The Eiffel Tower, a Parisian icon, has always been a place where culinary experiences meet stunning views. Since its opening in 1889, the tower has housed various restaurants, each evolving with the times. Originally, four restaurants graced the first floor, their kitchens humming with gaslight-powered activity.
A Culinary Timeline of Change
The 1937 International Exposition ushered in a new era, with the four restaurants giving way to just two. As the tower underwent renovations in the 1980s, these two were redesigned and christened “La Belle France” and “Le Parisien,” becoming must-visit Parisian eateries.
But change was a constant companion for the tower’s culinary landscape. The two restaurants were combined into a spacious brasserie called “Altitude 95,” designed by Slavik and Loup and featuring a whimsical hot air balloon theme. This name, reflecting its location 95 meters above sea level, perfectly captured the restaurant’s elevated experience.
This brasserie was not destined to stay the same. In 2009, it underwent a complete overhaul, emerging with a chic new look and a new name – the 58 Tour Eiffel. This transformation was spearheaded by Patrick Jouin, also responsible for the interior design of the renowned Jules Verne restaurant.
Culinary Delights and a Picnic-Style Lunch
The 58 Tour Eiffel’s cuisine is the brainchild of chef Alain Soulard, a veteran of Alain Ducasse’s Jules Verne and other esteemed restaurants. Soulard specializes in crafting top-quality French cuisine, catering to seminars and events, ensuring a diverse culinary experience.
During the day, the 58 Tour Eiffel offers a chic picnic-style lunch, served non-stop from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm. Guests can savor two-course (starter and main or main and dessert) or three-course meals. These are presented in charming baskets, encouraging a casual dining experience and reinforcing the picnic theme.
The lunch menu boasts a delightful range of options, including Caesar salad, seared bonito tuna, and roasted poultry risotto. For those with sweet cravings, the Crousti Eiffel cake with praline and chocolate is a tempting choice. And for younger diners, a dedicated children’s menu is available, ensuring everyone enjoys their meal.
To enjoy this picnic-style lunch, advance reservations are not necessary, and prices start from €19 per person. However, accessing the restaurant requires a valid Eiffel Tower ticket.
Evening Experiences: Elegance and Elevated Dining
As the sun sets, the 58 Tour Eiffel transforms into a sophisticated evening dining destination. Patrick Jouin’s minimalist furniture and soft lighting create an atmosphere of luxurious intimacy. The elegant décor, however, never overshadows the breathtaking panoramic views.
The evening experience features two seating times: 6:30 pm and 9 pm, and reservations are essential. Diners are welcomed by a hostess and escorted to their tables, ready to savor a special evening high above the city. The restaurant’s chic, classic French cuisine is served tableside.
Varied Menus and Culinary Experiences
The evening menus are designed to entice with a variety of options and price points, starting from €70 per person for a three-course meal with a glass of champagne. The Opera menu provides a taste of the restaurant’s culinary artistry.
The 58 Tour Eiffel menu features delectable French cuisine, such as seared tiger prawn with avocado and soya dressing, duck foie gras, and seared salmon fillet. For those seeking a truly memorable celebration, the Service Premier, offered at the 9 pm sitting, provides a luxurious experience with privileged seating in the main dining room.
The Service Premier offers a tasting menu, including an aperitif, starter, two main courses, dessert, mignardises, wine, mineral water, and coffee. The cost for this special experience starts at €135 per person, or €155 per person for coveted window seating.
Of course, the menus change regularly, ensuring a fresh and exciting dining experience. The 58 Tour Eiffel caters to every palate, with options like the Service Premier, the Opera menu, and the special children’s menu. There are also reduced-cost children’s menus starting from €19. The children’s Service Premier menu even includes a chocolate Eiffel Tower cake, allowing younger guests to fully immerse themselves in the 58 Tour Eiffel experience.
Making Reservations and Accessing the Restaurant
Remember, even for evening meals, visitors must have purchased tickets to ascend the Eiffel Tower to access the 58 Tour Eiffel. Reservations can be made conveniently online through the official Eiffel Tower website.
Whether you’re enjoying a casual picnic-style lunch or an elegant evening dinner, the 58 Tour Eiffel offers a unique culinary experience amidst the iconic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower.
