Yesterday, the Eiffel Tower turned the ripe old age of 126. On March 31, 1889, Chief Architect and Civil Engineer Gustave Eiffel’s two-year project came to an end. And Paris had its first look at what would become the city’s most recognized attraction in the coming years. Today the 1,062-foot structure is the most visited monument in the world, attracting around seven million visitors per year. To celebrate the iconic tower, we put together a list of five restaurants offering prime views of the Eiffel Tower from their dining rooms or terraces.
Restaurant Les Ombres
Resting on the rooftop terrace of the Quai Branly Museum, Restaurant Les Ombres (translated the shadows) takes on its name because of its location in the shadows of the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Jean Nouvel, the museum’s architect, the eatery offers a refined Parisian setting, serving posh cocktails and elegant French cuisine. They also offer wines from a variety of regions including the Loire, Alsace, Bordeaux and Languedoc. Open for lunch and dinner daily, prices range from around USD $32-$55 for main courses.
La Ciel de Paris
From almost 700 feet above the ground, Montparnasse Tower extends over Paris and offers pristine views of the Eiffel Tower from its restaurant La Ciel de Paris. Located on the 56th floor of the tower, the redesigned interiors by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrence evoke a timeless yet modern sophistication through textured materials, yellow and caramel colored palettes and dim mood lighting. Helmed by Chefs Christophe Marchais and Baptiste Méthivier, the restaurant is also home to a Champagne bar. For a window seat to view the Eiffel Tower, you must reserve a table in advance; the better the view, the pricier the table. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, prices range from around USD $30-$70 for main courses.
Maison Blanche
Reimagined by Imaad Rahmouni, one of Philippe Starck's former associates, Maison Blanche's main dining room is a French restaurant sitting on the roof of the Théâtre des Champs Elysées. From its windows, guests are afforded stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and the Paris skyline. With white linen tablecloths, large cushioned booths and floor-to-ceiling windows, the restaurant is a wonderfully-romantic destination in the City of Lights. It offers a color-changing bar, garden terrace, and because of its location is one of the city’s best places to see and be seen. While the view is best on the expansive terrace, it is only open during the warmer months. The restaurant is open daily from 12 noon until 2 p.m. and again for dinner from 7:30-10 p.m, prices begin at around USD $42 for set menus.
Chez Francis
Chez Francis’ interiors are fit for a king. Boasting royal gold and crimson furnishings, the Parisian Brasserie is adorned with plush bar stools, tiled flooring and hanging lamps. It’s Moulin Rouge-esque dining room, however, comes second to its curbside views of the Eiffel Tower on its patio. At night, the lit up monument twinkles in the background only a few blocks away. Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, diners that visit Chez Francis also have easy access to Pont de l'Alma, Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe and the Seine River. The eatery is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., prices range from around USD $22-$41 for main courses.
Le Restaurant Café Georges
Another of Paris’ museums tops our list of restaurants with great views of the Eiffel Tower: Le Restaurant Café Georges. Located on the top floor of the Musée National d'Art Moderne, Georges offers French-fusion cuisine high above the city. You’ll most likely be fighting for a table here, but once you’re seated, the panoramic views will prove well worth the wait. Architects Dominique Jacob and Brendan McFarlane designed its interiors, which showcases a modern and edgy atmosphere marked by large art structures and bold colors. Outside on its terrace, guests can breathe in the crisp Paris air while enjoying a cocktail among local trend-setters. Georges is open Wednesday through Monday from 12 noon until 1 a.m., prices range from around USD $22-$41 for main courses.
