Dining with a view of the Eiffel Tower
For years I thought about how terrific it would be to dine up on the Eiffel Tower. The Jules Verne Restaurant is located on the second floor and offers sweeping views over Paris. However, the more time I spent in Paris, the more I realised I wanted to be dining with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
I was therefore delighted when I found Les Ombres, a restaurant located on the rooftop terrace of the Musée du quai Branly. It’s one of those places that you would really only ever know about if you visited the museum or had someone recommend it to you.
I had booked this restaurant before I had left Australia as it can be difficult to secure a table for dinner. It was easy to do online, and I received a confirmation immediately.
The night we had dinner here, I was pumped, having just completed a cooking class where I learned how to make authentic puff pastry. To dine out at such a fine establishment was going to be the icing on the cake.
The restaurant is as artistic as the food
We arrived at Les Ombres, a glass encased restaurant, covered with metallic beams that liken it to the nearby Eiffel Tower. The term Les Ombres means “the shadows” a nod to the dark light that reaches over the terrace each afternoon.
The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor (al fresco) dining. Sitting outdoors is restricted to the warmer months, when the terrace is overflowing with good fun, food and wine. Irrespective of whether you are indoors or out, the Eiffel Tower can be seen from every table.
Silver service and a special view
Our Maitre’d guided us to our table, right in the centre, with a clear view of the Eiffel Tower. My preference would definitely be to dine at night where you get to see the Eiffel Tower in all of it’s bright, shiny glory.
The illumination makes it special, but in the evening a beautiful light and laser show that occurs on the hour, every hour, turns it into a shimmering spectacle. We counted three light shows whilst we were there. Clearly we weren’t in a hurry to leave!
Room with a view
The light show on the Eiffel Tower
As you take your seat and try to take as much of your surroundings in (or just pinch yourself that you are actually sitting here), the Sommelier will come over to your table and discuss their wine list, recommending something to start off your meal.
As much as I love French wines and champagnes, I couldn’t wait to explore the menu. Les Hombres strays away from the traditional French cooking, creating more contemporary pieces (and works of art).
An entree of salmon carpaccio was a revelation to us, seeing this is not usually something we would order.
Salmon carpaccio
My main of poached chicken, grapes, spanish onion and pea puree was a taste sensation.
Poached chicken with grapes, spanish onion and pea puree
And my husband’s main of pork belly….well, I haven’t met too many people who wouldn’t be happy to eat pork belly. Vegetarians and vegans excluded of course.
Pork belly
The French do dessert better than anyone else I know and ours were no exception. I think the photos below say it all.
Fine dining for a special occasion
Les Ombres is a fine dining experience, perfect for that special occasion. There are prix-fixe menus as well as a la carte. Whilst the range is lessened if you choose the fixed price menu, the quality of the food is not compromised. It does however make it a little lighter on your wallet.
After dinner, we stepped outside onto the terrace to admire the Eiffel Tower and appreciate just how close we felt to it. Everything about this restaurant makes for a perfect dining experience, and I will gladly return.
In my opinion, it’s definitely better to be dining with a view of the Eiffel Tower, than to be dining in it.
Lauren Meshkin @BonVoyageLauren
Pork belly and fantastic French desserts? I’m in. That view is so so SO epic! Thanks for sharing another great place to eat in Paris! I can’t wait for my upcoming visit 🙂
Ryan Biddulph
Hi Kerri,
As amazing is the view is I simply could not get over the desserts. The stuff I dream of. I’ve a sweet tooth. I’d be gazing at that cake – both cakes I mean – while this world-renowned view sits all around me LOL. My love of sweets. Or French sweets. Or French delicacy sweets. Whatever you want to call them. Ditto on the pork belly. I go veggie most of the time as my wife is veggie but love meat once in a while. Especially when it’s fabulously prepared. Just tonight I had a down home, southern style meat medley at a wedding – weird-sounding, I know – that was amazing. Prepped brisket, prime rib, cured meats, nothing like I’d ever eaten before.
Thanks for sharing Kerri 🙂
Ryan
Chrysoula
Thanks for this great recommendation.I haven’t heard of this restaurant before and the views are stunning. Definitely on my list for a romantic trip to Paris.
Monika
Wonderful views – it must be amazing to dine there!
I’d love the deserts you had, but I’d definitely order something different for the main course – I’m not really fond of the present trend of serving many things in the form of puree or mousse.
anna
That pork belly looks lush. and wow, man, what a view!!
Clare
The food looks amazing and the view even more. I could sit and have a meal with that view too 🙂
Amy
Oh, that view! I thought the view from the tower was amazing, but I agree, the view OF the tower during an evening meal is the way to go! The food looks incredible. A meal you’ll never forget!
Nisha
Thats what I call Feast for your stomach and feast for your eyes!
Drew
I actually haven’t heard of this place, but there can’t be a better view of the Eiffel Tower than that! Delicious looking food too. I now have an urge to eat salmon carpaccio and pork belly!
Dave Briggs
Dinner with a view… and what a view! It’s great that you can book it online as well to avoid being disappointed when visiting.
Lori
When I was in Paris I have to admit that I didn’t manage to visit the Musée du quai Branly, nor the restaurant there. But it sure looks like a must try – and not only for the view (which is truly beautiful!), but also for the dishes. I’d definitely have that chicken! And at least a desert!
Erika Bisbocci
Such a beautiful view and I, too, would likely prefer going at night to see the Eiffel Tower lit up! The dinner looks divine and is unfortunately probably out of my price range, but it seems perfect for a special occasion!
Lindsay
Thanks so much for sharing this post! I’ve been to Paris once, but only for a short time. I think it would be lovely to go back and eat at this restaurant, especially with a close friend or loved one. Those views are stunning – I absolutely agree with your dining choice; it’s very special to dine and see the Eiffel Tower that close! Cheers!
Juliette @ Snorkels To Snow
Mmmm, that pork belly! Agreed, there aren’t too many people who would turn up their nose at that! Looks like a beautiful place for fine dining, ideal for a special celebration perhaps! Just better leave room for dessert…
Helena
I really couldn’t think of a better view to have as I eat dinner! I must look into this place for my next trip. The pork belly looks delicious as well!!
Natasha Amar
The food looks really artistic! The pairing of chicken with grapes is quite unusual, but sounds interesting.
Elisa
Nice review. I was dining at Jules Verne and it was nothing special, the hall is so big that you don’t feel the “Eiffel Tower” thing (plus the food was so so). I think you took the best decision 😉
Vyjay
This is definitely my idea of a romantic dinner. Candle light, great food and a brightly lit candle like Eiffel Tower in the background. Ideal for birthdays and anniversaries.
Beer and Croissants
Perfect for that !
Beer and Croissants
That makes me feel so much better Elisa!
Beer and Croissants
Hey Ryan all that sounds exactly like me – seriously! I am a major lover of all things French dessert and pastry! Also loved cured meats and brisket too.
John M.
Great view from the rooftop. The entrees look just as good as you have described… definitely something to consider on my next trip to Paris, which thankfully isn’t very far away!
Christine | The Traveloguer
What a great experience to have in Paris. That pork belly looks amazing! It’s such a good idea to eat with a view of the Eiffel Tower instead of inside it!
Rob Taylor
I think you may have found the most French restaurant in all of Paris. It sounds wonderful and the food is so Frenchly prepared. Love it and would love to have an evening here when I’m back in Paris.
Gypsycouple
This truly seems like a find! An honest question though, was the dining experience more fulfilling because of the view or was it top class even without it? We are suckers for a good view but the food takes top priority for us!
Megan Indoe
I’m with you, I’d rather have a view of the Eiffel Tower rather than dine in the Eiffel Tower! The food sounds great and that view is incredible! Thanks for sharing your awesome find! We will have to bookmark this for any future Paris travel!!
marie
What an a amazing view of Tour Eiffel! Reading this makes me want to jump on a Eurostar to Paris for lunch today!
Jessica C
Not even kidding…my husband walked by as I was reading this and said “Sold! When can we go?!” Looks amazing. Sounds amazing. And the next time I’m there will my husband, I think we’ll go! I was there last weekend…but it was solo. I think it’s better to experience it with someone. What do you think?
Thelittlelai: Beyond limits
I’ve never been to Paris, but it has long been penned on my bucket list. That scene of the Eifel tower while dining is beyond compare, romantic as it looks like and that feeling when you get the chance to eat on that beanery is really amazing, if only I could, but probably maybe soon. The food looks delectable as well.
Beer and Croissants
Paris is such a beautiful place – worthy of all the hype it receives, in my opinion.
Beer and Croissants
Definitely better with others, even better with someone special Jessica !
Beer and Croissants
You could Marie – wouldn’t take you long!
Beer and Croissants
In my opinion the food was excellent!
Samantha | There She Goes Again
I so agree! I went to the top of the Eiffel Tower in December when I visited and the views are…. well they’re not as nice as when the Eiffel is in them. It was gray out and all the gardens were dead for winter, so it was pretty cold looking. However, seeing the Eiffel Tower all light up was sight to see, so I’d definitely prefer a dining experience with it! This restaurant sounds amazing, both for the view and the food!
Anne Slater-Brooks
That is definitely a room with a view. Wow! The food looks pretty mouth-watering too. I haven’t been to Paris in ages but maybe I should return
Natasha
Kerri, this looks amazing — what a view. I must say, the meals sound delicious as well! I just might have to check this out… Thanks for sharing!
Sally
In my opinion, I would much rather dine somewhere that has a view of the Eiffel Tower than dine on the Eiffel Tower like so many tourists do. This restaurant looks amazing, the food and the view are incredible!
Christina
How romantic! I would dine there just for the view and a glass of French champagne. Never mind the food…although from your description and photos the food looks pretty delicious.
Jan Michael De Guzman
This is a kind of experience that i do not want to miss in my life. I should keep working harder and earn enough cash to travel in this expensive city. Very lovely and romantic indeed
Beer and Croissants
It’s so worth it! Good luck to you in all that you do when you travel.
Beer and Croissants
It’s good on all fronts Christina.
annette charlton
Great idea to have booked well ahead of time. I tend not to be this organised. The tower looks quite close with all the lights shining. Glad you had such a great time. Annette #AllAboutFrance
Christy Swagerty (whatupswags)
SO COOL!!! I will totally go eat here the next time I’m in Paris! WOW! #AllAboutFrance
Cal at Family Makes
The food looks absolutely gorgeous, but oh that view! I would never want to move. It is so fantastic. You are very lucky to have had such a brilliant dining experience with such a wonderful view. Thanks for sharing it with us. #AllAboutFrance
Phoebe | Lou Messugo
What a great find! I know about the museum but didn’t realise it had such a great restaurant on its roof. I want to go there NOW! Thanks for linking to #AllAboutFrance
Beer and Croissants
You’d love it I’m sure Phoebe
Beer and Croissants
I only book special places that I know will be possibly booked out when I get there. I definitely needed to with this one.
Beer and Croissants
I agree Sally, it was worth coming here just for the view.
Beer and Croissants
Yep, that’s exactly why I would prefer to look at it. Thanks for sharing your experience Samantha.
Abhinav Singh
Eiffel Tower has long been on my mind. A friend went there last year and he showed me its pictures taken from many angles. The view which you have shown is never seen before. I am sure it must be an awesome feeling to dine in a restaurant in the looming presence of the iconic tower. I do not have a sweet tooth but the dessert sure looks tempting.
Brianna
Great suggestion! It definitely sounds like a more rewarding experience to dine with a great view of the tower, rather than on the tower itself. Those desserts do look amazing, and the pics are enough to win me over!
Jennifer
I just recently learned about this restaurant, so I’m thrilled to hear a second recommendation for it. And I, too, love pork belly. Yum!
John @PreppyKitchen
Wow that really is quite a view! I have no idea what that red glazed donut situation is but I feel like I need it!
Nadia @CityMum~RuralLife
Chicken with grapes – whqt an interesting combination! I’m with you, I’d rather dine with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
Rosemarie of Travel and Beyond
Wow, I would love to have such an experience! Such a gorgeous city and view and you had me at pork belly! It looks so good.
Mindi Hirsch
Considering the fabulous view, I wouldn’t have been surprised if this restaurant were serving mediocre food. Instead the food looks excellent, especially the salmon carpaccio. Adding it to my list!
Evelyne CulturEatz
Wow a stunning location for a restaurant, great view of the Eiffel tower. And now I am hungry with this gorgeous meal, I would definitely love to try that pork belly!
Prateek Dasgupta
This is a breath taking view of the Eiffel tower! Must be a really special place, loved the Salmon Carpaccio and the Pork Belly both look divine!
Kris
That’s a super romantic dinner I bet. I envy the view..omg! The place looks so perfect and the food looks delish. I hope the price were reasonable but eaither way, I would still pay for a view and srvice like you had. 🙂
Bella WW
Wow, this view is totally worth it, no matter of how expensive the food might be, in the fancy restaurant. That Salmon carpaccio looks great, not to mention the desserts which are my favorites always.
Beer and Croissants
they are mine too, especially in France.
Sher
Ooh this sounds like the perfect date night spot! Paris is already romantic but atop the Eiffel Tower.. Fantastique! Glad you enjoyed it
Christina
Well, those pastries look rather yummy. Was the meal expensive? And how does this restaurant compare to the other places you dined at in France?
Beer and Croissants
It’s not on the low scale but it’s not Michelen star prices either.
Kate
Wow…what a magical view and a beautiful dinner! The presentation of the dishes is lovely!
Kimberly
Thank you for sharing! I will need to go check this place out. Restaurant recommendations are always the best.
What was the evening dress code?
#allaboutfrance
Beer and Croissants
Kimberley, we were quite dressed up. It is Paris so it wouldn’t be the right thing to not be in my opinion. It’s not black tie/cocktail though.