Are you dreaming of dining with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop? Then you’ve probably encountered the challenge of securing a table at Girafe, Instagram’s most beloved Parisian café. Worry not, because we’ve got the insider tips and tricks to help you snag that coveted reservation!
Booking a Table: Strategies and Secrets
Booking in Advance: The Girafe Reservation Game
Girafe’s popularity means reservations are highly sought after. Don’t fret, though, because planning ahead is key. Reservations open a week in advance, and the easiest way to secure a table is by calling the restaurant directly on Monday at 10:00 am Paris time. Why Mondays? Because the reservation system opens at 7:00 am Paris time every day, making Mondays the day with the most tables available for the entire week.
Don’t feel defeated if you miss out on the Monday phone frenzy! There are other ways to get a table:
Online Booking: The Race for Availability
Girafe’s website opens up for reservations at 7:00 am Paris time. This means you can secure a table for any day of the week, up until the next Monday. But remember, it’s a race against time! New reservations open each day, so be one of the first to check the website. There’s a common misconception that online booking is only for lunch, but you can actually book dinner reservations for 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm.
The Phone Call: A Chance to Catch a Table
Even if a date is fully booked online, don’t give up hope! Calling the restaurant at 10:00 am Paris time can still land you a table. While the phone line gets flooded with calls, you can still grab a reservation, as they allocate tables for phone reservations.
In-Person Reservations: For the Spontaneous Soul
Don’t want to fight the online or phone booking frenzy? In-person reservations are a great alternative, especially if you’re already in Paris. While it requires a bit more spontaneity, you can walk in and see if there are any open spots.
The Paris Society App: Exclusive Access for iOS Users
Paris Society, the company behind Girafe, offers a secret weapon for reservation hunters: the Paris Society app. This app, available only for iOS users, grants access to tables exclusively for app users. It’s a hidden gem that often yields results.
The Walk-In Gamble: A Last-Minute Chance
Want to take your chances? Show up at the restaurant at 18:50, 10 minutes before dinner service starts. Ask to be placed on the waiting list for any potential no-shows. While this method has been successful for some, it’s not ideal for special occasions, as the odds of getting a table aren’t guaranteed.
Girafe’s Cuisine: Delicious and Insta-Worthy
Girafe is renowned for its stunning views, but the food holds its own. Expect to pay up to €90 per person for a complete meal. If you’re on a tighter budget, opt for a mix of small side dishes for €10-15 each. Don’t miss out on the seafood options!
Want to budget your visit? Check out Girafe’s menu online.
Girafe: Worth the Hype?
The decision to splurge at Girafe depends on your priorities. If you’re a hardcore foodie seeking gourmet cuisine, you might find better options in Paris. However, if you value incredible food, a trendy ambiance, and the most breathtaking Eiffel Tower views, then Girafe is an absolute must-visit.
Alternative Options: Eiffel Tower Views Without the Girafe Fuss
Can’t get a Girafe reservation? Don’t despair! Café D’l Homme and Bambini, both located near Trocadero, offer similar Eiffel Tower panoramas and more affordable prices.
Now that you’re armed with the best tips and tricks, go out there and conquer the Girafe reservation system! You’ll be dining with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop in no time.
