The restaurants at the Eiffel Tower in Paris
The Eiffel Tower in Paris France, offers breath-taking views from numerous seating areas and the restaurants that are located in this famous landmark in Paris, and the Eiffel tower is the most visited paid monument in France that now attracts over 7 million visitors each year.
Ever since this Paris tourist attraction in the Ile de France region was first opened to the public back in 1889 there have always been restaurants, but today there is far more choice and variety that can suit all tastes and budgets, but let us start by taking a look at a bit of history of the Eiffel tower restaurants.
History of the restaurants at the Eiffel Tower
Originally there were four wooden pavilions that were designed by Stephen Sauvestre that decked the platform of the first floor of the Eiffel Tower with the kitchens being located underneath each restaurant and illuminated by gas lighting, with each restaurant being able to seat 500 people.
Also, on the River Seine West side of the Eiffel Tower, there was the Flamand restaurant that specialised in French cuisine from the Alsace region of France with its waitresses in regional clothing.
Then located on the Champ de Mars East side there was the Brebant restaurant which was classed a chic restaurant with French cuisine. But between the East and North pillars you would be able to find a Russian restaurant and between the South and West pillars there was an English and American style bar restaurant.
However, the Flamand was turned into a theatre, then became a Dutch restaurant for a short period of time for the 1900 exhibition and then returned to a theatre until the First World War. But everything changed for the 1937 international exhibition when all four of the original restaurants were demolished.
With the complete overhaul and refurbishment of the first floor of the Eiffel Tower for this occasion it was decided that there would only be two restaurants, the first being where the Russian restaurant was located and the second where the Dutch restaurant and theatre used to be.
But it was not until the 1980s when the Eiffel Tower underwent major renovations that these restaurants got another overhall. The two restaurants were called La Belle France and Le Parisien and it was also at this time that the now famous Jules Verne restaurant on the second floor was designed and completed.
Then later on La Belle France and Le Parisien were then transformed into one large brasserie back in 1996 and it was named Altitude 95 due to being located 95 metres above sea level.
Late in 2007 the Jules Verne was completely renovated and then in 2008 the Altitude 95 brasserie had another overhaul with a change of name to 58 Tour Eiffel, both designed by Patrick Jouin and now these are the chic places to eat in Paris with unique views, yet there are other food options available as well.
Food and drink at the Eiffel Tower today
If you are on a family holiday in Paris with children, then you will be pleased to know that there are buffets at the Eiffel Tower, which are located on the ground floor between the North and East pillars and on the first floor and second floor.
At these buffets you will find a wide variety of sandwiches, snacks, hot food like pizza and hotdogs along with freshly baked vienoiseries and pastries, ice creams plus a good selection of hot and cold beverages.
Also, these buffets are open every day of the week from 9.30am through to 11.30pm and the typical cost for something like a baguette sandwich or a hotdog and soft drink is around €7.50.
Going more upmarket you have the 58 Tour Eiffel that is a chic brasserie located on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower serving picnic style lunches from 11.30am through to 4.30pm with a two course or three course option available, with the cost starting at around €19 per person.
However, the 58 Tour Eiffel transforms into a chic restaurant of an evening that you do have to book in advance and there are two sittings either at 6.30pm or 9pm, with prices starting from €70 per person.
For the ultimate in style, gourmet cuisine and panoramic views of Paris, then it has to be a table at the Jules Verne restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower with valet service and private elevator is a must for anyone wishing to splash out or celebrate a special occasion.
Again, at the Jules Verne, a table does have to be booked in advance, and in fact, this can often be several months before your family holiday in Paris. The cost can range from €88 up to €210 per person not including drinks and this is for a set menu depending upon whether you decide to have a lunch or dinner and also on what day of the week, however there is also an a la carte option available as well.
But if you want to celebrate a special occasion or you are on a romantic weekend break in Paris, yet cannot afford this type of luxury dining, then do not despair.
As on the top floor of the Eiffel Tower nestled within the structure, you will be able to sip a glass of champagne and relish the panoramic views over Paris and take back home with you a memory that will last a lifetime, without breaking the bank as the cost of a glass of champagne starts at only €10.
So as you can tell, when you decide to visit this famous monument in Paris whilst you are on holiday in Paris, there will be some type of beverage and cuisine to suite all tastes and budgets.
Not forgetting that there are often temporary bars like the open air bar at the edge of the ice skating rink during the festive season, which served seasonal delights such as mulled wine, hot chocolate, pretzels and apple strudel.
