 |
My Best Paris Restaurants:
|
I confess that this selection has much more to do with the uniqueness of the opportunity than the dining experience per se.
Granted, Le Jules Verne in particular, is indeed a very fine restaurant, but these two restaurants are on my list 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.
As you noticed, there are actually two Paris Eiffel Tower restaurants. The first one, Altitude 95 is located on the 1st level. The name comes from its height of 95 meters above sea level. The setting is refined -but casual- at this restaurant/bar, with downstairs and upstairs sleek hardwood floors, and a design accentuated by brass motifs. Altitude 95 has the look of an airship fully loaded with an exceptional view of the Trocadero and the river Seine.
The menu is French contemporary with a no-fuss emphasis; a great way to snack that won’t necessarily break the bank.
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 does; but in my view, it is first and foremost all about the significance of the moment. Do I need to specify that it will lean toward the expensive side? The dinner menu averages easily over €100 on the low end. Lunch is a better bargain. But as the saying goes, “if you have to ask…”
Read full review of "Le Jules Verne" with current Chef Alain Reix here
return to Best Paris Restaurants list
