Dining inside the Eiffel Tower is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Madame Brasserie makes it even more special. This restaurant, located on the first floor of the iconic Parisian landmark, offers a unique opportunity to combine fine dining with one of the most stunning views in the world. We recently celebrated my birthday at Madame Brasserie, and the entire experience was unforgettable.
A Must for Special Occasions
When planning to dine at Madame Brasserie, one thing is clear: you need to make a reservation well in advance. It’s no surprise that a restaurant inside one of the world’s most visited attractions gets booked out months ahead most of the time, so planning is essential. The location alone significantly affects the price of the meal, but for a special occasion, it’s worth every penny.
One of the key features when booking your reservation is the ability to choose your seating. You can opt for a table next to a window overlooking the Louvre, which offers breathtaking views of Paris, or a window with a view of the Eiffel Tower’s inner structure. For those who don’t mind being farther from the view, regular tables are also available.
The Experience
From the moment we arrived, we felt like we were about to embark on something extraordinary. The location speaks for itself. There’s something magical about being inside the Eiffel Tower while enjoying a good meal, knowing you’re at the heart of Paris.
We chose a tasting menu that included a glass of champagne, three different wines, and multiple courses. The service began promptly, and we were quickly greeted with our starter: Blue lobster with celeriac and green apple remoulade. This dish was light and refreshing—perfect for kicking off the meal. The delicate sweetness of the lobster paired beautifully with the crisp, tangy apple. I must admit that I am personally a fan of the slightly stronger flavors, but I absolutely understand why the chef chose the fresher flavors.
Next up was the Maison Vérot savoury pie with meat jus. While simple, it was rich in flavor and comfortingly warm, the kind of dish that feels like a refined version of a traditional French pie.
Exceptional Main Courses
For the main course, we found two items on the menu, we got really excited about!
- Duckling fillet with sweet and sour jus, roasted carrots, and potato mousseline
- Monkfish medallions with lobster bisque, navy beans, and confit lemon
The duckling fillet was exceptional. We’ve had duck before in many fine restaurants, but this was truly one of the best we’ve ever tasted. The sweet and sour jus perfectly complemented the tender, flavorful meat, while the roasted carrots and smooth potato mousseline made the dish comforting yet sophisticated. The monkfish medallions were also delightful, with the rich lobster bisque adding depth and the confit lemon providing a burst of brightness. We were genuinely surprised by the quality of the food, especially considering the tourist-heavy location.
Dessert and Service
As it was my birthday, the restaurant surprised us with a special birthday cake for dessert. One of the highlights of the evening was when one of the waiters serenaded us with a birthday song as he presented the cake. The staff’s warmth and attentiveness throughout the night made the experience even more memorable. Our plates were cleared quickly, and we never had to ask for refills on drinks.
On top of the excellent service, there was also a friendly photographer walking around throughout the evening, offering to take pictures of guests. At the end of the meal, you can choose to purchase these photos for €25 each. It’s a lovely touch, especially for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience like this.
Final Thoughts
Dining at Madame Brasserie is as much about the experience as it is about the food. While the restaurant may not be Michelin-starred, the quality of the dishes exceeded our expectations, especially for such a touristic location. The duckling fillet, in particular, stood out as one of the best we’ve had.
It’s not the kind of place I’d visit regularly, but for a special occasion, it’s a must. Between the views, the excellent service, and the surprisingly good food, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
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Review: 9/10
Price / Quality: 7.5 | Service: 9.5 | Atmosphere: 10 | Originality: 9 | Freshness: 9 | Choice: 9
