Who wouldn’t want to dine at the iconic Eiffel Tower? It’s a dream for many visitors, and for us, it was finally a reality. As we bypassed the lengthy lift lines and joined the short queue reserved for diners at the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant, a sense of smugness crept in.
Elevated Expectations: A Parisian Feast
My husband and I were eager to enjoy an evening of French wine, delectable cuisine, and romantic ambiance. We had high hopes, but the thought of subpar food, cheap wine, and hordes of tourists also crossed our minds.
The iconic wrought iron structure loomed above us, adding to the excitement as we boarded the restaurant’s exclusive lift. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation; everyone jostled for the best view of Paris and our dining destination.
A Grand Arrival: Embracing the Eiffel Tower Experience
As we approached the restaurant, the grand double doors swung open with a flourish, and the scene unfolded. The two levels were filled with diners, with tour groups occupying a separate area. Intimate tables for two and four were scattered throughout, offering a more personal experience.
58 Tour Eiffel offers three pre-booked dinner options, ranging in price from $118 to $165 depending on table location and wine inclusion. We were lucky that our mid-priced booking landed us a table with a stunning Trocadéro view, just one row back from the window.
The overall atmosphere felt like an elegant brasserie, with minimalist furnishings and soft lighting, perfectly complementing the breathtaking Parisian cityscape.
A Culinary Journey: Exceeding Expectations
With two two-hour seatings each night, 58 Tour Eiffel operates with a military precision, yet our waiter managed to create an illusion of ample time.
We savored our welcome glass of Champagne before the arrival of our entrée: spiced king prawns. The prawns were beautifully presented atop a colorful mix of avocado, grapefruit, and sweet edible blooms. The dish was far better than we expected from what is essentially a tourist restaurant.
Our main courses, a roast herbed guinea fowl breast with mashed potato, green asparagus, and mushroom cream, and a grilled lamb, were equally impressive and authentically French.
A delightful chocolate marquise for dessert capped off our meal. We took advantage of the break between courses, enjoying the stunning views and another glass of wine, before concluding our evening with a visit to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Conclusion: A Parisian Experience to Remember
The food and service at 58 Tour Eiffel surpassed our expectations, making this an iconic dining experience we won’t soon forget.
Location: 10/10 – Dining atop the Eiffel Tower is an unforgettable experience.
Style/Character: 6/10 – The food and view make up for the bland décor.
Atmosphere: 8/10 – Lively and romantic with a touch of buzz.
Value for money: 8/10 – A great value considering the exchange rate.
Notes: You can also enjoy a picnic-style lunch without a reservation. All reviews are conducted anonymously, and our writers pay their own way for an authentic experience.
For more information on where to eat in Paris, check out our ultimate guide to the City of Love.
