Imagine yourself standing on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, the year is 1889. As you gaze out at the Parisian panorama, a tempting aroma fills the air. You’re surrounded by not one, but four restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience. Beneath your feet, the kitchens hum with activity, their gas-lit stoves fueling the creation of delicious meals.
Time, as it often does, brought change to the Eiffel Tower’s dining scene. For the 1937 International Exposition, the four restaurants were demolished, leaving only two in their wake. These, in turn, were remodeled during the Eiffel Tower’s extensive renovations in the 1980s, emerging as “La Belle France” and “Le Parisien.” These restaurants quickly earned a reputation as must-visits for any gourmand exploring the city’s culinary delights.
From Two to One: The Birth of Altitude 95
The Eiffel Tower’s dining landscape shifted once again, this time merging the two restaurants into a single, grand establishment. The year was 1987, and the result was Altitude 95, a brasserie designed by Slavik and Loup with a whimsical hot air balloon theme. Its name, a nod to its location 95 meters above sea level, perfectly captured its unique allure.
58 Tour Eiffel: A Modern Parisian Experience
In 2009, Altitude 95 underwent another transformation, emerging as the chic and sophisticated 58 Tour Eiffel. This reimagined restaurant, a collaboration between designer Patrick Jouin (who also crafted the Jules Verne’s interior) and renowned chef Alain Soulard (a former protégé of Alain Ducasse), became a beacon of Parisian dining.
Soulard’s menu, a testament to his mastery of French cuisine, tantalizes the palate with exquisite dishes. From the picnic-style lunches served in charming baskets to the refined dinners enjoyed beneath the twinkling Parisian sky, 58 Tour Eiffel caters to every culinary desire.
A Parisian Picnic, Chic and Delicious
Imagine a midday feast, overlooking the bustling city below. This is the experience of the 58 Tour Eiffel’s picnic-style lunch. Enjoy a two-course (starter and main course, or main course and dessert) or three-course spread, served at the counter and ready for you to carry to your table. The menu boasts Parisian favorites like Caesar salad, seared bonito tuna, roasted poultry risotto, and Crousti Eiffel cake – a delightful nod to the restaurant’s location.
For those with little ones, the 58 Tour Eiffel offers a dedicated children’s menu, ensuring that the whole family can enjoy a meal with a view. No reservations are required for this casual dining experience, and prices begin at €19 per person, making it an accessible way to savor Parisian flavors. Of course, a ticket to the Eiffel Tower is still required for access to the restaurant. For those seeking a quick bite, buffets offering sandwiches and snacks are scattered throughout the Eiffel Tower, providing options for those who aren’t dining at 58 Tour Eiffel.
An Evening of Parisian Elegance
As the sun dips below the horizon, the 58 Tour Eiffel transforms into a haven of Parisian elegance. With its contemporary décor, soft lighting, and minimalistic furniture, designed by Patrick Jouin, the restaurant exudes an air of luxury without overshadowing the breathtaking views.
Dinner at 58 Tour Eiffel is an experience that demands a reservation and offers two seating times: 6:30 PM and 9 PM. The evening menu features an array of French culinary delights, from seared tiger prawn and duck foie gras starters to seared salmon fillet and oven-roasted leg of lamb main courses.
Unforgettable Occasions and Bespoke Menus
For those seeking to celebrate a special occasion, the 58 Tour Eiffel offers several menu options, including the Opera menu (€70 per person) which pairs a three-course meal with a glass of Champagne. If you wish to indulge in a truly remarkable experience, consider the Service Premier, available at the 9 PM seating, which offers privileged seating in the main dining room and an exquisite tasting menu that includes an aperitif, starter, two main courses, dessert, mignardises, wine, mineral water, and coffee. The Service Premier costs €135 per person, or €155 per person with window seating.
Of course, the 58 Tour Eiffel doesn’t forget its youngest guests. Children under 12 can enjoy a reduced-price children’s menu, starting at €19, with the Service Premier even offering a special chocolate Eiffel Tower cake. This ensures that even the smallest of diners can experience the magic of dining at the iconic Eiffel Tower.
Planning Your Visit
Remember that even if you have a reservation for a dinner at the 58 Tour Eiffel, you will still need to purchase tickets to ascend the Eiffel Tower. Reservations can be made online at the official Eiffel Tower website, allowing you to secure your table and embark on a culinary adventure high above the City of Lights.
From its humble beginnings with four gas-lit kitchens to its current incarnation as a chic brasserie, the 58 Tour Eiffel represents the evolution of dining at the Eiffel Tower. Whether you’re indulging in a Parisian picnic, savoring a romantic dinner, or celebrating a special occasion, 58 Tour Eiffel offers an unforgettable culinary experience, combining Parisian charm with stunning views, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
