It’s a common struggle: finding the best restaurants near the Eiffel Tower. Ask a Parisian for recommendations in this area, and they might just advise you to skip it altogether.
Why? The neighborhood surrounding this iconic landmark is a kaleidoscope of upscale eateries and tourist traps. Sifting through this melting pot of restaurants to discover hidden gems can be overwhelming.
But fear not! We’ve done the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to. We’ve compiled a list of nine of the best and most authentic dining experiences in Paris’s 7th arrondissement.
Parisian Market Charm and Classic Bistro Fare
The picturesque rue Cler is a perfect starting point for a taste of authentic Parisian market streets. This charming street boasts a vibrant array of cafés, boulangeries, and specialty shops, including renowned names like Mariage Frères and Alain Ducasse.
For a classic French menu with reasonable prices and charming ambiance, Le Petit Cler is a must-visit. While they offer delicious tartines and salads, their daily specials are a true highlight.
Each day, the menu features classic French dishes like parmentier de canard (a celebrated duck dish), tomates farcies provençal (tomatoes stuffed with bread crumbs, herbs, and olive oil), or filet mignon, all offered at affordable prices.
Cinematic Parisian Cafés and Inventive Plates
If you’re yearning for the quintessential Parisian café experience, Le Café de Mars is your spot. This neighborhood bistro features retro 50s formica counters, a lively jazz brunch every Saturday, and a charming café cat ready to judge your culinary choices.
The menu boasts a rotating seasonal selection of inventive plates like roasted fennel with grapefruit and tarragon, roasted carrots with feta and dukkah, and classic desserts like chocolate cake.
Le Café de Mars is just a short ten-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, making it a convenient and enjoyable dining experience enhanced by their friendly service.
Brasserie Classics and Warm Hospitality
For brasserie classics you can always rely on, Carmine Café is a reliable choice. Their extensive menu offers something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a juicy steak, a satisfying club sandwich, a flavorful pizza, or a comforting café crème paired with a crème brûlée.
What sets Carmine Café apart is their warm and friendly service, making it a positive experience for even those who haven’t mastered their high school French.
Artisanal Pastry and Seasonal Delights
When it comes to artisanal pastry and seasonal eats, Tapisserie is a true gem. This neighborhood hotspot is a collaboration between the Septime and Clamato teams, bringing the buzzing atmosphere of the 11th arrondissement to the Left Bank.
Their savory tarts rotate weekly, and the croissant sandwich with 24-month aged comté and jambon de Paris is a timeless classic.
Dessert lovers will be spoiled for choice, with options like the chocolate caramel tart, peanut Paris Brest, and Mezcal-infused babas with hints of blood orange.
Brunch Delights and a Taste of the City
While you might not expect to find a burrito in Paris, Zia offers a delicious twist on this American classic. This spot features a streamlined brunch-centered menu with burritos, sweet and savory Dutch Baby pancakes, the ever-popular avocado toast, and granola.
Their simple menu allows the family-run team to perfect each dish, leaving you to worry only about the sights you’ll explore after your satisfying meal.
If the weather is pleasant, take your brunch to go and enjoy a picnic on the Champ de Mars with an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower.
Aussie Coffee and Brunch Classics
For coffee aficionados looking for a break from the typical Parisian fare, O Coffee Shop is a must-visit. This Aussie-owned specialty coffee shop features beans roasted in Paris and a diverse drinks menu featuring flat whites, cappuccinos, and even iced coffee.
Their brunch menu offers classic items like eggs benedict with avocado, smoked salmon, or bacon, and vegetarians and vegans will find plenty of delicious options as well.
While the classics are always on offer, keep an eye out for the daily specials for a chance to try something new.
Elevated Dining Experiences: Parisian Culinary Excellence
Beyond the Ordinary: Michelin-Starred Bistros and a Floating Feast
L’Ami Jean, inspired by seasonal ingredients and French culinary classics, serves up a memorable dining experience.
While this bistro is on the pricier side, it’s worth the splurge. Helmed by chef Stéphane Jégo, L’Ami Jean’s mission is to elevate classic bistro fare to new heights.
While not the best choice for vegetarians and vegans, omnivores will find a plethora of options, including roasted pigeon, terrine de campagne (country pâté), and their renowned take on riz au lait (French rice pudding).
Tomy & Co, a Michelin-starred bistro, is the culinary playground of Franco-Cambodian chef Tomy Gousset. This restaurant is a feast for the eyes and the palate, known for its visually stunning and flavorful plates.
Expect dishes like fresh sea bream in puffed buckwheat, Pigeon with wild garlic and asparagus, and Suprême de volaille rôti (a celebrated chicken dish). Their dégustation menu offers six plates from their menu, which can be paired with carefully selected wines.
Tomy & Co might be a splurge, but it’s worth it if you’re eager to experience the inventive Michelin-starred cuisine of Paris.
For a truly unique dining experience, book a reservation with Ducasse sur Seine. This Michelin-starred floating restaurant offers unparalleled views of the City of Light while you savor their seasonal menu.
Expect plates like lamb shoulder with eggplant and yogurt, marinated trout with dill and blackcurrant, or truffled burrata foam.
The electric boat ensures a quiet dining experience, allowing you to focus on the exquisite tastes and textures of your meal. If you’re looking for fine dining on a slightly more affordable budget, consider booking for lunch rather than dinner.
Ready to embark on your own culinary adventure through the Eiffel Tower’s surroundings? If so, join us on the Ultimate Paris Food Tour. Our team of experts will guide you through the best eats in the French capital, from French classics to Jewish delicacies and modern takes on patisserie. You’ll even dine in some of the most authentic family-run kitchens and restaurants in the city.
Looking for more tips to help you navigate Paris like a local? We’ve got you covered.
