The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris, has always been a captivating place to visit, with its breathtaking views and historical significance. But did you know that its culinary offerings have also undergone a fascinating transformation? Let’s take a trip back in time and discover the story of 58 Tour Eiffel, the chic brasserie that graces the tower’s first floor.
From Four Restaurants to One Chic Brasserie
Back in 1889, when the Eiffel Tower first opened its doors, four restaurants graced its first floor, with kitchens tucked away beneath. Gas lighting provided warmth and illumination to these early eateries. However, things changed for the 1937 International Exposition, when these four restaurants were demolished, leaving only two standing. In the 1980s, a major renovation of the Eiffel Tower brought about yet another transformation, rechristening these two restaurants as La Belle France and Le Parisien, two Parisian gems not to be missed.
But change was in the air once again. These two restaurants were merged into a grand brasserie, designed by the talented duo Slavik and Loup, with a whimsical theme inspired by hot air balloons. This new establishment, aptly named Altitude 95, captured the essence of its lofty location, 95 meters above sea level.
A Modern Transformation: 58 Tour Eiffel Takes Flight
The brasserie continued to evolve, undergoing a complete renovation in 2009. Emerging from this transformation was a chic and modern restaurant, renamed 58 Tour Eiffel, after its location on the 58th level. This elegant makeover was the brainchild of Patrick Jouin, who also lent his design expertise to the renowned Jules Verne restaurant.
The culinary direction of 58 Tour Eiffel was entrusted to Alain Soulard, a chef with a distinguished background, having honed his skills under the renowned Alain Ducasse at Jules Verne and other esteemed restaurants. Soulard’s expertise lies in crafting top-quality French cuisine, with an emphasis on creating delectable dishes for seminars and special events. This ensures that 58 Tour Eiffel has a multicultural menu to cater to all tastes, whether you’re a connoisseur of classic French cuisine or looking for something a little more adventurous.
Lunch with a Parisian Flair: Chic Picnic Style
During the day, 58 Tour Eiffel offers a delightful Parisian experience with its chic picnic-style lunch. From 11:30 am to 4:30 pm, you can enjoy a non-stop service of delectable two-course or three-course meals. Last orders for main courses are taken at 3:45 pm, ensuring you have ample time to savor your meal. The food arrives in charming baskets, ready to be carried to your table, perfectly capturing the essence of a Parisian picnic.
Choose from a tempting selection of dishes, such as Caesar salad, parmesan and caper berry starter, seared bonito tuna, mashed potatoes and sauce vierge, or a hearty roasted poultry risotto and cream of mushrooms main course. For a sweet ending, indulge in the Crousti Eiffel cake with praline and chocolate. There’s even a dedicated children’s menu for those under the age of 12, ensuring everyone can enjoy the culinary journey.
This picnic-style lunch is a delightful way to experience the Eiffel Tower. You don’t need to book a reservation, and prices start at €19 per person. However, remember to have your Eiffel Tower ticket handy as it’s required for access to the restaurant. If you’re looking for a quick bite, there are also buffets offering sandwiches and snacks at various locations around the Eiffel Tower.
Dining in the Evening: Parisian Elegance at its Finest
As the sun sets over Paris, 58 Tour Eiffel transforms into a sophisticated evening dining destination. The ambiance changes, with contemporary décor, soft lighting, and minimalist furniture designed by Patrick Jouin, creating a luxurious atmosphere that doesn’t overshadow the breathtaking views. Here, you can enjoy classic French cuisine in a refined setting, with the added allure of dining high above the city.
For dinner, you have the choice of two seating times: 6:30 pm or 9 pm. Reservations are essential, so be sure to book in advance to secure your spot. Evening menus offer a delightful range of culinary experiences, with prices starting at €70 per person for a starter, main course, dessert, and a glass of champagne, known as the Opera menu.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, such as a wedding anniversary or a family holiday, consider the Service Premier, offered at the 9 pm seating. This option provides privileged seating in the main dining room, and for a slight extra cost, you can choose a window seat with stunning views of the Trocadero. The Service Premier is a culinary journey that will leave you enchanted. A tasting menu featuring an aperitif, starter, two main courses, dessert, mignardises, wine, mineral water, and coffee will captivate your palate. As of 2012, the Service Premier costs €135 per person, or €155 per person for a window seat.
Don’t forget the little ones! Children’s menus are available at a reduced cost for those under 12, starting at €19. The Service Premier also includes a children’s menu that even features a chocolate cake shaped like the Eiffel Tower, making it a truly memorable experience for the whole family.
While making your dinner reservations, remember that you will need to purchase tickets to ascend the Eiffel Tower, even if you have a dinner reservation. Bookings can be made conveniently online at the official Eiffel Tower website.
A Parisian Culinary Treasure
From its humble beginnings with four restaurants to its current incarnation as the chic 58 Tour Eiffel, this restaurant has evolved alongside the Eiffel Tower itself. Whether you’re enjoying a casual picnic lunch or a sophisticated evening meal, 58 Tour Eiffel offers a unique culinary experience that will leave a lasting impression. With breathtaking views, delicious food, and exceptional service, 58 Tour Eiffel is a culinary treasure that every visitor to Paris should experience.