Paris! The City of Lights, the City of Love, the city that inspires dreams and desires. And what better way to experience Paris than with a breathtaking view of its iconic landmarks? But when it comes to restaurants with a view, it’s often a gamble. Are you getting gourmet food or just a pretty picture?
Beyond the View: Finding the Perfect Parisian Meal
You know that feeling when your friends come to visit you in Paris and they insist on dining at a restaurant with a view? It’s almost a rite of passage, but finding the right spot can be a challenge. We’ve all been there, disappointed by the food and left wondering if the view was worth the inflated price tag.
Parisian restaurants with a view often seem to have a hidden agenda, offering an experience that goes beyond the food itself. Le Georges, perched atop the Pompidou Center, was infamous for placing “attractive” customers in prime seating while “unappealing” patrons were banished to the back. And Les Ombres, boasting panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower, served food that could generously be described as “cafeteria-quality.” Then there’s the legendary La Tour d’Argent, with its romantic views of Notre-Dame Cathedral, but notorious for its lackluster service and exorbitant prices.
Ciel de Paris: A Sky-High Experience
Ciel de Paris offers a unique perspective on the Parisian dining experience. Located on the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower, this restaurant boasts a breathtaking view of the cityscape. But is it more than just a pretty facade?
The first thing you notice when you enter is the spectacular view, stretching out before you like a painted canvas. It’s hard to focus on anything else. And the food? Well, let’s just say it’s a pleasant surprise.
A Culinary Journey with a View
I opted for the set lunch menu at a remarkably affordable price. The choices were mouthwatering, and I was thrilled to be able to share a sampling of my friend’s dishes.
My Ciel de Paris Salad was a deconstructed Landaise Salad with a modern twist, featuring foie gras, gizzard confit, smoked duck breast, and cooked red berries. The foie gras was divine, the duck breast rich and flavorful, and the gizzard confit perfectly cooked. The only disappointment was the cooked berries, which tasted more stale than fresh.
My friend’s Fine Tomato Basil Tart with Sardine Tempura was a revelation. The sardine was tender and moist, surprisingly mild and sweet, and the flavors of the tomato basil and pesto were perfectly balanced.
A Taste of Paris: Main Course Delights
For my main course, I chose Medallions of Rabbit and Prawns with Paella-style Rice. The rabbit was well-seasoned and tender, and the paella was full of flavor, but the prawns and mussels were slightly overcooked.
My friend’s Pike Quenelle with Lobster Bisque sauce and Squid Ink Tagliatelle was a culinary masterpiece. The quenelle, a kind of fish dumpling, was perfectly cooked and paired beautifully with the rich lobster bisque sauce. The squid ink tagliatelle was delicate and flavorful, a far cry from the watery, tasteless versions I’ve encountered in the past.
A Sweet Finish: Dessert Dreams
For dessert, I had the Special Dessert of the Day, a Raspberry-Pistachio Layer Cake with Raspberry Sorbet. The cake was incredibly soft and elastic, like a cloud, and the sorbet was refreshing and delicious.
My friend’s Cherry Clafoutis, Pistachio Ice Cream and Almond Crisp was another standout. The clafoutis, a French classic, was perfectly cooked, and the almond crisp was crispy and delicious.
A Parisian Delight: More Than Meets the Eye
Ciel de Paris offers a unique dining experience. The view is undoubtedly spectacular, but the food is a pleasant surprise. The service, while a bit disorganized at times, was friendly and attentive.
It’s clear that Ciel de Paris belongs to the Elior group, a leading player in the French food industry. While this might explain why the food isn’t exactly haute cuisine, it was still delicious and well-prepared.
Ultimately, Ciel de Paris is a place where you can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the breathtaking views of the City of Lights. The combination of food, ambiance, and view creates a truly memorable experience that will leave you feeling euphoric and satisfied.
