France - Eiffel Tower restaurant - how crazy would that be?

Going to Paris with my wife in December - our 5th trip to Paris in our 41 years of marriage but the first time in the Winter. We arrive on her birthday.

Flights free with miles. Park Hyatt Paris Vendome also free. Last few trips we have passed on the fancy restaurants and just walked into restaurants, had a fine meal and a carafe of wine and it's always good and reasonable.

So I'm thinking of taking her the first night to La Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower. Seems off the wall - could be $500+. But it's one night, her birthday and part of me says, what the hell. It's crazy but we can afford it.

Anyone ever been there? Is is that special or will I leave feeling ripped off? Appreciate any feedback.

Going to Paris with my wife in December - our 5th trip to Paris in our 41 years of marriage but the first time in the Winter. We arrive on her birthday.

Flights free with miles. Park Hyatt Paris Vendome also free. Last few trips we have passed on the fancy restaurants and just walked into restaurants, had a fine meal and a carafe of wine and it's always good and reasonable.

So I'm thinking of taking her the first night to La Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower. Seems off the wall - could be $500+. But it's one night, her birthday and part of me says, what the hell. It's crazy but we can afford it.

Anyone ever been there? Is is that special or will I leave feeling ripped off? Appreciate any feedback.

It's being discussed in another thread currently, but...

From some reliable experts, the setting and service are very nice, but the food isn't that great, nor is the wine list. I'm sure it's not awful, but just not up to the standards of a top Parisien restaurant. You might have a lot of kids and families eating there too. However it is probably a very nice way to visit the tower.

Food is, of course, a matter of personal taste. This restaurant received one Michelin star recently, so the food must be at least a fairly acceptable level, though perhaps not haute cuisine.

If you can afford it (menu prix fixe is €200), I would say it is a very good idea, though, if you are flying from the US, I would suggest going after you have had a good night sleep and are adjusted to local time.

Agree with waiting to adjust for time lag. Some experiences just cannot be quantified in terms of stars or food quality. The food is fine. It's all about ambiance. Stick to the fixed price menu. Enjoy. You'll remember it forever!

I went back to the Jules Verne menu for the first time in a while and was surprised to see that the Prix Fixe menu really doesn't save you much compared to ordering the same items a la carte. And the a la carte menu has a much broader selection.

Neither menu includes drinks and with a decent wine and some water, you're probably around 500 euros or $700 for two. If that's your thing, go for it.

Thanks for all the feedback.

The last crazy thing I did was taking my then 12 year old son to the 7th game of the 1986 World Series and watching his beloved Mets win.

If I can do that for him, I guess I can do this for my wife! What the hell!

One more question - anyone think it makes more sense to have lunch there rather than dinner? Paris IS the city of lights and I'm sure the view at night will be breathtaking, but there would be more to see during the day, I imagine. What do you all think?

One more question - anyone think it makes more sense to have lunch there rather than dinner? Paris IS the city of lights and I'm sure the view at night will be breathtaking, but there would be more to see during the day, I imagine. What do you all think?

If you were going to the Eiffel tower to only look at the view, I would recommend daytime. However, if you are going for a romantic dinner, then certainly the night is better.

Food is, of course, a matter of personal taste. This restaurant received one Michelin star recently, so the food must be at least a fairly acceptable level, though perhaps not haute cuisine.

If you can afford it (menu prix fixe is €200), I would say it is a very good idea, though, if you are flying from the US, I would suggest going after you have had a good night sleep and are adjusted to local time.

I would also not go the first night I was there. You might not be able to fully appreciate it. My son and his girlfriend ate there (on my dime) and he said it couldn't compare with Le Grand Vefour or Le Pre Catelan. He said they were rushed which is odd for Paris dining. Might just have been an off night.

Wherever you decide to go, hope it is memorable.

Bobette

An alternative thought is to go to a restaurant with a view of the Eiffel Tower. I would return to Les Ombres (http://www.lesombres-restaurant.com/) which has a wonderful view and an excellent menu. The museum where it has space is well worth a visit, too. Or, take her to Les Ombres on the day of your arrival and save the Eiffel Tower restaurant for a day/night when you are rested.

An alternative thought is to go to a restaurant with a view of the Eiffel Tower. I would return to Les Ombres (http://www.lesombres-restaurant.com/) which has a wonderful view and an excellent menu. The museum where it has space is well worth a visit, too. Or, take her to Les Ombres on the day of your arrival and save the Eiffel Tower restaurant for a day/night when you are rested.

While I haven't eaten at Les Ombres this sounds like an excellent idea. Actually I think the Eiffel Tower is more beautiful looking at it than being up in it.

Bobette

Actually I think the Eiffel Tower is more beautiful looking at it than being up in it.

Bobette
There is a similar line of thinking about the observation deck at the Tour Montparnasse. :)

There is a similar line of thinking about the observation deck at the Tour Montparnasse. :)

Except it's just the opposite: better to look from the Tour Monparnasse than at it.

Thanks everyone - it's done. Made a reservation for Les Ombres. Sounds very special without being insane!

Never would have thought of it so thanks so much.

We're now here in Paris and went for dinner last night at Les Ombres. It was an amazing evening. The only meal I can compare it to was at Villa San Michele in Fiesole, overlooking Florence.

We were seated at a table for two at the window and directly overlooking the Eiffel Tower. All lit up, occasionally flashing lights - it was incredible. The food and service were perfect. There was not one downside to the experience.

We usually share an appetizer and desert and each have our own main courses - plenty of food for us. I splurged a bit on the wine and the bill came to 188 Euro - certainly better than I expected.

As we returned to the hotel, I went over with my wife a number of the things we have done in the last few years that I never would have known about but for FlyerTalk and its participants (hmmmmm - could be an idea for a new thread!). We've been very, very fortunate. Many thanks!