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9 Paris Restaurants That Offer Food And Views

From rooftop terraces to dinner cruises on the Seine, these tables offer a visual feast in the City of Lights.

| Prachi Joshi
Paris

Paris is always a good idea! Whether you’re in the city for the ongoing French Open at Roland-Garros or just on a spring/summer break, there’s no better way to take in its timeless charm than over a memorable meal. Throw in the stunning cityscape, and you're in for a treat. From rooftop terraces that look out over the Eiffel Tower to charming riverside spots where the Seine sparkles just beyond your table, here's where to wine and dine with a view.

Le Jules Verne

Of course, you’re going to visit the Eiffel Tower, but how about dining inside it? Take the private lift to the second floor (at a height of 125 metres) and step inside the two-Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows give a sweeping view of Paris framed by the tower's iron fretwork. Amidst the 1900s elegance, chef Frédéric Anton serves up delicacies such as soufflé of scallops with caviar, caramelised calf sweetbreads, and langoustine ravioli.

La Tour d’Argent

Established in 1582, La Tour d’Argent is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris and commands a prime position on the Seine riverbank with views of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The one-Michelin-starred restaurant is helmed by Chef Yannick Franques, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (a prestigious award for artisans in various trades), who serves up French haute cuisine. Don't miss out on sampling from the extraordinary wine cellar, which holds over 300,000 bottles.

Les Ombres

If you’re looking for a more relaxed affair, Les Ombres on the terrace of the anthropological Musée Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac is a short walk from the Eiffel Tower. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the entirely glass-sided restaurant offers stunning views of the famous tower. Amidst this light-filled space, savour a contemporary menu supervised by the legendary Alain Ducasse and skilfully executed by chef Alexandre Sempere.

Le Tout-Paris

Paris
From its seventh-floor location in the Cheval Blanc hotel, the Michelin-starred Le Tout-Paris has sweeping views of the Seine, the historic Pont Neuf, Notre-Dame, the Left Bank, and all the way to the Eiffel Tower. In its cheery interiors designed by American architect Peter Marino, chef William Bequin (under the guidance of Arnaud Donckele) presents traditional Parisian brasserie dishes with a modern flair. The buzzy marble bar is also unmissable. 

Créatures

After indulging in some retail therapy at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, head up to the eighth-floor terrace and snag a table at Créatures. This seasonal restaurant (open from May to October) has a stunning vista of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower on one side and the Basilica of Sacré Cœur on the other. Paired with these views is a 100% vegetarian menu that is as delicious as it is pretty. Alternatively, drop by in the morning (10 a.m. onwards) for fresh coffee with flaky croissants and golden brioche from their bakery. 

Le Café Marly

After spending hours traipsing around the Louvre, rest your feet over un petit café (or perhaps a cocktail) at Le Café Marly. Located beneath the museum's arcades, this café-brasserie serves excellent French cuisine. Take your pick between indoor seating with sweeping views of the Louvre’s sculpture rooms or settle down on the terrace looking out over the iconic glass pyramid. It’s the perfect spot to people-watch while sipping a coffee; end on a sweet note with their signature red fruit pavlova.  

Le Ciel de Paris

Paris
The soaring Montparnasse Tower offers unparalleled views of Paris, and on its 56th floor, Le Ciel de Paris lives up to its name (which translates as ‘the sky of Paris’). The interior designed by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance is fluid and sculptural, with striking bubble-shaped ceiling lights. Here, chef Christophe Marchais reinterprets the great classics of French gastronomy.

Kong

If you want something other than classic French cuisine, make a reservation at Kong, a panoramic glass-domed restaurant designed by Philippe Starck that’s equal parts futuristic and elegant. From its fifth-floor perch, you can look out over the Seine, Pont Neuf, and the city's typical Haussmann architecture. The eclectic menu features fusion cuisine blending French elegance with Japanese precision—think black cod with miso, pan-fried scallops with truffled artichoke cream, and roasted duck breast with Sichuan berries.

Ducasse sur Seine

There are Parisian dinner cruises and then there’s Ducasse sur Seine. An electric boat, moored on the quayside opposite the Eiffel Tower, is the sleek and stylish setting for your meal, which begins with Champagne, of course. As the boat glides quietly along the Seine, passing prominent landmarks, a multi-course meal appears on your plate, paired with French wines. If you're looking for a fantastic meal to bid adieu to Paris, this is it.

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