Paris, the City of Lights, is a culinary haven, offering a vast array of restaurants for every taste and budget. But for a truly unforgettable experience, consider dining with a breathtaking view of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Here’s a delectable journey through some of the city’s most celebrated eateries, each boasting a unique ambiance and exquisite cuisine.
A Culinary Adventure on the Seine
Imagine a gourmet journey on the Seine, gliding past Paris’s most cherished landmarks with a view of the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop. This is the promise of two exceptional dining experiences:
The Don Juan II: This majestic Art Deco yacht is a floating haven of elegance, adorned with rich wood and plush carpets. Captain Frédéric Anton, a culinary star from Le Pré Catelan, has meticulously curated a menu featuring his signature dishes. Prepare to be captivated by the langoustine ravioli, the roasted venison with autumn truffle, and the decadent hot chocolate soufflé as you cruise along the Seine.
Alain Ducasse’s Electric Boat Restaurant: Contemplative gastronomy takes on a new meaning on this eco-friendly vessel. Glide silently along the Seine, savoring exquisite cuisine crafted by a brigade worthy of the city’s most prestigious restaurants. The Eiffel Tower is your constant companion, as you experience the culinary artistry of Alain Ducasse, a legend in the world of fine dining.
Bistro Charm and Haute Couture Charcuterie
Just a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower, you’ll find a hidden gem of a bistro: a butcher who knows how to cook. This gourmet bistro is not your typical Parisian establishment. The Head Chef takes traditional dishes like pâté en croute and terrine and elevates them to new heights, transforming them into haute couture charcuterie. Expect crispy veal head with oyster vinaigrette, quasi roast veal with polenta cake, and baba au rhum with spiced syrup and light cream. Each dish is a testament to the chef’s culinary artistry, a masterpiece of flavors and textures.
Parisian Cuisine with a Global Flair
Paris is a melting pot of cultures, and its culinary scene reflects this diversity. Here are two restaurants that embrace global influences while remaining deeply rooted in the French culinary tradition:
The Restaurant at the Eiffel Tower: Ascend 125 meters in a private elevator to this second-floor dining room, where you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the city. Chef Alexandre Sempere has crafted a menu that features cod with fried garlic and fresh coriander and fillet of lamb in its liquorice-flavored jus. Book your table well in advance and request a seat near the bay windows for the most stunning panorama.
Kwen Liew and Ryunosuke Naito’s Restaurant: Kwen Liew and Ryunosuke Naito are a culinary power couple. He, Japanese, honed his skills in some of Paris’s most prestigious kitchens. She, Malaysian, has a diverse culinary background from Sydney to Bangkok and Paris. Together, they present a market cuisine with intense flavors, offering a delicious facelift to the French tradition. Their 18-seat restaurant near the Champ-de-Mars is a haven of culinary exploration.
Modern Cuisine with a Mediterranean Touch
The Musée Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac is home to an architectural masterpiece designed by Jean Nouvel. The glass-walled restaurant on the roof terrace boasts a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower and is a haven of modern cuisine. Alain Ducasse’s trusted collaborator, Chef Alexandre Sempere, oversees the menu, which features seasonal ingredients and a distinct Mediterranean influence. The desserts by Pastry Chef Jérémy Schotte are equally impressive, with highlights including the farm-fresh skyr mousse with Buddha’s hand and a lemon leaf granita.
Art Deco Elegance and Delicious Delights
The Palais de Tokyo is a landmark of Art Deco elegance and houses a restaurant that matches its architectural grandeur. The restaurant’s grey, green, and gold decor sets the stage for a culinary experience that is as visually stunning as it is flavorful. The terrace overlooking the Seine and the Eiffel Tower offers a breathtaking vista, while the sophisticated and delicious dishes will tantalize your taste buds.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner cruise, a gourmet bistro experience, or a modern culinary adventure, Paris offers a symphony of dining experiences. Each of these restaurants promises a unique journey, a celebration of French cuisine, and an unforgettable view of the Eiffel Tower.
