The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris, has always been a popular destination for visitors, but it’s also home to a renowned restaurant: the 58 Tour Eiffel. The history of dining at the Eiffel Tower is as fascinating as its architecture. Originally, back in 1889 when the tower first opened, there were four restaurants on the first floor, powered by gas lighting.
Fast forward to 1937, and the four restaurants were replaced with just two for the International Exposition. Then, in the 1980s, the tower underwent major renovations, resulting in the restaurants being renamed “La Belle France” and “Le Parisien”.
A Transformation: From Brasserie to Chic Restaurant
The dining experience at the Eiffel Tower continued to evolve. The two restaurants were combined to create a grand brasserie called “Altitude 95”, a name that perfectly reflected its location at 95 meters above sea level. It featured a hot air balloon theme, designed by Slavik and Loup.
But another transformation was on the horizon. In 2009, the brasserie underwent a complete renovation and emerged as the stylish 58 Tour Eiffel. The redesign, led by Patrick Jouin (who also designed the interior of the Jules Verne restaurant), brought a chic and contemporary feel to the space.
Dining Delights: Lunch, Dinner, and Everything in Between
The 58 Tour Eiffel offers a unique dining experience, catering to various tastes and budgets. During the day, a chic picnic-style lunch is served from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM, offering a two or three-course meal. The dishes, created by Chef Alain Soulard (who has worked with Alain Ducasse), showcase high-quality French cuisine, perfect for a casual lunch or a more formal gathering.
Evening dining at the 58 Tour Eiffel is an experience that will leave you breathless. As you arrive, you’re greeted by a hostess and shown to your table, offering breathtaking views of the city. With its contemporary décor, soft lighting, and minimalist furniture, the atmosphere is both elegant and intimate. There are two seatings for dinner, at 6:30 PM and 9 PM, and reservations are highly recommended.
Menu Delights: From Picnic to Fine Dining
The lunch menu offers delicious options, including Caesar salad, seared bonito tuna, and roasted poultry risotto. For those with a sweet tooth, the Crousti Eiffel cake is a must-try. There’s even a dedicated children’s menu, so even the youngest diners can enjoy the Eiffel Tower experience.
Dinner at the 58 Tour Eiffel is a special occasion. The menus change regularly, but you might find tempting starters like seared tiger prawn with avocado, soya, and sesame dressing or duck foie gras with red onion marmalade, honey, and balsamic. Main courses could include seared salmon fillet, carrots, and green peas with white butter sauce, or oven-roasted leg of lamb, Anna potatoes, artichokes, and real jus.
For a truly unforgettable evening, consider the “Service Premier”, available at the 9 PM seating. This offers privileged seating in the main dining room, a tasting menu with an aperitif, two main courses, dessert, mignardises, wine, mineral water, and coffee, and the option of window seating with stunning views of the Trocadero. Children’s menus are also available for the Service Premier, featuring even a chocolate cake in the shape of the Eiffel Tower!
Planning Your Visit: A Few Essential Tips
To enjoy a meal at the 58 Tour Eiffel, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to ascend the Eiffel Tower. Reservations can be made online through the official Eiffel Tower website. Whether you’re enjoying a casual picnic-style lunch or a special occasion dinner, dining at the 58 Tour Eiffel is an experience that will make your trip to Paris truly memorable.
