There may be no better place for an utterly romantic dinner—complete with the kind of surreal, over-the-top ambiance that makes you half-suspect you’re an extra in someone else’s movie—than Girafe, Paris. The food is unapologetically French, indulgent and classic, with flavors that feel both intensely familiar and somehow impossibly refined. And the view? Well, it’s the kind of view that almost doesn’t need mentioning, yet here it is—the Eiffel Tower looming so near, it feels like part of the decor, its lights a gentle reminder of exactly where you are: in the most romantic city in the world, at the heart of it all.
Location
Girafe is located within the Trocadéro on Paris’s northwest side, nestled inside the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine—a museum devoted to national monuments, which lends the experience an unexpectedly adventurous feel, as though you’re stepping off the usual path. Entering a museum to reach a chic Parisian restaurant might seem odd, but trust me, this is the way (though, full disclosure, I did get a bit turned around myself, which somehow only adds to the place’s allure).
Seating
Girafe offers two distinct seating areas. The first is the garden on the main floor, the space you’ll see featured in most of the photographs online, and it’s where you’ll find the most impressive views of the Eiffel Tower. The second is the rooftop, accessible by an elevator ride to the top of the building. Though it sounds like it would have the superior view, being on the north side means the skyline is partially obscured—but even so, the vista remains stunning, with Paris spread out beneath you in all its layered charm.
The interior seating areas are impeccably designed—stylish, refined, almost cinematic in their aesthetic—but not a single soul was sitting inside. And really, who could blame them with a view like this just outside?
Food
The menu at Girafe offers a generous array of choices, though it leans heavily—and understandably—toward seafood. For those who like to plan ahead, the full menu is available online to peruse. The wine list is, as expected, extensive (you are in France, after all), and bread arrives at the table, gratuitement, a simple gesture that somehow feels fittingly luxurious.
We started with two appetizers: a truffle dip served with crusty bread and a fresh burrata salad with heirloom tomatoes. The truffle dip was intensely rich and velvety, with just enough of that earthy funk to keep each bite intriguingly complex. The burrata, perfectly fresh, was paired with tomatoes that were bright and crisp, all drizzled in a nutty olive oil that brought it all together in a way that felt both simple and indulgent.
The poached cod arrived dusted with some other-worldly green powder, perched atop a bed of French green beans (which somehow sound more elegant when you say haricots verts). All of this was nestled in a pool of buttery cream sauce—rich, decadent, and so inviting that, if it were possible, I’d have gladly taken a swim in it myself.
The filet mignon arrived alongside a shredded potato gratin, paired with a classic béarnaise sauce. Though presented with a sleek, modern plating, the dish was surprisingly underwhelming. If you’re dining at Girafe, I’d suggest staying with the seafood—it’s where the kitchen truly shines.
The pièce de résistance was the chocolate tart, elegantly served with a vanilla bean quenelle. Decadent. Luscious. An instant chocolate overdose. It was almost too pretty to eat—but who am I kidding, we dove in the moment it hit the table.
Conclusions
While Girafe may carry the weight of social media hype thanks to its prime location and chic decor, it genuinely lives up to it. Yes, you’ll spend a few extra euros for the experience, but it’s one worth remembering. The food and drinks are excellent, the views are spectacular, and truly—where else can you dine with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop? It’s a stunning, iconic symbol of freedom, resilience, and global unity, and here it feels almost close enough to touch.