Richard Nahem's Three Views of Paris

Café de l’Homme

Richard Nahem, an ex-New Yorker living in Paris, leads private insider tours showing visitors the Paris most of them never see on their own (www.eyepreferparistours.com), and also writes a popular insider's blog www.eyepreferparis.com.

When one thinks of Paris restaurants with great views, one automatically thinks of Le Jules Verne at the Eiffel Tower. However, it’s missing one key element: A view of the tower itself. Here are three restaurants with sweeping views of the city and the Eiffel Tower. The common denominator is that they are all housed in some the city’s best and eclectic museums.

Café de l’Homme

On the Place Trocadero inside the Museum de l’Homme (Museum of Mankind) is a well-kept secret. Café de l-Homme is a modern, beautifully appointed restaurant with jaw-dropping views of the Eiffel Tower, so close that you would swear you can touch it. The outdoor terrace has heaters so you can dine in the cold weather with unobstructed views. Chef Michael Foubert whips up creative cuisine with a light touch and his specialties include pan-seared foie gras with leeks and Granny Smith applesauce, duck breast and apricot brochettes, and for dessert Dame Blanche, a French version of an ice cream sundae.

17 Place du Trocadero, 16th arr.
Tel. +33 (0) 1 44 05 30 15
www.restaurant-cafedelhomme.com/en/index.php
Online reservations accepted

Georges

You may love or hate the controversial architecture of the Pompidou Museum, but you can’t argue about the magnificent views the Georges restaurant on the top floor has. The futuristic interior and the large outside terrace with sweeping panoramas make it one of the most popular restaurants in Paris, so reservations are a must. It’s chic and trendy, so dress up in your best Paris fashions so you can be seen. The eclectic menu has an Asian fusion touch to it and the best time to go is at sunset.

Centre Pompidou
19 rue Beaubourg, 4th arr.
Tel. + 33 (0) 1 44 7 47 99

Les Ombres

The recently built Musee Quai du Branly – the Asian and African art museum – is a sleek, minimalist structure designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. Located next to the Eiffel Tower, its sophisticated, understated restaurant Les Ombres has dead on views of the tower that will dazzle you. Restaurant critics have applauded its inventive food by young chef Arno Busquet. He prepares a weekly seasonal menu at lunch with dishes like infused cod fish in coconut milk and cerviche with lime and perfumed coriander.

27 Quai du Branly, 7th arr.
Tel. +33 (0) 1 47 53 68 00
www.lesombres-restaurant.com/index.html