cost around €28; Oysters and shellfish are specialities or you can choose beef, duck or salmon from the rôtisserie. Central restaurants at 123 av des Champs-Élysées, 8e; 17 bd des Capucines, 2e; 19 rue Marbeuf, 8e; 106 bd du Montparnasse, 14e; 21 bd Beaumarchais, 4e. Open daily till 1am. La Criée Specializes in seafood and fish and is dependable, offering three-course set meals for €27. Branches at 31 bd Bonne-Nouvelle, 2e; 15 rue Lagrange, 5e; 54 bd du Montparnasse, 15e. Open till midnight. Hippopotamus Although it's not particularly good, this is one of the cheaper chains, with three-course menus for €21.30, and it does stay open more or less round-the-clock some branches serve till 5am. Central addresses include: 29 rue Berger, Les Halles, 1er; and 1 bd des Capucines, 2e. Flunch Three branches in Paris, at 5 rue Pierre Lescot, 1er, 1 rue Caulaincourt, 18e and right next to the Pompidou Centre. Although very canteen-like with overcooked food, it's a good place to fill an empty stomach on a tight budget; the dish of the day costs €5.90 and you can go back for as many vegetable dishes as you like. Open daily till 10pm. Léon de Bruxelles Does various mussels-and-chips combinations; a three-course meal with drink will cost around €25. Main branches at 63 av des Champs-Élysées, 8e; 8 place de la République, 11e; 3 bd Beaumarchais, 4e; 131 bd St-Germain, 6e. Daily till 1am.
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