Trying to find the best places to eat near the Eiffel Tower can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Ask a Parisian about their favorite spots in this area, and they might just tell you to avoid it altogether.
Why the hesitation? The neighborhood surrounding Paris’s most famous landmark is a mix of tourist traps and fancy restaurants, making it hard to discover the hidden gems.
Don’t worry! We’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to. Get ready to discover nine of the most authentic and delicious places to eat in the 7th arrondissement of Paris.
Parisian Market Streets
If you’re craving a taste of authentic Parisian market streets, rue Cler is the place to be. This picturesque street is bursting with charming cafes, bakeries, and specialty shops, including well-known names like Mariage Frères and Alain Ducasse.
For a classic French menu with reasonable prices and a charming atmosphere, Le Petit Cler is your go-to spot. While their tartines and salads are always tempting, their daily special is where the real magic happens.
Depending on the day, you might find classic French dishes like parmentier de canard (a delectable duck dish), tomates farcies provençal (tomatoes filled with bread crumbs, herbs, and olive oil), or filet mignon, all at affordable prices.
Cinematic Parisian Cafés
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the Parisian cafe scene at Le Café de Mars. This neighborhood bistro oozes charm with its 50s formica counters and a jazzy brunch every Saturday. The resident café cat will be there to judge your culinary choices (don’t worry, their judgment is usually gentle!).
The menu features a rotating selection of seasonal delights, such as roasted fennel with grapefruit and tarragon, roasted carrots with feta and dukkah, and classic desserts like chocolate cake.
The friendly service and convenient location, just a 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, make this bistro a winner.
Dependable Brasserie Classics
If you’re looking for a reliable brasserie with classic dishes, Carmine Café is your answer.
This cafe’s extensive menu has something for everyone, whether you’re craving a juicy steak, a satisfying club sandwich, or a cheesy pizza. And of course, no visit to a Parisian cafe is complete without a café crème paired with a crème brûlée.
Carmine Café is a true gem for its friendly service, which makes even those who haven’t mastered their high school French feel welcome.
Artisanal Pastries and Seasonal Delights
For artisanal pastries and seasonal treats, Tapisserie is a must-visit. This neighborhood hotspot, brought to you by the same team behind Septime and Clamato, brings the vibrant atmosphere of the 11th arrondissement to the Left Bank.
Their savory tarts are a weekly treat, with the croissant sandwich with 24-month aged comté and jambon de Paris being a timeless classic.
If you have a sweet tooth, be prepared for a delicious dilemma! Dessert lovers will have a hard time choosing between the chocolate caramel tart, peanut Paris Brest, and Mezcal-infused babas with hints of blood orange.
A Parisian Burrito Experience
It might seem counterintuitive to eat a burrito in France, but if you’re craving Mexican flavors, Zia is the place to be.
This spot offers a focused brunch menu featuring burritos, sweet and savory Dutch Baby pancakes, the ever-popular avocado toast, and granola. The simple menu allows the family-run team to perfect each dish, so all you have to worry about is choosing your next Parisian adventure.
On a beautiful day, consider ordering your brunch to go and enjoying a picnic on the Champ de Mars with an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower.
Specialty Coffee and Brunch
A bit further afield than our other recommendations, O Coffee Shop is a haven for coffee enthusiasts. This Aussie-owned specialty coffee shop roasts their beans in Paris, offering a menu full of classics like flat whites, cappuccinos, and even iced coffee.
You’ll find classic brunch items like eggs benedict with avocado, smoked salmon, or bacon. Vegetarians and vegans will be happy to see their brunch options too.
While the classics are always available, keep an eye out for the daily specials to try something new.
Elevated Options Worth Visiting
Inspired by Seasonal Ingredients
For a meal you won’t soon forget, head to L’Ami Jean. Inspired by seasonal ingredients and French culinary classics, the team here creates dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
While L’Ami Jean is on the pricier side, it’s worth the splurge. Under the guidance of Chef Stéphane Jégo, L’Ami Jean takes classic bistro fare to a whole new level.
Although not the best choice for vegetarians and vegans, omnivores will have a delightful array of options like roasted pigeon, terrine de campagne (country pâté), and their famous take on riz au lait (French rice pudding).
Michelin-Starred Cuisine
Tomy & Co is the culinary playground of Franco-Cambodian chef Tomy Gousset. This Michelin-starred bistro is known for its visually stunning and incredibly flavorful dishes.
Prepare for a feast for the eyes and the palate with dishes like fresh sea bream in puffed buckwheat, pigeon with wild garlic and asparagus, and Suprême de volaille rôti (a celebrated chicken dish). The tasting menu offers six plates from their menu, perfectly paired with wines.
While Tomy & Co is a splurge, it’s worth considering if you’re looking to experience the innovative Michelin-starred cuisine that Paris is famous for.
Dining on the Seine
Want to enjoy breathtaking views while you dine? Ducasse sur Seine is the perfect choice. This Michelin-starred floating restaurant cruises the Seine River while you savor their seasonal menu, offering unparalleled views of the City of Lights.
With dishes like lamb shoulder with eggplant and yogurt, marinated trout with dill and blackcurrant, or truffled burrata foam, you’ll be wowed by the culinary artistry.
The electric boat ensures a quiet and peaceful ambiance, allowing you to focus on the exquisite flavors and textures of your meal. If you’re looking for a more affordable fine dining experience, consider booking lunch rather than dinner.
If this culinary journey through the Eiffel Tower’s surroundings has piqued your interest, join us on the Ultimate Paris Food Tour. Our expert team will guide you through the best eats in the French capital, introducing you to French classics, Jewish delicacies, modern pastry creations, and some of the most authentic family-run kitchens and restaurants in the city.
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