Picture this: the year is 1889, and the Eiffel Tower has just opened its doors to the world. As visitors marvel at its grandeur, they also discover four charming restaurants nestled on the first floor. These eateries, with their gas-lit kitchens located below, offered a delightful escape from the bustling city below. However, this culinary landscape was soon to change.
Fast forward to 1937, and the international exposition brought about a dramatic transformation. The four restaurants were demolished, leaving only two in their wake. These restaurants, La Belle France and Le Parisien, were hailed as must-visit destinations in Paris. The 1980s saw a new wave of renovations, further refining these culinary havens.
The Birth of Altitude 95 and the Rise of 58 Tour Eiffel
But fate had another twist in store. The two restaurants were merged into one grand brasserie, designed by Slavik and Loup, with a captivating theme of hot air balloons. This magnificent creation, christened Altitude 95, perfectly captured its soaring location, 95 meters above sea level.
Years passed, and a desire for a fresh look led to another complete renovation. In 2009, the brasserie emerged in a sleek, modern avatar, boasting a chic new name: 58 Tour Eiffel. This redesign, masterminded by Patrick Jouin, who also designed the interior of the renowned Jules Verne restaurant, breathed a new life into this iconic dining experience.
Picnic Style Lunch with a French Flair
The 58 Tour Eiffel offers a delightful culinary experience, catering to both lunch and dinner cravings. During the day, you can savor a chic picnic style lunch, a delightful twist on traditional dining. From 11:30 am to 4:30 pm, you can enjoy a non-stop service, with the last orders for main courses taken at 3:45 pm.
Imagine this: You select your meal from a tempting menu, and it’s presented to you at the counter in a charming basket, ready for you to carry to your table, adding to the picnic ambiance. Chef Alain Soulard, renowned for his collaboration with Alain Ducasse at the Jules Verne, creates a menu that celebrates the best of French cuisine. Whether it’s a starter and main course, main course and dessert, or a three-course option, you’re sure to indulge in culinary delights.
Evening Indulgence: A Romantic Escape in the Sky
As dusk descends, the 58 Tour Eiffel transforms into an enchanting evening retreat. Step into a world of contemporary décor, soft lighting, and minimalistic furniture, all designed by Patrick Jouin to create an atmosphere of luxurious intimacy without detracting from the breathtaking views.
You are greeted by a hostess and escorted to your table, ready to enjoy an unforgettable evening high above the City of Lights. Two seating options are available: 6:30 pm or 9 pm, but remember that reservations are a must. The evening menu offers a journey through chic and classic French cuisine, expertly crafted and served with elegance.
A Culinary Symphony: From Casual Lunch to Exquisite Dinners
The lunch menu at 58 Tour Eiffel offers a delicious assortment of dishes, each designed to tantalize your taste buds. Imagine starting with a Caesar salad, parmesan, and caper berry starter, followed by a main course like seared bonito tuna, mashed potatoes, and sauce vierge or roasted poultry risotto and cream of mushrooms. To end your meal on a sweet note, indulge in a Crousti Eiffel cake with praline and chocolate. And don’t forget the dedicated children’s menu for those under the age of 12, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for everyone.
For a truly memorable evening, you can choose from a variety of menu options, all showcasing the essence of French cuisine. Delicacies like seared tiger prawn, avocado, soya, and sesame dressing or duck foie gras, red onions marmalade, honey, and balsamic for starters will set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
Main courses like seared salmon fillet, carrots, and green peas with white butter sauce or oven roasted leg of lamb, Anna potatoes, artichokes, and real jus (juices) are sure to leave you wanting more. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, like a wedding anniversary or a family holiday in Paris, consider the Service Premier, available at the 9 pm seating. This exclusive option grants you privileged seating in the main dining room, and for an extra touch of luxury, you can also book window seating with stunning views of the Trocadero.
An Experience for Every Palate and Occasion
The Service Premier offers a delectable tasting menu featuring an aperitif, starter, two main courses, dessert, mignardises (bite-sized desserts), wine, mineral water, and coffee. As of 2012, this experience costs €135 per person or €155 per person with window seating. Even the youngest diners are catered to with a special children’s menu, starting from €19, which includes a chocolate cake shaped like the Eiffel Tower – a perfect touch to make their dining experience truly memorable.
While you can relish a picnic-style lunch without a reservation, it’s important to note that you’ll need to purchase a ticket to ascend the Eiffel Tower to access the restaurant. However, you can also enjoy buffets featuring sandwiches and quick snacks at various spots around the tower. For evening meals, reservations are essential. Bookings can be made online through the official Eiffel Tower website.
So, whether you’re looking for a casual lunch with a Parisian twist, a romantic dinner with breathtaking views, or a special occasion celebration, the 58 Tour Eiffel offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience that perfectly captures the essence of Parisian elegance and culinary artistry.
