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My Best Paris Restaurants:
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I must confess that initially my selection of these two restaurants had much more to do with the uniqueness of the opportunity than the dining experience itself, because frankly, how many times in your life do you go up the Eiffel Tower?
For most people visiting Paris, this is a once in a lifetime occasion.
This does not mean that these restaurants are not amazing in gastronomical terms, because they truly are!
But I imagine it has to be a challenge to live up to the hype when you sit in one of the most prestigious location in the world.
On the other hand you may be pleasantly surprised by the fact that eating here has nothing to do with your typical tourist trap lousy food. This is gourmet quality all the way!
As you noticed, there are actually two Paris Eiffel Tower restaurants. The first one, 58 Tour Eiffel is located on the 1st level. The setting is refined, but casual-chic at this French brasserie style buffet with two levels expertly designed with a futuristic touch. 58 Tour Eiffel comes fully loaded with an exceptional view of the Trocadero and the river Seine.
The menu is modern/contemporary French at prices that won’t necessarily break the bank.
- Lunch goes for €18 to €23 and is self-service.
- Dinner starts at €67 to €125 with table service.
Either way, it's a great alternative for more "modest" budgets. Also package deals usually come with Champagne and no waiting list, if that helps. I have arranged for you to be able to purchase package deal tickets through this link for a discounted Paris Orientation Tour + Lunch at the Eiffel Tower + Cruise on the Seine River. This, by the way, is one of the all-time favorite ways to tour Paris.
The second restaurant, Le Jules Verne sits 125 meters above ground on the 2nd level, and is accessible by private elevator only. I personally would have no inclination toward a restaurant that can require lunch reservations 3 weeks in advance and dinner reservations 3 months in advance. But as previously stated, this is a unique take on the restaurant experience. And, they often have cancellations you might be able to take advantage of…
My whole idea of Le Jules Verne is for the very special occasion that calls for a memorable experience in Paris, on the Eiffel Tower, and in an exquisite gastronomical setting. Fellows, maybe there is a lady in your life that inspires you in this way? If so, the reservation 3 months in advance for, of all places, "The Paris Eiffel Tower restaurant" doesn’t seem all that insane after all, does it?
The thing to remember is that Le Jules Verne is not necessarily about a superlative treat of the palate. Not that it does not deliver, because it definitely does, but in my view, it is first and foremost all about the significance of the moment. Of course, it doesn't hurt a bit that all things culinary are now handled by star Chef Alain Ducasse!
Do I need to specify that it will lean toward the expensive side? The dinner menu averages easily over €150 on the low end. Lunch is a better bargain with no reservation headaches. But as the saying goes, “if you have to ask…”
Of course, you can always opt for the Champagne Bar on the very top floor as an alternative. The panoramic view is unrivaled and will only set you back 10 to 20 euros for a cup of premium champagne and a regal experience.
Snacks and hot and cold drinks are also offered for €10 or less under the hospices of the Eiffel Tower Restaurants. They are available from the bottom to the third floor in case you want a quick bite during your Eiffel Tower visit.
Be sure to schedule your visit strategically to avoid dreadful lines that often average 3-4 hour wait time. Or do it the smart way by pre-booking your Paris Orientation Tour + Lunch at the Eiffel Tower + Cruise and guaranteed no lines. Believe me, I've learned this trick the hard way!
Read my review of "Le Jules Verne" here
return to my Best Paris Restaurants list