Feeling a little smug, we breeze past the long lines of people waiting for the elevator and join the exclusive queue for those dining at the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant. We’re headed to the first floor of the Eiffel Tower for an evening of French wine, delectable cuisine, and romance. But a little voice in the back of our minds whispers, “What if it’s a tourist trap with subpar food and overpriced wine?”
The iconic iron structure towers above us, creating an atmosphere of excitement. As we enter the restaurant’s exclusive elevator, everyone jostles for a glimpse of Paris and the dining venue. Anticipation and impatience bubble within us as we approach the grand double doors, which swing open with a flourish at precisely 6:30 PM. Within minutes, everyone is seated across the restaurant’s two levels. Tour groups are neatly separated, giving a sense of intimacy to the tables for two and four.
58 Tour Eiffel offers three pre-booked dinner options, priced from $118 to $165, depending on the table location and whether wine is included. We luck out with a “privileged seating in the main room” booking, which provides the same spectacular view of the Trocadéro as the most expensive tables. The restaurant’s ambiance is best described as a chic brasserie, with minimalist furnishings and soft lighting, perfectly complementing the stunning view of the City of Lights.
The restaurant operates with military precision, with two two-hour seatings each night. Our friendly waiter, however, manages to create the illusion that we have all the time in the world. We savor our welcome glass of Champagne before our spiced king prawns arrive, artfully presented atop a colorful medley of avocado, grapefruit, and edible flowers.
The dish far exceeds our expectations from what we thought would be a typical tourist restaurant. The roast herbed guinea fowl breast, served with mashed potato, green asparagus, and mushroom cream, is quintessentially French and equally impressive. My husband’s choice of grilled lamb is also a hit.
We’re delighted by a brief respite before the rich chocolate marquise dessert, allowing us to fully appreciate the panoramic view and enjoy another glass of wine. Our evening concludes with a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower, of course!
The food and service surpass expectations, making this iconic dining experience a definite must-try.
Location: 10 / 10
Dining atop the Eiffel Tower is simply unbeatable.
Style / character: 6 / 10
The food and the view far outweigh the bland, beige décor.
Atmosphere: 8 / 10
Bustling and lively with a touch of romance.
Value for money: 8 / 10
Better than expected, especially considering the exchange rate.
Notes:
You can also enjoy a picnic-style lunch without a reservation.
All IT reviews are conducted anonymously, and our writers pay their own way, ensuring you experience exactly what you would.
For more information on where to eat in Paris, read our ultimate guide to the city of love here.
