Paris has  around 40 000 restaurants according to BBC. In other words, there are plenty of places to choose from and we think that we have found the best one.

For most people the Eiffel Tower is a large tower you photograph and might decide to climb to view the city if you feel adventurous. But the monument also features two restaurants and a flat!

One of the restaurants, Le Jules Verne, named after the French writer known for the book Around the World in 80 Days, is located on the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower. And 2nd floor is far above ground level. 123 meters to be exact, and just above the observation deck used by the other tourists.

The restaurant is awarded a Michelin star and features what must be the best view in Paris from any restaurant by far. You also have access to the observation deck, but you don’t have to stand in line to get there. The restaurant features a private lift taking you all the way up to your dinner.

Our visit to Le Jules Verne was our first experience with a Michelin star restaurant. Getting food above normal standard might be expected, but to us this was truly extraordinary.  Everything is of course served in a neat and visually pleasing way, but the biggest surprise was the amount of flavour in the food. All of a sudden we realised why fancy restaurants make such small portions; you only need a small bite to get the same amount of taste as an ordinary full meal. To top if off we had a three course lunch, so we left the restaurant far from hungry.

If you wish to visit the restaurant you should be aware that it is very popular. We booked a table more than 2 weeks in advance and we still did not manage to get a table right by the window. The price is (as expected from a Michelin star restaurant) well above regular prices. We paid 210 euros for lunch for two people, excluding drinks. It is definitively not an experience we will allow ourselves again in a while, but for a once in a lifetime experience it was certainly worth it.

Practical

Reservations for the restaurant can be made here. Make an early reservation, we made ours two weeks ahead of time and still did not manage to get a table by the window.

The restaurant opens at noon at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower. There is a separate entrance by the southern corner and a private lift to take you to the actual restaurant.

Due to heightened security measures the area below the Eiffel Tower has been cordoned off and a security check is required to gain access to the area. There is a priority lane right next to the other lanes for disabled people and those with reservations to the restaurant.

If you want to go all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower you need to buy a separate ticket like everyone else. From the restaurant you can access the observation deck and get in line for the lift to the top.