Paris: Romantic Valentine’s Day dinner in the Eiffel Tower

Planning a special evening in Paris and considering a dinner atop the Eiffel Tower? We’ve looked into a popular experience that promises to blend romance, refined cuisine, and unforgettable views. This dinner at Madame Brasserie, held on Valentine’s Day, is designed for couples wanting to celebrate love with a touch of magic in one of the world’s most iconic settings.

What we love about this experience is the breathtaking views of Paris from the first floor of the tower—it’s not just dining, it’s a visual feast. Plus, the carefully curated four-course menu paired with expertly chosen beverages makes for a genuinely impressive culinary experience. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that the experience tends to be shorter than some might expect, with some reviews mentioning they were asked to leave earlier than the advertised hours.

This experience could suit couples looking for a romantic, picture-perfect night out in Paris, especially those who want to combine exceptional food with stunning scenery. If you’re craving an elegant, memorable night with your loved one, this dinner could very well fit the bill. However, if you’re after a longer, more relaxed evening, or if you’re particular about decorations and ambiance, you’ll want to weigh those factors.

Key Points

• Spectacular views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower’s first floor enhance the romantic atmosphere.
• Four-course menu with thoughtfully paired drinks offers a refined dining experience.
• Two seating options (6:30 PM and 9 PM) cater to different preferences for timing and intimacy.
• Includes lift access to the tower’s first floor, saving you time and hassle.
• Shorter duration than advertised may surprise some, with reviews citing early ejections.
• Ideal for couples seeking a memorable, elegant Valentine’s celebration, but not necessarily a long, leisurely evening.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

First, let’s talk about the setting. Dining inside the Eiffel Tower—specifically at Madame Brasserie on the first floor—means you’ll enjoy not just exquisite food, but also incredible panoramic views of Paris. It’s a chance to see the city’s luminous skyline and iconic landmarks while seated comfortably in a sophisticated environment. The restaurant is accessible via lift, which adds to the convenience, especially if you’re carrying gifts or just want to avoid stairs after a day exploring.

The dining schedule offers two options: an early dinner at 6:30 PM or a later, more intimate seating at 9 PM. This flexibility is nice because it allows you to choose based on your plans or desired mood. We particularly appreciate the later option, as it tends to provide a more romantic, dimly lit atmosphere. Both times are set to ensure you get a memorable experience, with the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the background.

Now, about the menu—it’s a well-curated four-course affair designed to delight your palate. We love that it caters to a variety of tastes, with options such as:

• Appetizer: Starting with something luxurious like langoustine, leek, and potato Vichyssoise, or a vibrant seafood dish of sea bream in lime Marinière sauce.
• Main course: You might indulge in seared scallops with riced celeriac, or go for the comforting Arnaud Tauzin poularde chicken with winter vegetables and a hint of truffle.
• Dessert: The sweet endings are particularly charming—think a Chocolate heart with blood orange gel or a coconut milk rice pudding with tropical fruit.

What elevates this meal is the beverage selection. A glass of Champagne Devaux is included for toasting, and three additional wine glasses are carefully chosen to complement each course. Water and coffee or tea round out the experience, making it feel refined yet relaxed.

Reviews highlight that the food is generally good, with some saying the quality of the cuisine matches the spectacular setting. One reviewer noted, “Food and rest of the service was good,” which aligns with the intention behind a culinary experience like this. However, keep in mind some guests found the decoration somewhat underwhelming for a Valentine’s Day dinner, and one reviewer mentioned they were asked to leave after about two and a half hours, despite the advertised four-hour window.

The view from the restaurant is where many claim the experience truly shines. Some get a seat in the central area, where you can gaze at the illuminated Eiffel Tower, while others prefer the Seine View section, which offers a more romantic perspective of the river, the Trocadéro, and the city skyline. It’s a setting that lends itself to cozy conversations and those special photo moments.

Accessibility and logistics are straightforward. You’ll need to arrive 30 minutes early at the Eiffel Tower esplanade (Pass through security at entrance 1 south). The included lift ticket makes heading up to the first floor simple—just collect it at the Madame Brasserie reception. The entire process is designed to be smooth, but be mindful of the security checks and the fact that tables are assigned in advance, so you won’t get to choose your spot on the day.

What the Reviews Say

Authentic traveler feedback offers a balanced perspective. Many are impressed with the stunning views and the quality of the wine list, describing the experience as romantic and memorable. As one reviewer from France shared, “Très belle expérience, un très bon dîner dans un cadre magnifique,” emphasizing how the setting and food impressed them.

However, some guests mention the shorter-than-expected duration, with reports of being asked to leave earlier than the four hours listed. “Expected more Valentine’s decoration and the package said it was for 4 hours, but we were basically kicked out at 2.5 hours,” one traveler noted. While the food was appreciated, the ambiance might not fully match the romantic décor some hoped for.

The reviews are predominantly positive, especially about the views, the wine selection, and the attentive staff. The experience’s price point is generally seen as reasonable considering the setting and the quality of the meal, provided you value the panoramic views and a refined atmosphere.

The Practicalities: What You Should Know

• Duration: 4 to 7 hours, but actual experience might be shorter due to timing or operational factors.
• Price: While no specific cost is mentioned here, the experience includes a meal, drinks, and lift access—so it’s on the premium side. Consider whether the stunning views and special menu justify the price for your budget.
• Group size: Not specified, but as it’s a set reservation at a fine dining restaurant, expect a cozy, intimate environment.
• Dress code: Smart casual—think chic but comfortable.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, with lift access.
• Cancellation policy: Non-refundable, so plan accordingly.
• Not suitable for: People with altitude sickness or those who dislike security procedures and strict schedules.

Who Will Love This Experience?

If your heart beats for romantic dinners with a view, this experience will suit you perfectly. It’s ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, or anyone wanting to add a classy, memorable night to their Paris itinerary. The emphasis on fine cuisine and spectacular scenery makes it a standout choice, even if the short duration means it’s not a full evening of leisurely dining.

On the other hand, if you prefer a longer, more relaxed dinner, or if you’re looking for a lively, decorated Valentine’s setup, this might not tick all your boxes. The experience focuses on the essentials: great food, incredible views, and a romantic ambiance—without many frills.

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FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children? While not explicitly stated, the focus is on romantic ambiance and fine dining, making it less ideal for young children. Assistance dogs are allowed, but non-folding strollers and large luggage are not permitted.

Can I choose my table when I arrive? No, tables are assigned in advance. You’ll be seated according to the reservation, with seating options like the central section or the Seine View.

What time should I arrive? It’s recommended to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled dinner time at the Eiffel Tower esplanade to check in and collect your lift ticket.

Are drinks included in the price? Yes, a glass of Champagne Devaux is included for toasting, along with three glasses of wine selected to pair with your courses. Water and coffee/tea are also available.

What if I want to cancel or change my reservation? This experience is non-refundable, so be sure of your plans before booking.

Is the experience accessible for people with mobility issues? Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible and includes lift access to the first floor.

Final Thoughts

This Valentine’s dinner at Madame Brasserie offers a combination of stellar views, quality cuisine, and a romantic setting that many will find memorable. It’s best suited for couples wanting a special night in Paris with a touch of elegance and exclusivity. While some may find the shorter duration a bit surprising, the overall experience—especially the scenery and wine pairing—makes it worth considering.

If you’re after an elegant, picture-perfect celebration and don’t mind a somewhat structured evening, this experience can truly be a highlight. Just remember to book early, arrive on time, and soak in every moment of that incredible Parisian backdrop.

Whether it becomes your most romantic memory or simply a lovely dinner with a view, it’s likely to be an experience you’ll talk about long after returning home.

You can check availability for your dates here: