I did it, booked Le Jules Verne
 

Our first, and probably last, visit to Paris. The prices are obscene, so I initially discarded the idea of a meal there. Thought we would do the Montparness Tower restaurant to see the Tower at night.

But I kept dreaming of actually dining in the Tower. So I took the plunge and made a reservation for dinner (this is a special birthday visit). I didn't want to spend a time thinking
"if only we had done it".

I am sure many here will poo poo my choice, but I am happy with it.

I think it is wonderful!

You are right, we did the same thing in 2008. The prices ARE extreme but it is one of those "sure glad we did that" moments.

Enjoy it

Hooray for you. You'll be so excited the meal will be secondary. It is magical.
BonVoyage!

I have no shortages of people who look down on us because we spend resources on travels and food instead of cars, houses, and gadgets like them. I have a way to look at this after several life events. On your death bed, those critics will not be around to defend why it was ok to leave "should have done it" behind. You are the only one who would regret "if only we had done it." I have recently read two books related to this subject. <i>No Opportunity Wasted: Creating a Life List</i> by Phil Keoghan of the Amazing Race and <i>Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending</i> by "Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton." The later claims why it is a smart spending to buy experiences such as memorable dining.

Good for you! I say go for it and if anyone wants to poo poo, well, they can go right ahead. We won't turn a hair. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do!

I had lunch at Le Jules Verne two years ago (solo) not only to avoid the lines (due to my wonky knees) but to have a spectacular experience and am still enjoying the memory of it. Last year while in Paris with my family, I stayed back with the two year old grandson while my daughter, son-in-law and their two other boys age 5 and 7 (very much used to high end dining) enjoyed lunch there. They were as thrilled with the experience as was I and we enjoy looking at the various photos of our time there. Our five year old says it was as memorable as our day long celebration of his birthday, spent at the Jardin Acclamatation.

Please post on your return. Would love to hear all about it.

Fabulous restaurant ... delicious cuisine ... memorable experience. You won't regret this splurge!

We did this last September. The experience was over the top excellent! We loved it from start [going up in the private elevators] to the exquisite views and watching the lights come on in the city. The service was impeccable and we spent 4 hours there.

The only disappointment was, sadly, the food. We did the prix fixe menu and while the presentation was beautiful, we [4 of us] found the food ok. The items were not things that we would have ordered [and we eat all different kinds of things in restaurants]. We are foodies, but not food snobs, and just felt let down that the food didn't blow us away.

While I won't remember the food, the rest of the night will be with me forever.

We had a lovely dinner there with my daughter and SIL. Talked to some French people and as they were leaving, left us with 3/4 of a bottle of wine.
Enjoy your special occasion.

You only regret the experiences you did not have. Your money can buy you things or experiences. The things lose their luster. The experiences glitter as long as you do.

I can't remember every bite of food when we ate at Jules Verne a few years ago, but I treasure the memories of every gasp of pleasure my wife gave when she saw the view, and when each new course was served.

The prices are high - but IMHO the entire experience is worth it - although there are places with better food.

Having said that - doing it once was enough.

"You only regret the experiences you did not have."

well, I'm not so sure about that!

However, if I wanted to go to Jules Verne I would go. I doubt anyone here will poo poo your choice now that you've said what you've said.

Hell, yes, go for it. A great experience. We "lunched " there 2 yrs. ago. And after you eat they let you go down their little private steps to the level below and you can get a 360 of Paris. Ring and they let you come back in.