Les Ilots de Chaillot, the gourmet and affordable restaurant with views on the Eiffel Tower

Feel like living Emily in Paris style but you are on a budget? Here is a food bargain you do not want to miss. Picture this: dinner with views on the Eiffel Tower in a setting listed as Historic Monument… All this for about thirty euros including starter, main course and dessert. This is the gem we will share with you today!

Nestled in the left wing of Palais de Chaillot, on the fabulous Place du Trocadero, this rather hidden restaurant attracts Parisians of a day and always loving dance shows, stopping by before or after the night performances. In other words, a well-kept secret known by word of mouth.

To find it, head to the Grand Foyer de la Danse at the Théâtre de Chaillot, located on the lower level, underneath the famous square. On your way, admire the Art Déco setting, the murals and sculptures before making it to your meeting place. This is where you will discover a spectacular and unobstructed view on the Eiffel Tower.

Congratulations, you have just discovered Les Îlots de Chaillot, a fantastic concept by Délice Supplice, a catering service also available at the Théâtre Paris-Villette, and restaurant des Amandiers. Behind the spot hide two hearty restaurateurs: actress and pastry chef Véronique Dossetto who learnt the ropes at École Ferrandi  and her partner Olivier Dufour, a chef. Together, they manage to prove Parisians and tourists one can eat well in a beautiful restaurant without spending a fortune. 

They work hard to delight foodies in the city, serving committed cuisine in a zero-waste approach, seasonal dishes made with ingredients from reasoned farming, locally-sourced and mostly organic, for an affordable price. Everything is homemade, bread and viennoiseries served at brunch included. It ticks all the boxes of what to expect from a great restaurant in Paris today. To this, add the magical view and the historic setting and you will have a heart-stopping place to surprise your guests!

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The short menu sets the tone as it complies with the restaurant’s commitment. For the starter-main-dessert menu, allow €35, and note all sizes of the dishes are well thought so you can keep up and leave the restaurant fed but not heavy. But if you fear your eyes are bigger than your stomach, enjoy the €28 starter+main or main+dessert menu. Last but not least, if you want to order off the menu, the restaurant practices unique rates: €11 for a starter, €19 for a main course and €10 for a dessert.

As for us, we started our tasting journey with a fresh swordfish ceviche with coconut milk, lime marbles exploding in the mouth for a touch of peps and sourness to uplift the flavor of the fish. This balance of flavors is also to be enjoyed in the salmon gravlax (organic of course) with passion fruit.

Moving on to mains, although the burrata is now a classic found in many restaurants in Paris, the version by Les Îlots de Chaillot is especially scrumptious. It is served with hearty vegetable jardinière, covered in pesto sauce. The first bite will confirm the quality of ingredients: vegetables are very flavorsome. It confirms the common thread of Les Îlots de Chaillot: cuisine made with love and uplifting the natural flavors of produces.

For a more comforting dish, the roasted guinea fowl with forest sauce is a sure bet. It reminds us of a nice family meal… But this time, you will be seated with the Eiffel Tower. With delicious baby potatoes and vegetables, this dish is the perfect option for a both indulging and balanced dinner.

Keeping some room left for dessert? Chocolate-fans, your choice may go to the very chocolatey gooey chocolate cake served with smooth whipped cream and caramel sauce. And since one loves paying tribute to Mother nature, enjoy a little Cape gooseberry for the fruity twist!

You get it, here is the perfect den to surprise your relatives and offer them the luxury to dine with the Eiffel Tower, whilst eating on quality cuisine for a small price. Note that at 11 p.m. sharp, the restaurant must close at the same time as the Théâtre de Chaillot. For the last guests, it is often the perfect time to take a digestive walk by the Iron Lady!