We are looking for a nice, fancy, romantic, unforgettable restaurant to have dinner at on my husband's 30th birthday. I'm only assuming that the restaurant in the Eifel Tower would be romantic. Does anyone have any thoughts? How's the food? Thanks.

I had dinner at Jules Verne on my 30th birthday this year, and it was incredible. Both the food and the view were spectacular, and the service was impeccable. I called five months in advance and had no trouble getting a dinner reservation.

As has been posted a number of times before, Jules Verne is a good, though pricey restaurant. It does require reservations months ahead of time.<BR><BR>By the way, it is not at the top of the Eiffel Tower, but on the third level, I believe. Even from there, though, the views of Paris are lovely.

Just to correct the previous posting, Jules Verne is on the second level. Altitude 95 is on the first level (remember, it's mainly in america is the ground level called the "first" floor of something).<BR><BR>The third level is the top, as far as visitors are concerned. It would scarcely be big enough to install a kitchen, let alone any tables.<BR><BR>And five months is about average, with regards to the length of lead time required to get a reservation for dinner. Maybe a little bit less. And less for sure, for lunch.<BR><BR>Still considered by most to be worth the very high prices. My only experience was 10 years ago this August, and my wife and I loved it.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

I was there in May and loved it! I made a reservation about a month ahead and they were fully booked for dinner, but had plenty of openings for lunch (which is what we did). I agree that it is expensive, but not so much more so than really nice restaurants here in the US - I think the main dishes average about $40-$50 each, then add appetizers, drinks, desserts or whatever. Because we had lunch, we skipped appetizers and alcohol, and shared a dessert...the meal came out to about $120. Definitely worth it - the food was incredible, the service was perfect. I posted pictures from my trip and a couple were taken inside the restaurant, if you want to see. They're at: http://www.kdkdesign.com/paris/paris.html. <BR>Kimberley

Look, four responses, and only one from someone who has NOT been to the restaurant. Not bad, considering. . .

You can order from the menu (a la carte) or there is a prix fixe menu of 3 courses. At lunch with a bottle of wine that is approximately $130--dinner is about double. A la carte--the sky could be the limit.

Aileen,<BR><BR>When we initially made reservations for lunch (dinner was booked through the 4th of never) they told us there was no chance of a window table: they lied. When we arrived, they seated us at what was arguably the best window table in the place. The second we sat down, Clare de Lune (sp?) began playing (one of my all-time favorites) and I lost it. The view, the music, my beautiful date—I was simply overwhelmed. As for the food, it was much better than I expected. It wasn’t on par with Michel Rostang but it was very, very good (crab souffle’ baked in a loaf of bread, marinated squid stuffed with chantairelles and fois gras). I realize this place gets some uneven reviews, however, I would recommend it as an unforgettable experience not to be missed.<BR><BR>Strive

topping, for Aileen<BR>

Actually, Wonder, even my post was from someone who has dined at the restaurant -- three times, in fact, but only for lunch. I've never been able to get dinner reservations even months in advance. Hence the warning. Good luck, though, Aileen. I bet the view is breathtaking at night.

Burta, I believed that you went to the restaurant, it is the NEXT POSTER, and we all know who HE IS, and all know that HE JUST SPITS UP WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID

Aileen<BR><BR>We went in July (a Parisien friend got us reservations for 7 only 1 month in advance). It was very good with wonderful service & the view was truly spectacular. We had the tasting menu (6 - 7 courses) & '97 Chateau Margaux.<BR><BR>We dined at Taillevent the night before & I would rate its food equivalent but its service was a distinct notch above the JV (only in comparison however).<BR><BR>For romance, the Jules Verne wins!

Wonder<BR><BR>I wonder how you know that Rex is just putting out what he has heard from others. In his posting, he states that he and his wife have been to the restaurant in question 10 years ago. Do you know this to be not true? If you disagree with someone you are free to give your own opinion.