10 Insider Tips for Dining with an Eiffel Tower View

When in Paris, one of the most iconic things to do is dine with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Where you choose to dine, what time, which seat you request can make a world of a difference to your experience. This is what makes the difference between a good and an unforgettable meal. Here are top 10 insider tips to help you secure the best table with the most spectacular view of the Eiffel tower and the best seat in the restaurant along with avoiding the most common pitfalls.

1. Always Request a Eiffel Tower-Facing Table

All tables are not equal, even the ones known for offering the best view of the Eiffel Tower do not guarantee every table will offer the perfect view. Most restaurants only have a limited number of seats that offer view of the Eiffel Tower. So when booking your able we recommend adding a note requesting Eiffel Tower facing table, add “Avec vue Tour Eiffel” when booking your table. We also recommend following up with a phone call the day before you booking, many of these restaurants are super busy it is best to ensure your request has been taken into account.

Corner tables, terrace seating, and seats next to floor-to-ceiling windows give you the clearest views. Avoid central or indoor rear tables, as reflections and walls can obstruct the view.

2. Book Reservation Around Blue Hour

The timing of your booking can make a big difference to your experience. The sweet spot is 30–45 minutes before sunset. This allows you to experience Eiffel Tower in three different setting – The daylight, golden hour during sunset and the when it sparkles in the night.

The sparkle show it truly magical, and comes on for five minutes at the beginning of every hour until midnight, it worth planning your booking with this in mind, so you can enjoy the view and your meal without rushing.

3. Picking Your Perfect Viewpoint

Before deciding on which restaurant or rooftop to choose for the best view, decide how you want to experience the Eiffel Tower. Some offer up close and dramatic view whilst, others frame it with the wider Paris skyline and others on the riverside. Ducasse sur Seine for example is an electric boat that goes along the Seine, allowing you to enjoy a full meal while passing the Eiffel Tower and other Paris landmark.

Each viewpoint offers a different experience . Along with the view being different, the atmosphere is different, some offer a laid back vibe, some are more intimate, some more formal.

4. Choose Dinner Over Lunch for Atmosphere

Dinner offers a completely different experience in comparison to lunch. Yes, while day time lunch does offer clearer photos and views, it can often feel like a quick sightseeing stop. Dinner on the other hand, has an intimate, cinematic feel about it with the view of the Eiffel tower as the backdrop that feels unmistakably Parisian.

5. Avoid Peak Times

If you opt for dinner, plan wisely. Securing a perfectly timed reservation is everything. The busiest periods for restaurants are generally Saturdays between 8:00pm – 9:00pm. Yes, the view will be the equally impressive as any other day but the atmosphere and your experience can be considerably different. The service can feel rushed, it may be louder and busier.

Consider reserving a table slightly earlier around 6:30/7:00 pm or later after 9:00pm once the dinner rush has passed, so you can have a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Sunday brunch can also be a great option.

6. Don’t Assume Higher Is Always Better

It’s easy to think, the higher up you are the better the view. Sometimes the highest rooftops can make Eiffel tower seem smaller, flatter and less immersive. When you are very high it is very easy for the tower to be drowned by the rest of the city skyline and lose its dramatic feel.

Mid height terraces and restaurants can offer the best balance. They maintain the dramatic scale of the tower without letting the skyline interrupt the view along with providing intimacy.

7. Terraces Are Seasonal

Many terraces and rooftops are only open during Spring and Summer, even if they are open during the Autumn and Winter months, access can be limited depending on the weather.

In winter months, it can sometimes be better to play it safe and opt for restaurants with floor to ceiling windows that offer view of the Eiffel tower. Some restaurants such as Monsieur Bleu feature a beautiful heated terrace and during they even add cosy heated bubbles where you can dine in comfort while still enjoying the view.

8. Check the Weather Before You Reserve

Parisian weather can make or break your view from the restaurant. Check the weather before planning your visit. Of course, clear skies will offer unobstructed clear views, on the other side, rain, wind, fog can all limit your access to the terrace or rooftop. In such circumstances you may be forced to seat inside with limited or no view at all.

It is worth checking with the restaurant if your preferred seating isn’t available due to weather what alternative is offered.

9. Make Sure You Are Aware Of The Fine Print

Restaurants with a prime view of the Eiffel tower can be hugely popular, due to the popularity they can have strict policies in place. Some that offer the best view of the tower such as L’Oiseau Blanc are quite formal and have a dress code.

Before confirming your reservation check if there is a minimum spend for the tables by the terrace or windows. In some instances a deposit may be required to confirm your table, and restaurants may enforce strict cancellation policies. It is better to check all the fine print before booking to avoid unwanted surprises on the day.

10. Decide Whether the View or the Food Comes First

Some places are entirely known for their breathtaking view. The best view does not guarantee the best meal. In fact, some restaurants with the most spectacular view of the Eiffel tower are notorious for this, they are infamous the view and food plays a supporting part here. These restaurants work if you are after “The Photo” and meal isn’t that important to your experience.

However, if the meal is equally important to you as the view, lean towards the luxury hotel rooftops or Michelin-starred restaurants that also offer direct tower views.