Eiffel Tower lunch or dinner: find the best dining option! 

Eiffel Tower lunch or dinner: find the best dining option! 

Choosing between lunch and dinner at the Eiffel Tower’s famous Madame Brasserie and Jules Verne restaurants can be really confusing. 

Both places have their special feel and offer amazing food that changes day to night. 

This quick guide will help you understand the differences in meal times, how busy it gets, and what food you can expect. 

Get ready to find out the best time to enjoy a fantastic meal, whether it’s during the bright day or in the sparkling night lights of Paris.

Don’t forget to check out our favorite time of the day to dine at the Eiffel Tower!

A quick comparison of Eiffel Tower lunch or dinner

Both Madame Brasserie and Jules Verne offer lunch and dinner options, allowing you to choose a time that best fits your schedule.

Here is a quick comparison to help you decide whether you should have lunch or dinner at the Eiffel Tower.

Pricing:

Lunch:

  • Madame Brasserie Restaurant:
    • Brasserie Menu: €61
    • Madame Menu: €95
  • Jules Verne Restaurant:
    • À la Carte Menu: €160
    • 5-course menu: €255
    • 7-course menu: €275

Dinner:

  • Madame Brasserie Restaurant:
    • Gustave Menu: €128
    • Grande Dame Menu: €185
  • Jules Verne Restaurant:
    • 5-course Menu: €255
    • 7-course Menu: €275

Timings:

Lunch:

  • Madame Brasserie: 12 pm and 1:30 pm.
  • Jules Verne: 12 pm to 1:30 pm.

Dinner:

  • Madame Brasserie: 6:30 pm and 9 pm.
  • Jules Verne: 7 pm to 9 pm

Menu Options:

Lunch & Dinner:

  • Madame Brasserie: Two menu options plus a kids’ menu.
  • Jules Verne: À la carte, 5-course, and 7-course meal options.

Pros & Highlights:

Lunch:

  • Cheaper meal options.
  • Better views and ambiance during the day.
  • Less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience.
  • Clear view of the city, perfect for sightseeing.
  • Ample time to explore other attractions post-lunch.

Dinner:

  • Ideal for experiencing the romantic ambiance of Paris at night.
  • Watch the sky change colors and the city light up.
  • Perfect timing to view the light shows from the tower.

Booking Advice:

For both lunch and dinner, it is highly recommended to reserve your seats in advance due to high demand and limited seating.

Why should you have the Eiffel Tower lunch?

Choosing lunch at the Eiffel Tower comes with several benefits:

Stunning Daytime Views: During the day, you can enjoy a clear, panoramic view of Paris from the tower’s restaurants. It’s the perfect setting to see the city’s famous landmarks while you dine.

Budget-Friendly: The lunch menus at the Eiffel Tower restaurants are more affordable compared to their dinner offerings. This makes lunch a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

More Time for Sightseeing: Having lunch at the tower means your afternoon is free to visit other nearby attractions. The Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Rodin Museum are all a short walk away.

Avoid the Crowds: The Eiffel Tower is a popular spot for evening light shows, so the crowd during lunchtime is generally smaller. This is especially true outside the peak travel season.

Relaxed Atmosphere: Daytime at the tower offers a laid-back vibe, ideal for enjoying a meal with friends or family without the rush of evening crowds.

Choosing lunch at the Eiffel Tower not only gives you a magnificent view and a delicious meal but also helps you make the most of your day in Paris.

Why should you have the Eiffel Tower dinner?

Opting for dinner at the Eiffel Tower is an excellent choice for a number of reasons:

Romantic Ambiance: Dinner at the tower is especially perfect for couples seeking a romantic evening or anyone celebrating a special occasion. It’s an unforgettable setting for creating cherished memories.

Breathtaking Night Views: As night falls, you can witness the magnificent transformation of the sky, from a stunning sunset to a star-filled canopy. Meanwhile, the city below sparkles to life, offering a mesmerizing backdrop for your meal.

Spectacular Light Shows: After enjoying your dinner, step outside to experience the Eiffel Tower’s famous light shows. It’s a fantastic way to wrap up your evening in Paris.

Ideal for First-Time Visitors and Special Celebrations: If you’re visiting Paris for the first time or celebrating a festive occasion, a dinner at the tower is highly recommended. It’s the best time to enjoy the special light shows that make the Eiffel Tower iconic.

Photographer’s Dream: For those passionate about photography, dinner time offers a unique opportunity to capture stunning shots of the Paris skyline from an exceptional vantage point inside the Tower.

Dinner at the Eiffel Tower promises a delicious meal and an evening filled with romance, beauty, and unforgettable sights.

Commercial and professional photography of the Eiffel Tower during the light shows is prohibited.

Which meal is the best in the Tower? Our recommendation

Choosing between lunch and dinner at the Eiffel Tower really depends on what you’re looking for in your visit. Here’s our advice:

For a truly magical experience, we suggest dinner at the Eiffel Tower. It’s a bit pricier, but the stunning views and romantic vibe are absolutely worth it.

However, if you’re watching your budget, lunch is a great choice. It’s less expensive, and there are discounts available, making it easier to save money.

Both options offer unique experiences. If you’re in Paris for a while, why not try both? This way, you get to enjoy everything the Eiffel Tower’s restaurants have to offer at different times of the day.

Let’s compare the restaurants and their meal options in depth!

If you are still unsure about which meal in the Eiffel Tower is best for you, let’s compare the lunch and dinner options in detail so you can make an informed decision!

1. Prices and discounts

Considering your budget is important when choosing between lunch and dinner options inside the Eiffel Tower restaurants.

We have shortlisted some of the best Eiffel Tower lunch or dinner tickets, which are most popular among tourists visiting the Tower! 

Eiffel Tower lunch prices & discounts 

Visitors planning lunch at the Eiffel Tower can enjoy a 3-course meal made using local and organic ingredients at Madame Brasserie’s Lunch Experience!

It is run by 2-star Michelin Chef Thierry Marx, who has specially crafted two menus to choose from during lunchtime.

The Brasserie Menu and Madme Menu include a 3-course meal, of dessert, starter, and main course, with different dish options.

Kids between 4 to 11 years will be given a special Children’s Menu for €38! 

The Brasserie Menu, with no drink options, costs €61 for adults! 

Visitors who prefer the  Madame Menu dish options can book their seats for €79 for adults.

If you want to have an alcoholic drink with your Madame Menu meal, adults would have to pay €95. 

Visitors celebrating a special occasion can enjoy a combined Madame Menu with drinks and Paris view seating for €105. 

Le Jules Verne, a one-star Michelin-star restaurant run by Chef Fredric Anton, provides delicious Eiffel Tower-inspired meals perfect for any celebration!

You can choose to have an A la carte Menu for €106, which is only available during lunchtime.

Another 5-course meal for €255 and 7-course meal for €275, from a common Menu is also available.

You must reserve your seating on the official Le Jules Verne website. 

Eiffel Tower dinner prices and discounts

Madame Brasserie’s Dinner experience has similarly two menus crafted by Chef Thierry Marx!

The Gustave Menu and the Grande Dame Menu provide you with a complete 3-course meal, including desserts and starters; the only difference is the dishes offered. 

A special Children’s Menu, crafted for their young tastebuds, is also available for €45! 

The Gustave Menu, with seating in the Coeur Brasserie area of the restaurant, costs €128.

Visitors who prefer the Grande Dame Menu can book this option for €185.

If you want to enjoy the sparkling city view from the Tower, we recommend choosing the Grande Dame Menu with Paris view seating for €205! 

All these menu options allow ticket access to the restaurant. 

The Le Jules Verne Dinner Experience allows you to choose between two dinner options from the same Menu

You can have a 5-course meal for €255 or a 7-course meal for €275. 

Reservations for dinner at Le Jules Verne must be made on the official website. 

Timings

Ensuring the lunch or dinner timings align with your visit is essential before making any plans.

Eiffel Tower Lunch timings

At Madame Brasserie, lunch is served at 12 pm and 1.30 pm, leaving enough time for visitors to enjoy the view and their delicious meal at their own pace.

You also have enough time to explore the tower in the morning, at 9.30 am, when it is least crowded and have a warm lunch to end your Paris Eiffel Tower trip. 

If you do not want to have a heavy meal, you can also try the brunch option at Madame Brasserie from 11.30 am to 3.30 pm on Sundays only. 

Le Jules Verne begins serving lunch at 12 pm to 1.30 pm every day. 

It is also open on 14th July, on the French National Bastille Day holiday, for lunch only. 

Eiffel Tower Dinner timings 

Madame Brasserie serves dinner at 6.30 pm and 9 pm every day, with a stunning view of Paris during sunset and at night.

While the Jules Verne  opens its doors to visitors for dinner from 7 pm to 9 pm every day. 

Visitors can dine at their own pace and have enough time to explore the tower after.

They can also watch the Eiffel Tower light shows from the Gardens below for the most picturesque view of the tower at night. 

The crowd and best day to visit

The best day to visit the Eiffel Tower restaurants is Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday when it is the least crowded in the Tower.

It is also recommended you visit Madame Brasserie as soon as it opens for lunch or dinner, if you did not purchase your tickets online in advance. 

If you want to dine at Jules Verne, you must buy your tickets online; we recommend doing this a month in advance, especially during the peak travel season. 

You can learn more about the seats available for booking at Jules Verne on their official website. 

Menus

The most important deciding factor between having lunch or dinner inside the Tower is the food choices available.

Eiffel Tower Lunch Menu:

Madame Brasserie:

  • Offers two lunch menu options featuring diverse dishes made with fine local ingredients.
  • Main Courses: Include tender veal breast with crispy rice, vegetables, and blanquette sauce; France Trout with fennel risotto and orange beurre blanc sauce; Spinach cannelloni au gratin with button mushrooms.
  • Desserts: Chestnut mandarin Mont-Blanc cake, all-chocolate choux puff, dark chocolate verrine with vanilla buttermilk emulsion.
  • Drinks: A selection of the finest wines and crisp champagne.

Le Jules Verne:

  • Offers both lunch and din2ner menus with a wide variety of dishes.
  • Lunch Exclusive: À la Carte Menu.
  • Dishes: Fresh crabs and scallops, veal, venison, and vegetarian options like Mushroom and Spinach Ravioli.
  • Desserts: Unique creations inspired by the Eiffel Tower.

Eiffel Tower Dinner Menu:

Madame Brasserie:

  • Presents two distinct dinner menus.
  • Main Courses: Chicken, spinach, and mushroom cannelloni au gratin; sea bass fillet with risotto and orange beurre blanc sauce; Beef Bourguignon with mashed potatoes in bordelaise sauce.
  • Desserts: Dark chocolate ice cream with profiterole and Gianduja sauce; Patxaran baba cake with prunes and vanilla cream; Tatin-style confit apple, buckwheat crumble, and crème fraîche.
  • Drinks: Expert wine pairing suggestions to complement your meal.

Le Jules Verne:

  • Offers the same exquisite dishes for both lunch and dinner.
  • Menu Choices: Opt for a 5-course or 7-course meal based on your ticket selection.

Special Notes:

  • Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: It’s crucial to inform the restaurants in advance about any dietary needs to ensure a seamless and enjoyable dining experience.

The views from the Tower and ambiance

The experiences you want to have at the Eiffel Tower are extremely important to consider before you plan your meal timings at the Tower. 

Eiffel Tower views and ambiance at lunchtime

The Eiffel Tower in the daytime offers the most spectacular and unobstructed views of the other attractions all around Paris. 

Looking down from the top, you can see the Seine River shimmering in the sunlight clearly, and the Champ de Mars Garden from a new perspective.

The daylight allows you to watch the architecture and design of each part of the Eiffel Tower minutely; this is highly recommended for architects and design enthusiasts.

If you plan a visit during the winter months, you can see a brilliant view of the sun reflecting off the snowfall in the city, making it shine even during the day. 

Eiffel Tower views and ambiance during dinner time 

Dinner at the Eiffel Tower is the perfect time for couples to have a romantic meal to end their day at the top of the Eiffel Tower.

The view of the sparkling city creates a great romantic atmosphere that will make any experience much more memorable and special.

You can also watch the sunset while dining and experience three different perspectives of the sky, all at the price of one ticket! 

Nighttime is an excellent time for photographers who want to capture the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower. 

You also have enough time to visit the light shows after having dinner in the Eiffel Tower restaurant! 

Reservations

Madame Brasserie allows visitors with no prior booking to dine at the restaurant for lunch and dinner, but this is not recommended as you may not be able to find seating in the restaurant.

Most visitors purchase their tickets in advance online; hence, all the tables will be full even before the restaurant opens to the public.

Jules Verne requires visitors to book their seating in advance online on a time-slot basis.

The best way to ensure you get to have this exciting dining experience for lunch or dinner is to book your tickets online a month in advance, especially during the festive season. 

Tips to remember when choosing between Eiffel Tower lunch or dinner

Here are some tips to ensure you have the best dining experience inside the Eiffel Tower!

  • Book your seats in advance online to avoid missing out on the special dining experience in the Tower. 
  • Ensure you respect and follow the dress code of the restaurants you visit inside the Tower. Only formal or semi-formal attire is allowed. Avoid wearing shorts, caps, and ripped jeans when you visit. 
  • Ensure to bring along your camera, no matter what time of the day you visit. 
  • For the most romantic setting, reserve your dinner at 6.30 pm for a chance to watch the sunset from the Tower. 
  • If you are traveling with a big group of friends or family members, be sure to inform the Eiffel Tower restaurant in advance so they can prepare to accommodate so many people. 
  • We recommend you have a complete experience at the Eiffel Tower by exploring all the levels before or after dining in the restaurant.
  • If you have any food allergies or restrictions, make sure to contact the restaurant in advance so you will not miss out on a great meal when you arrive at the restaurant. 
  • Take advantage of the children’s discounts when visiting the Eiffel Tower restaurants for lunch or dinner. 
  • When having dinner at either of the Eiffel Tower restaurants, make sure to use the elevator that will lead you directly to the restaurant. 
  • Avoid carrying big bags or heavy luggage as it is not allowed inside the Tower. There are no lockers to leave them behind, either.

FAQs for Eiffel Tower lunch or dinner

Is it worth having lunch in the Eiffel Tower?

 Yes, the Eiffel Tower restaurants, Madame Brasserie and Jules Verne, are the best Michelin-star restaurants in Paris, known for their delicious French dishes made from the freshest ingredients. All foodies would immensely enjoy these restaurants!

Is it cheaper to have lunch or dinner at the Eiffel Tower?

There are cheaper lunch options in Madame Brasserie restaurant and Jules Verne restaurant at lunchtime. The Brasserie Menu is the cheapest meal option in the Eiffel Tower, for a price of €61. The cheapest option in Jules Verne is the A la Carte Menu at lunch for €160.

Do I need to reserve a table for dinner at the Eiffel Tower?

 Madame Brasserie does not require you to reserve your table in advance for dinner, but it is highly recommended you do it to avoid missing out. Le Jules Verne does not allow visitors inside unless they book their table in advance. 

Is the ambiance of the Tower better during lunch or dinner?

Visitors looking for a more romantic ambiance should visit the Tower during dinner at night. Those traveling with children or a big group of friends or family will have a better time in the daytime as they can explore more places after a great lunch at the Eiffel Tower.

What is the most romantic time to have a meal in the Eiffel Tower?

Dinner is the most romantic time to have a meal in the Eiffel Tower with the sparkling city of Paris as your background, followed by a stunning light show to end your special day.

How much is lunch at Madame Brasserie? 

The cost for lunch at Madame Brasserie is:
The Brasserie Menu: €61
The Madame Menu: €95
The price for children from 4 to 11 years of age for both menus is €38.

What children’s discounts can I access for a meal in the Eiffel Tower?

On the first level of the Eiffel Tower, Madame Brasserie has children’s discounts on the Brasserie and Madame Menus for lunch. Each of these cost €38. Children’s discounts are also available on the Gustave and Grande Dame Menu. The cost for each of these is €45. 

How many restaurants are in the Eiffel Tower?

There are two restaurants inside the Eiffel Tower, namely Madame Brasserie and Jules Verne. There is also a Macaron Bar on the second level and a Champagne Bar at the Summit of the Eiffel Tower. 

Is it better to go up the Eiffel Tower at night or during the day?

It depends on the experience you want to have from the top of the Tower. You can see the different attractions clearly from the top of the Tower and the shimmering river during the daytime. Visitors can see a romantic city scene alive with sparkling lights followed by spectacular light shows at night.

Is food allowed in the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, small amounts of food are allowed in the Tower. Visitors are not allowed to carry glass bottles or soda cans inside the Tower. 

Featured Image : Stock photos by Vecteezy