The last night of our 22nd anniversary trip in May will be in Paris. Is dinner at Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower worth it? Are ties required?

"worth it" is very subjective and relative. The food is very good, highly over priced and the view and the romance is priceless. Reservations must be made many months in advance (try now for May)and a suit and tie is appropriate.

Have a great time. Happy Anniversary.

Hi J,

Ties are no longer required anywhere but at funerals.

Jules Verne was recently taken over by Alaine Ducasse. It should be better than ever. It will close in July (I believe) for a makeover.

Yes, I know there's no e on Alain. How did that get there? Damn fingers.

Our dinner at Jules Verne three years ago is one of the most memorable meals we have ever had. It is expensive (my wife's lobster appetizer was $75.00) but to see the light come on throughout Paris is about as romantic as it gets. Our meals were wonderful and with Alain Ducasse taking over the kitchen, the food will continue to be outstanding. Make sure to request a table by the window when you book; we noticed a number of tables in the middle of the room and would not have been happy if we had been seated at one of them. All things considered,it was the most romantic meal we have ever experienced. BTW, it was our 22nd anniversary also.

plafield and bumper are right on the mark!!
I sure hope NeoPatrick is right about it being better than ever

To make a reservation, send a fax and include your Paris phone number. They will return a form letter, and you can show this to the elevator operator.

We called JV this week to make reservations for June and they said they are not sure when they will close for rennovations. The gentleman said to call back in early May and they will know, but they are looking at either June, July or August to close for about a month.

If you go for lunch during the week instead of dinner, they do have fixed price specials. Lunch is always cheaper than dinner in "big ticket" Paris restaurants.

There are plenty of other restaurants you can eat at if price is a consideration--and given that it will be your anniversary, I bet you will have a great time wherever you go!

Thanks to all. I don't mind the splurge for our anniversary. I read the other forums on JV. The view and atmosphere get **** but the comments on the food seem mixed (although those were B.D. - before Ducasse). Where was he before?

P.S. Ira, we're staying at the Bonaparte. Thanks for the suggestion.

One further observation about Jules Verne - have coffee at the bar after the meal. There is little need for dessert as they will bring you delices (little tarts, maccaroons, truffles, etc. The bar area is quite intimate, close to another window over Paris that will give you another, different look. The bar itself is fantastic with a magnificent espresso machine. And if you enjoy a cigarette or cigar after the meal...

Hi J,

>...the comments on the food seem mixed (although those were B.D. - before Ducasse). Where was he before?<

You might want to Google "Alain Ducasse".

I hope you enjoy your stay at the Bonaparte.

I googled Ducasse. Big shot. Guess he can cook too. No dinner reservations available at JV through May. I even tried the AMEX conceirge. A few lunch reservations were available but I prefer dinner to lunch. Any other suggestions for our first fancy dinner in Paris?

Jules Verne is great - and don't under estimate lunch - you get a birds eye view of Paris - in daylight and you don't have to queue for the lift...

I am glad to hear it's having a facelift - those "desktop lamps" must go.

For more Ducasse try the Plaza Athénée.

Or go the Guy Savoy route to happiness.

I think the most universally "rave" compliments for a splurge special restaurant in Paris would be Taillevent. Has anyone ever been the least bit unhappy there?

I agree with you NeoPatrick if you are talking about meal quality however, for a once in a lifetime, place to remember, meal to tell your friends and family about, you cannot beat Jules Verne. Everyone has heard of the Eiffel Tower.

I agree wholeheartedly with that. I was responding to the poster's request for an alternate choice if they can't get evening reservations at JV.

Although, I've never understood the idea of doing something because you can tell your family and friends you did it. Maybe that's just me. In fact I probably wouldn't tell most of the family and friends where we ate.

Hi J,

>...I prefer dinner to lunch. Any other suggestions for our first fancy dinner in Paris?<

1. Lunch at JV is not to be sneered at, and the prices are lower.

2. Before I suggest Taillevent: how much of a foodie are you? Will you appreciate dinner at about $200 pp?

3: If not, you might want to consider Le Train Bleu for the atmosphere.
www.le-train-bleu.com/