Gastronomic temples are the starred restaurants, those rated by the Michelin Guides as being superior. These usually offer classic French cuisine, are very elegant and quite costly. A few examples are Taillevent, Guy Savoy, Joel Robuchon, Ledoyen and Tour d'Argent. French regional cuisine is offered with contemporary decor for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Brasseries are much more casual, usually open until late at night for the after theater crowd, serve numerous kinds of seafood, especially fresh oysters, and beer.
Bistros are neighborhood places that serve hearty food.
Some three star chefs are opening bistros and although they are not cheap, they are less expensive than these chefs more formal establishments. A few examples are Ben it, Le Petit Marguery, L'Ami Louis and Le Relais du Parc. Caf s de th offer another popular form of dining. These casual spots are good for sandwiches and salads at lunchtime or dessert and afternoon tea. This elegant spot on the rue de Rivoli is famous for its L'Africain cup of hot chocolate.