Since its opening in 1983, Le Jules Verne restaurant has been a bucket list dining destination. Its location on the second level of the Eiffel Tower is a once-in-a-lifetime setting for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Imagine sitting down to an intimate dinner, leaving the busy streets of Paris 410 feet below, and being surrounded by the glittering lights of the city. I had always dreamed of having that experience myself. So while planning my honeymoon in Paris, including a romantic visit to the Eiffel Tower, a table at Le Jules Verne was the first thing I booked. Believe me when I say, everything about the restaurant, from the moment you step inside to the last bite of indulgent dessert, lives up to expectations.
I’ve Rounded up everything you need to know about visiting and eating at Le Jules Verne in this handy guide, along with helpful tips for your meal. Let’s start with a quick history of this famous restaurant.
About Le Jules Verne
The restaurant was named in honor of famed French author, Jules Verne, who was also a spokesperson for scientific and industrial progress. If that name sounds familiar, he was the author of the classic novel, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”
While the interior design and types of dishes have changed over the years, the restaurant itself has always been an iconic spot for Parisians and tourists alike.
In celebration of the Eiffel Tower’s 130th birthday in 2019, Le Jules Verne was given an elegant upgrade by designer Aline Asmar d’Amman. Aline pulled inspiration from the city itself using shades of silver-gray, blue-gray and green-gray to echo the sky, the Seine, and the cobblestone streets. Black, gold and metal accents added an understated sophistication to the modern design.
The chef at Le Jules Verne
Le Jules Verne est l’adresse gastronomique incontournable du ciel parisien, orchestrée par le chef triplement étoilé @fredericanton. #LeJulesVerne #toureiffel @LaTourEiffel #gastronomie pic.twitter.com/JagzXHDw5L
— Le Jules Verne (@Le_JulesVerne) December 29, 2019
Three-Michelin-star chef Frédéric Anton has been at the helm of Le Jules Verne since 2019.
As the interior of the restaurant was getting a fresh new look, Frédéric revamped the menu to reflect his passions for refined cuisine and beautiful aesthetics. Each dish highlights seasonal ingredients from various regions throughout France.
Dining at Le Jules Verne
Le Jules Verne, Paris A Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse restaurant embedded in the Eiffel Tower http://t.co/IiNR2i9Djt pic.twitter.com/KoyLKjrCnO
— Deluxe Confidential (@ParisArtDeVivre) September 1, 2015
Like many popular restaurants in Paris, don’t plan to drop by one evening and get a table for dinner.
Reservations are required at the Jules Verne restaurant for both lunch and dinner. Le Jules Verne is open daily from noon to 1:30 p.m for lunch and 7-9 p.m. for dinner. It’s always closed on July 14 for dinner due to the national holiday.
While children are allowed in the restaurant, it’s important to note neither high chairs or children’s menus are available. Children are required to order off the regular menu, and charged the same price as adults. If you’re looking for an excuse for an adults-only date night, this is it!
Making a reservation
Dinner at Restaurant le Jules Verne, Eiffel Paris with my liltle family @DemonsYourFace pic.twitter.com/YxnVERms9X
— Soobin 수빈 (@psoobin_94) December 31, 2014
Reservations can be made online up to 90 days in advance for groups of 8 or less. Larger parties need to contact the restaurant directly using this form.
As you can imagine, most guests have their eye on a table by the windows for the best views. These prime spots go fast, so be sure to request one in advance. Although it’s never guaranteed, try to make reservations early for your chosen date so you have a better chance of scoring dinner by a window inside the Eiffel Tower.
Bonus tip: Celebrating a birthday? You can pre-order a cake from the restaurant, complete with candles, to be delivered right to your table. Be sure to place the order no later than 72 hours before the reservation date.
Getting there
Guests of Le Jules Verne are treated like VIPs before even setting foot inside.
For starters, you get to bypass the long lines of tourists waiting to go up the tower. Instead, use Gustave Eiffel avenue to access the restaurant’s private entrance, located in the tower’s southern pillar. After checking in inside, a private elevator whisks you up to the second-floor restaurant.
What to wear
The official dress code for Le Jules Verne is “smart casual.” This simply means no athletic clothing, T-shirts, sneakers, or shorts. While jeans can be acceptable, they need to be on the dressier side. Stick with a darker wash without any holes or rips.
Ideally, men should wear a dress shirt and slacks with a sports coat for dinner. Women might opt for a dress, skirt, or blouse with slacks.
Enjoy it. This is Paris after all, one of the most fashionable cities in the world. Take the opportunity to dress up and leave the casual wear for another day.
The food at Le Jules Verne
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As gorgeous as the restaurant is, let’s get down to business and talk about the food. That’s what we’re really here for after all. I’ve been known to plan entire vacations around where to eat, especially in a foodie city like Paris.
The first step is deciding whether you would rather go for lunch or dinner.
Either way you can’t go wrong, but there are a few things to consider. The view is breathtaking any time of day, but if you want to see those sparkly lights twinkling in the background, dinner is the way to go.
Le Jules Verne is a Michelin Star restaurant, and the prices reflect that. If you’re planning your Paris trip on a budget, make a reservation for lunch. An à la carte menu is available only during lunch and is friendlier on the wallet than the tasting menus. (More on tasting menus below.) You will still get to enjoy classic Le Jules Verne dishes, just without the formality of a multi-course tasting menu.
Lunch
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For lunch, you can choose to order à la carte or opt for the 5-7 course tasting menu. The à la carte menu is only available Monday-Friday, and offers a selection of starters, entrees and desserts.
On the à la carte menu you will find dishes like:
- Ravioli with fresh herbs, sheep cheese, and garlic cream
- Cod with condiments and Hollandaise sauce
- Beef with pepper sauce and grosse frites
- Apple tatin with dentelle de croissant and crème cru ice cream
Some of those dishes or ingredients may sound unfamiliar to you — that is perfectly OK! Don’t hesitate to ask your server for help. Menus are also posted online, making it a breeze to research ahead of time.
The tasting menu may seem intimidating, but it’s the perfect way to try dishes you wouldn’t normally order. If you’re on the fence and it’s within your budget, go for it!
Dinner
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For dinner there is not an à la carte option, only the 5-7 course tasting menus. Wine pairings, thoughtfully chosen by the restaurant’s master sommeliers are available to compliment either menu.
Standouts from the tasting menus include:
- Scallops with Hollandaise sauce, thinly sliced sea urchin, and lime zest
- Farmhouse poultry with black truffle, pomme anna, and jus gras
- Langoustine ravioli with truffle cream and beetroot jelly
- Chocolate souffle with cocoa nib ice cream
After the incredible lunch or dinner you are bound to have, head to the second floor viewing deck via a private entrance from inside the restaurant.
A dinner to remember at Le Jules Verne
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In a city filled with remarkable restaurants, nothing compares to the experience of dining inside the Eiffel Tower. You’ll remember the artistic, flavorful dishes and breathtaking views for years to come.
The next question is, where should you eat for the rest of the trip? We have you covered there too. Check out our local guide to some of the best restaurants with views of the Eiffel Tower.
