Visit the Capital
Whether you fancy a table right in the heart of a monument, like Le Jules Verne, or one that commands a jaw-dropping view over a quintessential landmark, such as La Tour d’Argent, or perhaps just the prospect of a good meal between visits, follow the Guide's recommendations below.
Top Restaurants Near the Eiffel Tower
Le Jules Verne
Nothing is more magical than a meal actually in the Eiffel Tower. Frédéric Anton, who trained under some of the greatest names of French gastronomy and who also earned himself the coveted title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2000, presides over the kitchen of this iconic establishment. The Chef and his team bend over backwards to make sure that your experience in the heart of the legendary 'Iron Lady' leaves you with lifelong memories.
Le 20 Eiffel
Just a hop away from the Eiffel Tower, this restaurant – awarded a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand for its knockout value for money – welcomes diners in a tasteful, airy interior. Classic French accents loom large in the cooking, albeit with a new spin, exemplified by the signature Grand Marnier soufflé dessert.
Ducasse sur Seine
Located on an electric boat moored on the embankment of Port Debilly, opposite the iconic Eiffel Tower, this floating restaurant offers the opportunity of a fine dining experience while touring some of the ultimate landmarks in Paris. The menu, suited to modern tastebuds, is crafted and served by a team that is more than worthy of the capital’s fanciest joints.
Our Pick of Establishments on the Right Bank
Pur’ Jean-François Rouquette
On Rue de la Paix, a short walk from Garnier Opera House, this gourmet restaurant inside the Park Hyatt Hotel offers a plush, cosy setting (seating 35 diners only). The Chef, Jean-François Rouquette, with stints at Le Taillevent, the Crillon, the Cantine des Gourmets and Muses under his belt, crafts elegant cuisine demonstrating a strong seafood focus. His signature dish is abalone fished from the waters around Plouguerneau (Brittany), gently roasted in spring or prepared in red wine in winter.
Drouant
This legendary brasserie is where the prestigious Goncourt (since 1914) and Renaudot (since 1926) book prizes are awarded. Recently renovated, its new Chef Romain Van Thienen, who boasts spells with Cyril Lignac and Yannick Alléno, upholds its traditional ethos and the menu stars a cast of classics as Gallic as the Marseillaise, illustrated by the vol-au-vent and the sole meunière.
Brasserie du Louvre – Bocuse
Poised between the Louvre Museum, the Comédie Française Theatre and the Palais Royal Gardens, this stylish brasserie shines a spotlight on time-honoured, hearty favourites from Lyon – warm pistachio-flavoured saucisson in brioche bread, pike quenelles in Nantua sauce – together with ever-popular Parisian brasserie staples like sole meunière.
Loulou
Nestled in the premises of the Decorative Arts Museum, Loulou demonstrates a clear love of Italian cuisine with a sprinkling of Mediterranean classics, all of which are treated to a modern spin. Dishes are served on the terrace in fine weather, which is magically located on the edge of the Louvre Gardens.
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon – Étoile
At the foot of the Arc de Triomphe, on the basement level of the Champs Élysées Publicis Drugstore, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon sports a striking red and black interior. Seated at the counter, you can admire the kitchen team at work while sampling – in a small plates format or standard portion sizes – Joël Robuchon’s legendary Gallic delicacies, like his oft-imitated 'pommes purée'.
Le Chiberta
Under the auspices of Guy Savoy, Chef Irwin Durand takes a new look at pedigree French classics – quenelles, calf’s head, truffles, caviar – all of which are in keeping with the seasons. The interior is the work of Jean-Michel Wilmotte. There's also a fine selection of bordeaux and burgundy vintages.
Signature Montmartre
At the foot of the Sacré Cœur in Montmartre, the Signature Montmartre is the brainchild of an enthusiastic Pastry Chef, Lim Kim, and a committed waiter, Victor. The menu showcases a cavalcade of purebred Gallic classics, jazzed up with a sprinkling of Asian spices, creating a fusion of the best of French and Asian culinary cultures.
Ose
In the heart of the authentic Abbesses district, two chefs alternate every fortnight between the kitchen and the dining room at this lively neighbourhood eatery. The menu features an appetising selection of French family favourites that often change daily.
Top Establishments in the Historic Heart of Paris
La Tour d’Argent
Recently reopened after a major makeover, the dining room of La Tour d’Argent commands what must be one of the most Instagrammable views of Notre-Dame, which is currently undergoing its own restoration. However, grab a glass of bubbly and the 360° panorama over Paris from its rooftop terrace may well leave you speechless… as will much of the restaurant’s cooking.
Le Sergent Recruteur
Opposite Île de la Cité, on which Notre-Dame stands, Île Saint Louis is home to the historic Sergent Recruteur which sports a faintly medieval façade, a swish fine dining interior and is the proud recipient of a MICHELIN Star. Alain Pégouret, formerly of the Laurent, regales diners with hearty dishes elevated by knockout sauces.
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