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Tour d'Argent

Tour d'Argent

Ratings and reviews, location and contact, michelin guide's point of view.

We choose Tour d'Argent as we were looking for a Michelin Star lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Through much research we found this is one of the only Michelin restaurants in the city to offer service on a weekend afternoon. First of all, the setting... is incredible, amazing panaromic views from 6 floors up, stunning decor in classic french style. We choose the lunch menu and tried most dishes between the two of us and although the starters weren't to our taste the duck and desserts were outstanding. Above the food though was the service, attentive, knowledgeable and highly professional without ever being pushy or in your face. The house wine was also a surprising highlight. More

What could I say about Tour d'Argent that hasn't been said before? I honestly don't know. We got its name as a personal recommendation and decided to give it a try. We had lunch on occasion of my birthday and it was truly one of... the most memorable meals I ever had. Everything from the food to the service and decor is top notch. And while this is probably a place where to go for best value for money, the experience even exceeded our expectations. On some other fine dining restaurants I've been to before they can be spartan with portions, but Tour d'Argent by contrast give you plenty! I would agree with other reviewers in saying the service is correct and not overly fussy. Well done to Tour d'Argent for keeping with its tradition and savoir-faire. More

From the moment we entered the restaurant to the moment we left no one could have made our night more special. The waiter helped choose the wine at a price that was suitable, we ordered the duck set menu which was fabulous the dessert was... so large we could not manage it all. Already saving for our next booking. More

One of the best meals my husband and I have had in 40 years of marriage. We dined here last week and are still spending of the experience. Our arrival was greeted by the pleasant doorman. We were taken up to the restaurant by elevator... and met by the Maitre’d, who sat us at a window side table, which was beautifully set. We enjoyed small nibbles with glasses of champagne which set the tone for the evening. The wine list as others have mentioned, is massive. I am in the wine business but deferred to the (native Boston!) sommelier’s suggestion of a Malbec to accompany the restaurant’s signature duck duo preparation (which was done table side). This was after a second amuse Bouche of zucchini flowers and appetizers of crab and foie gras. The first course is duck breast, and soufflé potatoes, served with the famous duck blood sauce. The second preparation is the leg accompanied by sausage served in pastry cups. As expected, all was exceptional. During the meal the owner stopped by our table to inquire if we were enjoying our evening - and we certainly were! Too bad our numbered duck card arrived too late for him to sign for us . We ended our meal with dessert (no room for the wonderful looking cheese cart course!), a chocolate creation for myself and the famous baba with champagne and berries for my husband. These were served with coffee and tea and more little dessert bites. Of course, this all comes at a premium ($900 US) but we felt it was worth every penny. More

We enjoyed a lunch from the set menu. To each course we had a glas of wine with perfect help from a helpful sommelier - she really knew her wines;-) Foie gras ravioli was divine and extremely rich in taste. The duckling served to perfection!... Desert with a superb taste of chocolate and full bodied coffee. The staff is impeccable in their job. Have to mention the view also; what better way to experience Paris than from the windows of this restaurant. Will be back! More

I have been wanting to go to this restaurant for many many years and have the experience of the canard presse. To be honest it was not all disappointing. We got the best table in the restaurant ( at least in our opinion ) The... second service of the duck was perfect The lady sommelier chose a very good red wine BUT From the beginning the waiters seemed as if there were / is a second service coming that evening and rushed us to order. Instead of looking from a distance the waiter came on frequent occasions sort of disturbing us. Bread crumbs on the table was not, until the very end removed from the table The first serving of "extras" was incredible dry and boring. The whole atmosphere of the duck being pressed in front of you was not there. In my opinion the most important part of the "show". I have been to at least a dozen of Michelin restaurants around the world and must say that "The Tour" has to step up the game to get stars. We left with an empty feeling both in our minds and in our stomach ( even the lady complained ) because where did the rest of the duck go ! More

After several trips to Paris and numerous Michelin starred meals, my husband and I decided to finally give Tour d’Argent a try, if only for posterity. We knew the building and location were magnificent, that the sense of history would be palpable, and that the... grandeur of the restaurant itself would be notable. But we weren’t expecting to be wowed by the food. In fact, the menu offerings sounded stiff and old fashioned —royal hare soup w/ foie gras ravioli, wild pike en croute, duckling, whiting with a brioche crust. Yet to our great delight, the dishes were each delicious and interesting, not overwhelming and heavy. The hare soup was especially memorable and the fish superb. On top of it all, the hospitality was extraordinary—not at all pretentious but energetic and warm. We are thrilled that we had this experience and thank the entire staff for their amazing work. It takes a lot of training and coordination to produce such perfection, century after century. More

I have wanted to try this restaurant out since I was a student in Paris in the 70s but never did the stars align to make it happen. Finally, on a recent trip, and scouting out a special place for my daughter's birthday, I managed... to organise a lunch for myself. First, of course, is the amazing perch over the Seine which directly faces the cathedral of Notre Dame; still impressive yet sobering to see the massive amount of work that will be required to make it whole again. Service was excellent all around, someone always there to do what is required, without really making their presence felt. A unique skill seen only in restaurants like this in France but seldom seen elsewhere. Sommelier's was from Boston but was very knowledgeable and most helpful to me in finding some off the run wines from the Jura and Savoie. Food was excellent though three courses and one finished feeling full but not bloated. I had two bottles of wine and the three course menu for 300 euros. I would certainly take my daughter there for her birthday, if only they were open in mid-August! More

Beautiful day and of course view. Yes the Tour is old school comfort and class, but it’s not stuffy. The service is friendly, attentive, not overdone and you can have a friendly chat. You have lots of room and elegance. The wine list is of... course legendary and you can have a really informed discussion with the sommelier and find mature wine in your price range which is rare these days. Including big names at less than retail prices. Amazing. We had the fixed price menu which is the best value and though the choice is small the quality is high. I found the olive tapenade on my Guinea fowl a bit too strong, but otherwise all good and the quenelles and desert were really delicious. We come here rarely but every time it’s a treat. More

Dreadful experience the minute we set foot in this renowned establishment with the Maitre d' refusing to give us a table in the middle when the restaurant was pretty empty: he insisted on sitting us at the very back (with zero view yet the same... extortionate prices!) on the basis that we had not booked several months ahead!! He was snooty and unhelpful. The food was nice but standard boring classical French, nothing to excite the pallet. The waiters were lovely but the atmosphere was zero except for some obsequious manager turning up to say Hi. "SURFAIT" is the word to describe this place, an expensive old-fashioned tourist-trap. Totally uncreative and unexciting food: the silver came out as pure theatre. None of the flair, ingenuity or sense of surprise of Marsan by Helene Darroze for example which is simply terrific. More

We made a reservation for lunch, with a glass of champagne and a tour at the cave included. Our lunch was amazing from the beginning to the end, in every detail. We took our two little daughters with us and we had no problems at... all with that. In fact, the made a different, simpler, menu for them, which was very kind. The service was very attentive and gentle. The food itself was great - we chose the lunch menu (105 euros per person) plus the cheese step (which I strongly recommend). The menu consists in some “amuse bouche”, the a starter (I had the Quenelles and my wife had the egg with mushrooms and truffle, both excellent), the main course (the duck, not the famous pressed one, but still delicious) and the dessert (we had chocolate pie, also very good). Besides the great food and the excellent service, the view from the restaurant is amazing. It’s not cheap, but worths every cent! More

Second visit to this marvelous restaurant! Andre Terrail and his team put on a marvelous display of virtuosity in service. As it was our last day of a 3 week trip to Europe, we over-committed ourselves and arrived quite tardy to the restaurant for our... lunch reservation (I did give the reception updates on our later than expected arrival time). The reception, appreciative of our communications, was kind. The young lady smiled, took our coats and whisked us upstairs to the dining room. The dining room reception was equally warm to our late arrival and then the show began. A fine ballet of wine stewards, front waiters and back waiters effortlessly took care of our every whim and need; discussing everything from menu, wine and desert options to the historial sites viewed from the floor-to-ceiling windows and general history of this temple of cuisine. The service was meticulous and thoughtful and, of course, was the food. Light, elegant and ephemeral flavors as well as rich and seductive flavors….food for the gods! Two of our guests asked for crepes suzette without alcohol and the team happily obliged…table side service of crepes was lovely with fresh juices and rinds of citrus fruit to substitute for the alcohol usually used. The cheers cart is one of the best in the world (you are in France, after all). To cap it all off, it was Three Kings Day, and the restaurant served all guests a portion of the obligatory Galette des Rois…a guest at another table was lucky enough to the find the “crown” in their piece of cake and was provided with a fun crown to wear at the end of their meal. So fun! This place does not skip a beat and deserves every accolade! Thank you! More

Most amazing restaurant. The service was excellent . . . From the young doorman that welcomed us on arrival to the greeting from owner André Terrail at the end of our meal. The location superb, with the Restuarant sitting on the banks of the Seine... with fabulous views towards Notre Dame. The whole meal was an amazing experience, especially the famous pressed duck. Seeing the crepes suzette flambé d by our table was pure magic especially the hand made ice cream. A truly memorable evening in Paris. Thank you More

I and two friends had Sunday lunch at the Tour d'Argent following the recommendation of some of our fellow students in a French immersion program in Tours, France. We enjoyed the view (right beside the window), the service (the sense of humor of our waiters... with our Franglais), and the food. The scallops were amazing and we appreciated the advice of the sommalier since the wine list was a large volume that weighed >15 lbs. We appreciated the warmth of the service and being able to spend several hours eating, drinking, and enjoying each others company. I hope to return on a future visit with my husband or other family members. More

Having heard so much about this restaurant, I was very much looking forward to the evening. Unfortunately however, from the first moments there, I saw that so much was lacking. Upon entering the restaurant 5 minutes before my reservation time, a woman at the door... told me to have a seat and she would get back to me soon. This took me by surprise, as she was not at all welcoming. the two of us sat in the bar lounge as we were told, and there we sat. % minutes passed, then 10 and even 15. No one ever came to us to offer us a drink, or even a glass of water. The game woman saw that I was gettin irritated, and she finally came over to say that she was having to take another group up to theta floor before because she had no where to put them. This seemed like a strange excuse for the delay of over 15 minutes. When she finally came to escort us to the elevator, she asked me what was wrong. I guess she cold tell by my face that I was not happy. I told her that I felt it was inexcusable to keep us waiting for so long, and her only response was that they take one party up the elevator at a time and that's "just how we do it." There was absolutely no apology at all. Then, we finally got to our table, and to add insult to injury, we sat at the table for 7 minus (yes, I counted) until someone finally came to take a drink order. The rest of the evening was filled with mishaps and lack of attention. The space is beautiful and the food was tasty, but the service is amateurish and I would simply not recommend spending $800 a couple for this restaurant. More

TOUR D'ARGENT, Paris - Quartier Latin - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Service: 4.5
Atmosphere: 4.5

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La Tour d’Argent

by Meg Zimbeck
August 30, 2023 October 20, 2023

La Tour d’Argent is a 400 year-old restaurant with an exceptional view overlooking the Seine and Notre Dame. It reopened in 2023 after a long renovation, and we recently returned four our fourth visit and loved the experience. We’ve included La Tour d’Argent among our 50 favorite restaurants in Paris.

LA TOUR D’ARGENT

15, Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Open Tuesday- Saturday for lunch & dinner Closed Sunday & Monday Reservations online or at +33 1 43 54 10 08

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OUR PHOTOS OF LA TOUR D’ARGENT

IN OTHER WORDS

Wine Spectator (2016) a profile of the history of La Tour d’Argent and its young leader André Terrail

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Tour d'Argent

Notes et avis, emplacement et coordonnées, le point de vue du guide michelin.

Première visite dans cet établissement de haute gastronomie parisienne que nous savions prestigieux et ce choix fut déterminé pour célébrer 25 ans de mariage. Ce fut un moment de pur bonheur dans un cadre et un service d'excellence.

Tout a été parfait du début à la fin. Votre équipe a un comportement de service homogène et élevé quelque soit le rôle dévolu , ajoutant l’amabilité et la gentillesse. Nous avons aussi été conquis par la qualité du menu Renommées et sa créativité, soulignant... par ailleurs son bon équilibre et nous évitant de partir avec une sensation excessive de saturation. Notre table était plutôt bien placée même si pas au meilleur endroit, après avoir indiqué que nous avions choisi votre restaurant pour célébrer notre 40 ième anniversaire de mariage. En conclusion, nous avons passé un merveilleux moment chez vous grâce à votre niveau d’exigence et d’excellence. Félicitations ! Plus

Une légende, pour l'histoire et l'emplacement. Un déjeuner de qualité avec, entre autre, les tout aussi légendaires quenelles et cannetons.

expérience merveilleuse excellent dîner et service la table dans une position privilégiée .Je recommande vivement ce restaurant d'où l'on peut admirer Paris

Mon mari et moi sommes allés déjeuner pour la première fois à la Tour d'argent samedi dernier, grâce à la générosité de notre Père-Noël;-) Nous nous attendions à vivre un grand moment face à une vue splendide, bien sûr, mais nous avons surtout découvert un... lieu, à la fois hors du temps, et projeté dans un avenir au raffinement durable et au luxe intemporel et subtilement contemporain par son propriétaire et le talentueux architecte Franklin Azzi. Cet écrin, dans lequel on se sent instantanément infiniment bien, est habité par une équipe de très grands professionnels, dont les compétences sont toutes mises au service du client, sans aucune obséquiosité, et dans un climat de bonne humeur terriblement contagieuse. Les sourires sont sincères, chaque attention chaleureuse et touchante. Le chef est aussi sympathique qu'orfèvre de recettes certes traditionnelles, mais sublimées par la qualité des produits et de l'engagement d'une brigade qui fait des merveilles, ravit nos papilles et fait briller les yeux de ceux qui ne sont pas sottement blasés. Le sommelier est à la hauteur d'une carte des vins d'exception. Il sait percer à jour vos goûts et vous proposer, avec une justesse épatante, les flacons qui correspondent exactement à vos rêves, en respectant vos moyens. Quant au propriétaire des lieux, il nous est apparu parfaitement à la hauteur du mythe aux destinées desquelles il préside, à la mémoire de ses parents, qu'il entretient avec grand soin, et l'attention qu'il porte à ses clients comme à ses équipes nous a semblée tout à fait remarquable. Merci merci merci encore à tous de tout ce bonheur que vous offrez par votre formidable travail ! Chaque détail de ce moment restera gravé dans nos cœurs à jamais. Nous espérons que la vie, et notre travail à nous, nous offriront la chance de revenir, au coucher du soleil la prochaine fois. Plus

Parfait. Nouveau décor et carte très à propos. Tradition et modernité dans tous les domaines. Paris! Juste, peut être prévoir une version du caneton au sang pour trois, pour éviter une micro frustration d'un troisième convive.

Un lieu d’exception entre la décoration, la vue et la cuisine ouverte (nous avons été surpris des cuisiniers si discrets et professionnels, c’était un plaisir de les voir et de rencontrer le Chef!). Le repas en lui-même était exquis, j’ai pu me réconcilier avec certains... produits tels que les asperges (c’est à cela qu’on reconnaît un bon restaurant). Merci à vous pour l’entremet d’anniversaire ! Et enfin, le service !!!! C’est tellement difficile de trouver un réel service digne d’un restaurant étoilé. Très belle organisation. Un service fluide, chacun avait l’œil sur le suivi, ils étaient présents et agréables sans être trop envahissants. Une équipe chaleureuse, qui s’entend bien et qui sait vous mettre à l’aise ! Des découpes de canards à table, les crêpes flambées sous vos yeux, un vrai spectacle ! Un moment à la hauteur de nos espérances et plus encore !! Réputation plus que méritée. Mille mercis, nous avons hâte de pouvoir essayer le toit cet été !!! À bientôt. Plus

Tout était parfait ! L'accueil bienveillant, chaleureux et serviable qui est la signature de votre grande maison, le service de vos équipe toujours attentionné et efficace, la cuisine délicieuse, délicate, fraîche et vive, de très belles assiettes, les vins sublimes, sans oublier la rénovation, une... réussite dans laquelle vous avez su accorder le respect des lieux, la tradition et la modernité, tout est juste ! Bravo ! Plus

On est pas déçus, expérience enrichissante, calme luxe et volupté. Le lieu, la vue, la cuisine, le service, tout est à la hauteur de la réputation de cette maison.

Mythique adresse qui ouvre un brunch ! Alors nous nous sommes précipités... Ambiance feutrée et service efficace (sauf au vestiaire). Table bien écartées c'est appréciable. Public varié certains avec des ados. Un petit buffet dans la salle avec cheminée, et un plus grand au bar.... Tout est bon ! Malheureusement les "goinfres" des services précédents avaient dévoré toute la terrine au canard alors... On n' a pas pu goûter cette spécialité ! Attention tout de même le brunc se déroule au bar des Maillets en bas pas dans les étages avec vue. C'est peut être la principale déception ! Je crois que j'y retournerai ! Réservation impérative Plus

TOUR D'ARGENT, Paris - Quartier Latin - Menu, Prix & Restaurant Avis - Tripadvisor

Cuisine : 4.5
Service : 4.5
Rapport qualité-prix : 4
Ambiance : 4.5

photo credit: Sara Lieberman

La Tour D'Argent

Sara Lieberman

April 5, 2024

For the best old-school, elegant dining experience in Paris, book a table at this legendary restaurant that dates back to 1582. The recently redesigned dining room, with window walls and a mirrored ceiling that reflects the Seine below, is the platonic ideal of a Parisian restaurant. And that’s not hyperbole—it inspired Ratatouille . The panoramic view and classic French food make it the place to be for an anniversary, engagement, or an absurdly over-the-top meal.

Beyond its decor, which looks a bit like you’re on a modernized cruise ship complete with teak walls and royal blue carpeting, the service is outstanding: Expect a rotating crew of servers in suits who whizz around in an almost symphonic fashion. Once they remove the silver Christofle plates, the show begins and the classic, reliable French hits keep coming.

While pressed duck “Frédéric Delair” is their signature dish, and prepared tableside—blood and all—it’s not included in the prix fixe lunch, but a delicious roasted version is. The John Dory fish with parmesan foam and arugula pesto wow with its lightness. Even the various breads served with the meal, like turmeric focaccia, are memorable and feel like their own course. And allow them to wheel over the giant wine book that’s longer than a George R. R. Martin novel—the cellar has over 300,000 bottles, or, more accurately, 299,920 since over one million dollars in wine was nabbed . Gulp.

Food Rundown

Tasting menu.

Yes, you can choose dishes from the a la carte menu, ranging from €85 to €185, but, really, this is the ideal place to not make any decisions since you’ll be taken care of and eat well. The move here is to go for the four-course lunch (€150), or the five- or six-course dinner (€360 or €440) if you want that famous pressed duck.

FOOD RUNDOWN

I ate lunch at one of the oldest restaurants in Paris that's loved by royalty and world leaders, and the Michelin-starred meal transported me back in time

La Tour d'Argent claims to be the oldest restaurant in Paris, serving diners since 1582.
The restaurant is a Parisian institution, and was reportedly used as inspiration for " Ratatouille ."
I ate lunch in its dining room overlooking the Notre Dame and was enchanted by its service.

La Tour d'Argent claims to be the oldest restaurant in Paris, and has been serving diners since 1582.

Translating as "the silver tower," La Tour d'Argent is a Paris fine-dining institution, and has been visited by everyone from King Henry IV, to Queen Elizabeth II , according to Time Out.

With a Michelin star — it previously had three until 1996, as noted on the Tour d'Argent website — the restaurant remains one of Paris' most revered destinations, steeped in history and tradition.

However, its Michelin Guide demotion prompted the restaurant to announce its largest-ever renovations earlier this year, aiming to "bring the restaurant into the 21st century," according to the website.

Ahead of its nine-month closure in May, I went to eat lunch in its historic dining room.

The restaurant is located near the center of Paris, in the city's 5th Arrondissement.

The building sits just beside the Seine river, and is about a 20-minute walk from major central train stations Gare de Lyon and Chatelet Les Halles.

The restaurant is so iconic, it was reportedly used as inspiration for the Pixar classic "Ratatouille."

As the restaurant has been operating for so long without changing its classic ways, elements of it were used by the movie studio to help craft the image of the fictional restaurant "Gusteau's" , according to Lonely Planet.

When I first stepped inside the downstairs waiting area, it was like immediately being transported back a few centuries.

From the preserved wooden paneling to the old cushioned furniture, it was clear from the start that this place was not going to be similar to any dining experience I've ever had.

While I've had the fortune of eating at a few fine-dining restaurants with Michelin stars, none of their interiors felt as traditional or classic as this.

From the downstairs area, we were escorted through a hallway toward a private elevator to the dining room on the sixth floor.

The doorman and staff were quick to show us through the narrow hallway toward the elevator that would take us up to the dining room.

However, it very was easy to get distracted and slowed down by the decorations on the wall.

The walls leading up to the private elevator are lined with portraits and pictures of famous diners, including Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip visited the restaurant in 1948 as their first official trip outside the Commonwealth after marrying a few months prior, according to writer and historian Lauren Kiehna's blog, the Court Jeweller.

Other notable former patrons include US presidents and world leaders.

Alongside Her Majesty, US presidents John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon could be spotted in photographs, as well as former USSR and Russian leaders Mikhail Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin.

After taking the elevator to the sixth floor, I was immediately taken aback by the spectacular dining room.

The floor and tables were all incredibly detailed, enhanced by the floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the room with natural light.

Everywhere you looked, blue and gold dominated the room, with tiny detailing on every surface.

I was surprised by the unimpeded views over Paris, including Notre Dame, which remains under reconstruction.

Having been owned by the same family since 1911, the restaurant's dining room was moved up to the sixth floor to maximize its views over Paris in 1936 , according to Condé Nast Traveler.

The sixth-floor room gives unparalleled views over the city and Notre Dame.

However, due to the fire that destroyed much of the cathedral , it remains mostly covered by scaffolding while they repair the building. This is on track for completion in 2024 , according to The New York Times.

At the table, we were first greeted with a huge silver plate, engraved with the restaurant's name.

While impressive, it was shortly removed after we sat down, and was clearly just there to be decorative.

The menu items were the epitome of traditional French haute cuisine, or "high cooking," but mine didn't have any prices listed.

Our menu was very traditional, including dishes like quenelles — a technique of creating perfect three-sided ovals — as well as hake and snails for starters. Mains included scallops or guinea fowl.

It felt a little stereotypical to order snails in France, so I chose the hake.

But since I didn't make the reservation, my menu didn't include a price. This was a deliberate decision implemented by the owner centuries ago, according to our waiter, due to social traditions at the time.

Our three-course set lunch menu was 105 euros at the time of visiting, or around $115. A six-course menu is also available for triple the price, as well as a la carte options with mains ranging from 95 euros to 125 euros each, or $100 to $130.

While the food menu isn't extensive, the wine list is the opposite, weighing over 15 pounds, with over 320,000 bottles to choose from.

The restaurant prides itself on its selection of wines, claiming to have one of "the most technically perfect cellars" in Paris, as noted on the Tour d'Argent website.

The cellar is so prestigious and valuable, that while under German occupation during World War II, the owner flew across France for one night to brick up the entrance to protect its contents before flying back , according to Bonjour Paris.

The silver tower logo of the restaurant was on everything. It was even stamped on the butter.

It's clear that the restaurant is very detail-oriented, as I struggled to find an item on the table that wasn't personalized with the logo and founding date.

Once we ordered the wine, it arrived with its own trolley and basket.

Every element of service felt well-considered, with the smallest of touches helping to make the hospitality here extraordinary.

The wine basket is used for transportation up the dumb waiter from the cellar, where a worker located the bottle among the hundreds of thousands of bottles stored.

Each dish that arrived was a clear display of French fine-dining techniques.

From the hake to the scallops, and chocolate souffle to finish, all dishes were made by chefs who were very technically proficient, with each dish beautifully presented, utilizing advanced techniques rarely seen outside of fine dining.

But despite all that, we weren't blown away by our meal.

On top of the decor, the dishes felt as though they'd also remained untouched since 1936. While that's often one of the key drawing points for visitors, I've eaten far more interesting meals for less money, such as wildly creative 20-course tasting menus that include Wagyu beef fat fudge.

However, I've never eaten anywhere with this level of high-quality service.

After lunch, a quick visit to the restaurant's attached bakery and deli was the perfect final touch.

The separate bakery on the opposite corner of the building was only opened in 2016.

From the adjacent location, customers can now buy the bread used in the restaurant as well as a range of viennoiseries — leavened pastries such as croissants and pain au chocolat — according to the Tour d'Argent website.

You can also buy a range of items such as preserves and wines under the Tour d'Argent name.

Browsing the shop after our meal was a perfect way to end the experience, and further demonstrated the attention and care the restaurant gives to its branding.

It's clear from our trip that the restaurant aims to provide a whole experience for its diners, as opposed to just providing a good meal.

Particularly in an age where service in fine dining restaurants seems to be becoming increasingly casual — which isn't a bad thing, in my opinion — this lunch was certainly a memorable one.

Despite service at the restaurant being faultless, I can see why they feel the need to modernize.

My experience at La Tour d'Argent was one I'll never forget. I really enjoyed my time here as it gave me an insight into luxury I wouldn't be able to experience elsewhere.

As the restaurant closes to modernize itself and its menu, I can understand why. While I really enjoyed my lunch, the restaurant's devotion to upholding the past also seemed to limit the menu.

It will be interesting to see how the restaurant plans to change while preserving itself, but I'm glad I came here when I did to get a once-in-a-lifetime taste of classic French luxury.

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Michelin-Starred La Tour d'Argent In Paris Served Historic Kings

If you had the chance to take a step inside the film "Ratatouille" and experience the world-class dining experience of the fictional Gusteau's restaurant, would you? As it turns out, you can come pretty close. The restaurant that was the source of inspiration for the film has a long history of serving well-known guests. Launched back in 1582, La Tour d'Argent in Paris is said to be the oldest restaurant in the city, and its doors have seen the faces of royalty and prominence ever since.

When the restaurant first opened back in the 16th century, it was a hotspot for kings and princes because it was a safe location for those of noble status to dine in public (it's located across the Seine River where the king's palace used to be). King Henry IV inaugurated the use of the first fork at the restaurant, which was an up-and-coming utensil only seen in Italy at the time.

On a more extravagant note, four world emperors — Alexander II, Czar of the Russian Empire, the Czarevitch Alexander III, Wilhelm I, King of Prussia, and Germany's Prince Otto von Bismarck — met for dinner at La Tour d'Argent in 1867, feasting on a hefty menu that included five appetizers, six main courses, and four desserts.

La Tour d'Argent gets a makeover

Since its days serving historical kings, La Tour d'Argent has welcomed other high-profile guests like Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Boris Yeltsin. The restaurant became known for its iconic pressed duck, classic and ornately decorated interior, and Michelin-star status . Before 1996, La Tour d'Argent held three Michelin stars, dropping to one that year. To modernize the space and turn things around, the restaurant closed for remodeling between April 2022 and August 2023.

The renovations were put in the hands of architect Franklin Azzi, who wanted to retain the restaurant's historical charm. The recipe for the famous pressed duck remains the same, but the kitchen has expanded into the face of the dining room, so guests now have an impressive view of their meal being prepared. Moreover, there are now three additional spaces for breakfast, drinks, and overnight stays. In the fall of 2023, La Tour d'Argent served its 1,178,727th pressed duck — a numerical symbol of its long and rich history.

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Restaurant La Tour d’Argent Review: Insights on its Fine Dining Experience

The restaurant’s dining room, located on the 6th floor, offers one of the most beautiful and romantic views of Paris, looking over Notre Dame. This place opened in 1582, and the King Henri the Third discovered the fork when he had dinner there. Frederic Delair, its owner under the Third Republic, created the famous “canard au sang” or “Canard Tour d’Argent” and decided that each duck would bear a number.

Nestled on the banks of the Seine River in Paris , La Tour d’Argent is a legendary French restaurant known for its sumptuous cuisine and unparalleled dining experience. With a history dating back to the 16th century, this prestigious establishment has earned its reputation through offering exceptional food, impeccable service, and an intimate atmosphere that keeps patrons returning for more.

Upon entering La Tour d’Argent, guests are immediately captivated by the stunning views of the restaurant’s location. Overlooking the Île Saint-Louis and Pont de la Tournelle , the setting provides a breathtaking backdrop for a Michelin-starred meal. As visitors settle into their seats, they are taken on a delectable culinary journey through expertly prepared French dishes, accompanied by an extensive wine list that rivals the finest cellars in the world.

The continued accolades and praise for La Tour d’Argent in reviews from reputable sources such as Condé Nast Traveler and Fodor’s stand as a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to maintaining its esteemed status. Both locals and travelers seeking a memorable dining experience will find that La Tour d’Argent truly delivers on its promise of exquisite cuisine and unparalleled service.

Table of Contents

History of La Tour d’Argent

Terrail family ownership, king henry iv and frédéric delair, world war ii and renovations, ambiance and decor, dining room and views, elevator and atmosphere, signature dishes, pressed duck, ratatouille, wine selection and sommelier, la tour d’argent’s wine cellar, menu and french cuisine, tasting menu, making a reservation, anniversary and special occasions, formal service and hospitality, reviews and accolades, frequently asked questions, what are the prices like at la tour d’argent, what is the dress code for la tour d’argent, is la tour d’argent currently open, what are the notable dishes at la tour d’argent besides pressed duck, what are some key highlights of their wine list, what is the history behind la tour d’argent’s long-standing reputation.

La Tour d’Argent is considered one of the oldest restaurants in Paris , claiming to have been founded in 1582. It was originally built as an inn in the 16th century and later became a renowned restaurant. Throughout its long history, the establishment has been under the ownership of the Terrail family.

The restaurant boasted having had King Henri IV among its frequent patrons. However, the documentation to support this claim is lacking. In the late 19th century, under the management of Frédéric Delair, La Tour d’Argent gained further prominence and prestige in the culinary world.

During World War II, the restaurant’s business was affected, but it persevered. Post-war renovations helped to modernize and improve the establishment, maintaining its prestigious reputation. Today, La Tour d’Argent serves its guests with a breathtaking panorama of Paris, overlooking the Seine, Notre-Dame, and Ile Saint-Louis.

La Tour d’Argent has a rich and storied history as a Parisian institution, captivating the imaginations of diners and visitors for centuries.

La Tour d’Argent is a truly captivating dining experience offering an elegant ambiance and remarkable views. The dining room, located on the 6th floor, boasts a sophisticated and classic French luxury design. From here, diners can enjoy an exquisite view of the city, including the iconic Notre Dame , the stunning Île Saint-Louis, and the beautiful Seine. The atmosphere in the dining room is refined, with well-spaced tables and good lighting, enabling guests to comfortably take in the breathtaking scenery.

Upon arrival at La Tour d’Argent, guests are greeted by a unique and impressive elevator that transports them to the 6th floor dining room. This historical touch adds a sense of grandeur to the overall experience. The restaurant’s atmosphere is enhanced by its rich culinary heritage, which dates back to 1582, and the attentive, knowledgeable staff that adds to the overall prestigious dining experience. The blend of tradition and contemporary charm found at La Tour d’Argent creates a memorable ambiance that perfectly complements its location along the Quai de la Tournelle.

See Related: Restaurant Le Djurdjura Nanterre

La Tour d’Argent is acclaimed for its signature dish, Pressed Duck . This exceptional dish offers guests a unique culinary experience and is steeped in history. The duck is roasted to perfection, imparting a rich, tender flavor to the meat. The highlight of this dish is the elaborate pressing technique used to extract juices from the carcass, which forms the base for a rich sauce. The restaurant has a long-standing tradition of presenting guests with a numbered certificate to commemorate their meal.

Another standout feature on La Tour d’Argent’s menu is the Fish . They offer a variety of expertly prepared fish dishes, showcasing the freshest, high-quality ingredients. The selection may vary depending on seasonality and availability, but guests can expect well-crafted dishes with exceptional flavors and textures. The restaurant’s chef presents a creative spin on traditional fish dishes, resulting in an unforgettable culinary experience that speaks to the establishment’s culinary heritage.

Lastly, the Ratatouille at La Tour d’Argent is a dish worth mentioning. This classic French dish is elevated by the skilled preparation and thoughtful presentation that the restaurant is known for. The dish combines fresh, seasonal vegetables in a perfectly seasoned and balanced manner, making it a delightful accompaniment to other dishes on the menu.

In conclusion, the signature dishes at La Tour d’Argent demonstrate the restaurant’s dedication to providing guests with a memorable dining experience that is both rooted in tradition and elevated by modern culinary expertise. The Pressed Duck, various Fish dishes, and Ratatouille stand out as exceptional offerings on their menu, each deserving of the praise they have received.

See Related: Le Tsuba Hotel

La Tour d’Argent’s wine list is highly renowned and an essential component of the overall dining experience. The restaurant’s wine cellar is a treasure trove for wine enthusiasts, boasting an astounding collection of 450,000 bottles . This extensive selection caters to a diverse range of tastes and preferences, offering something for everyone.

The sommelier at La Tour d’Argent plays a vital role in guiding guests through their wine journey. Offering expert advice and detailed explanations of each wine’s characteristics, the sommelier ensures that every diner finds the perfect bottle to complement their meal. Whether a guest prefers a complex red or a crisp white, the sommelier has the knowledge and expertise necessary to make an informed recommendation.

The wines stored in La Tour d’Argent’s wine cellar originate from various regions, allowing diners to enjoy vintages from famous wine-producing areas. With a particular focus on French wines, the cellar provides a delightful opportunity to explore the rich and nuanced flavors that have become synonymous with France’s esteemed wine culture.

In conclusion, the Wine Selection and Sommelier section of La Tour d’Argent is an integral aspect of the restaurant’s identity and success. With an exceptional wine list, an impressive wine cellar, and knowledgeable sommeliers to guide diners through their sensory experience, guests at La Tour d’Argent can expect a truly memorable and enjoyable evening.

See Related: Hôtel Acacias Etoile

The renowned restaurant La Tour d’Argent serves some of the finest French cuisine in the heart of Paris. The establishment has a rich history, and its culinary offerings showcase the best of French gastronomy, prepared by their talented chefs. The dining experience at La Tour d’Argent is made all the more memorable by its enchanting views of the Seine and Notre-Dame.

A highlight of La Tour d’Argent’s menu is their Tasting Menu, allowing guests to indulge in an extraordinary selection of dishes, showcasing the chef’s culinary prowess and the inn’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients. Each dish is meticulously presented, reflecting its elegance and impeccable taste. The Tasting Menu is ever-changing, designed to delight both regular patrons and newcomers by offering new and exquisite flavors.

On the Tasting Menu, you may find an array of beautifully crafted dishes, such as pan-seared foie gras, confit or roasted duck prepared in various ways, and delicate seafood masterpieces. The skillful use of seasonal produce ensures the freshness and vibrancy of each dish. The meal is further elevated by being accompanied by expertly chosen wines, perfectly complementing the flavors of each course.

At La Tour d’Argent, the French cuisine goes beyond just the Tasting Menu. They are also known for their classic pressed duck (canard à la presse), a signature dish that has helped define the restaurant’s reputation for excellence. This unique delicacy, which involves pressing the duck’s carcass to extract its rich juices, exemplifies the high level of skill and dedication that the chefs at La Tour d’Argent possess, ensuring a truly memorable dining experience for all who visit.

La Tour d’Argent, a prestigious restaurant in Paris, is an excellent choice for those celebrating an anniversary or any special occasion. To secure a table at this iconic establishment, making a reservation in advance is highly advisable. Reservations can be made through their website, ensuring a smooth process for guests.

The opulent setting of La Tour d’Argent offers an ideal backdrop for commemorating life’s significant milestones. Patrons can admire breathtaking city views while indulging in exquisite French cuisine expertly crafted by talented chefs. With its rich culinary history and distinguished wine list of over 300,000 bottles, this restaurant sets the stage for an unforgettable experience .

While making a reservation for your special celebration, be sure to inform the staff of any specific requests or considerations related to the nature of the occasion. This will enable them to accommodate your needs best and enhance your experience at La Tour d’Argent.

La Tour d’Argent is renowned for its formal service and hospitality. The experience begins as soon as guests step inside the establishment. The restaurant’s staff ensures that guests feel at home from the moment they arrive, making every effort to create a sense of comfort and belonging.

The waitstaff at La Tour d’Argent is professionally trained, offering impeccable service throughout the course of the meal. They are knowledgeable about the menu items and the restaurant’s extensive wine list, which includes a jaw-dropping collection of 300,000 bottles. Their expertise enables them to confidently guide diners in pairing the perfect wine with their chosen dishes.

In addition to ensuring that every detail of the dining experience meets the highest standards, the staff at La Tour d’Argent is skilled in the art of creating a personal connection with each guest. Their warm hospitality creates an atmosphere that allows diners to feel at ease while enjoying the exquisite dining experience.

The formal service at La Tour d’Argent is not only about providing the utmost in fine dining but also about preserving the restaurant’s storied history. The establishment dates back to 1582 and has hosted illustrious guests such as Edward VII, Charlie Chaplin, and Grace of Monaco. The staff’s dedication to upholding the restaurant’s legacy is evident in both their world-class service and their commitment to maintaining the timeless ambiance of the dining room.

Overall, the combination of elegant formality and welcoming hospitality that La Tour d’Argent offers makes dining at this Parisian institution a truly remarkable experience. The staff’s attention to detail, knowledge, and professionalism ensure that guests leave the restaurant with memories that will last a lifetime.

La Tour d’Argent, a renowned French restaurant located in Paris , has received numerous accolades and rave reviews from both experts and travelers. Offering a stunning view of the Seine, Pont de la Tournelle , and Île Saint-Louis, the restaurant has maintained a reputation for its superb cuisine and impeccable service.

Although the Michelin Star count of La Tour d’Argent currently stands at one, the prestigious culinary institution has held three stars in the past. The drop in stars has not, however, diminished guests’ enjoyment of the exquisite dishes served at this historic establishment.

The restaurant has become iconic for its specialty in canard à la presse (pressed duck), with the dish often mentioned in positive TripAdvisor reviews. Satisfied guests appreciate not only the culinary mastery of the chefs but also the historic ambience of the establishment while they feast on the sumptuous offerings.

Famous personalities, both in France and beyond, have frequented La Tour d’Argent throughout the years. Celebrities seeking an elite French dining experience have made this restaurant a preferred choice, further solidifying its status among the best establishments in Paris.

In summary, La Tour d’Argent continues to be celebrated for its outstanding French cuisine, excellent service, and rich history. Its one Michelin Star serves as a testament to the restaurant’s unwavering dedication to quality dining experiences, attracting both travelers and celebrities alike.

See Related: Restaurant Les Ambassadeurs

La Tour d’Argent is a high-end dining establishment whose prices reflect its Michelin-starred status. Expect to pay premium prices for a dining experience that combines culinary heritage, a vast wine selection, and unforgettable views of Paris.

Although there is no strict dress code at La Tour d’Argent, guests are encouraged to dress smartly for the sophisticated ambiance of the restaurant. Formal attire is not required, but it is recommended to wear smart-casual clothing to match the elegant surroundings.

As of June 24, 2023, La Tour d’Argent is open. The restaurant operates from 12:00 to 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM. It is always best to check their website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on their hours of operation.

While the pressed duck is the iconic dish at La Tour d’Argent, the restaurant offers a range of creative and sophisticated dishes that showcase French culinary techniques. Some other notable dishes include their pan-seared foie gras and lobster dishes and seasonal and locally sourced ingredients incorporated into the menu.

La Tour d’Argent is known for its extensive wine list, boasting a collection of over 300,000 bottles. The selection includes rare vintages and a broad spectrum of price points, catering to wine connoisseurs and those seeking an unforgettable dining experience.

La Tour d’Argent’s reputation as a culinary institution in Paris dates back to its founding in 1582. Over the centuries, the restaurant has maintained its high standards and innovative approach to French cuisine, resulting in a unique dining experience that combines history, culinary expertise, and breathtaking views of the city.

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La Tour d'Argent finally reopens its doors in Paris

By Jade Simon

In the French capital, there are a handful of legendary addresses, whose existence and prestige we know without even having set foot there. La Tour d'Argent , nearly five centuries after its creation, is the best example. Founded by a man named Rourteau in 1534, this elegant spot has become over the decades the favorite haunt of lovers of fine dining in Paris.

La Tour d'Argent in Paris

The restaurant is finally reopening after six months of closure since the French confinement was announced. Situated between Quai de la Tournelle and Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, visitors first walk through an opulent lounge before taking the elevator to the high-perched restaurant. Plunging over the peaceful Seine, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame and the Île Saint-Louis, the incredible view becomes even more spectacular with sunset.

La Tour d'Argent in Paris

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Facing a blazing sky, the welcome is as warm as it is benevolent thanks to the owner André Terrail , a worthy successor of his father and his grandfather. In the kitchen, chef Yannick Franques , Meilleur Ouvrier de France, (trained in particular by Eric Frechon at Le Bristol and Alain Ducasse at Louis XV) reinterprets with great finesse the great classics of French gastronomy. On the menu? Foie gras from the Three Emperors served with warm brioche, a spider crab flavored with lemongrass and coriander with coral butter, a blue lobster roasted in its shell, curry bisque and plump bao bread and even a duckling reunion. A new dish, a duckling accompanies your meal, a tradition since 1890 and is given to the person who eats it. (For the record, the millionth was released and lived peacefully a few meters from the on the banks of the Seine). Endowed with a high level of know-how, the place makes its own bread and its own wine, served together by the team of head sommelier David Ridgway . For dessert, a gargantuan cheese platter and Mademoiselle crêpes flambéed with cognac live for guest entertainment.

The best part? The restaurant, for the first time in its history, will now be open on Sunday for lunch.

La Tour d'Agent 17 Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris, Tel.01.43.54.23.31

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Tour d'Argent

15 quai de la Tournelle, Paris, 75005, France
€€€€ · Modern Cuisine

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Reservations are not available for this restaurant on our site

Michelin guide’s point of view.

Established in 1582, this elegant restaurant on the banks of the Seine gained a new floor in the early 20C, and with it one of the best views of Paris's emblematic river and Notre Dame! Tour d'Argent has continued to move with the times: on the ground floor is the Bar des Maillets d'Argent – which harks back to 1930s Britain – with its snack menu and daily specials. The restaurant menu, revamped by chef and Meilleur Ouvrier de France Yannick Franques, draws on the neo-Classical heritage of several decades of French haute cuisine (with a particular emphasis on sauces); the perfectly honed service is as spectacular as ever. As for the extraordinary wine cellar, it is home to over 300 000 bottles. Above the restaurant, a new roof terrace is the ideal spot for a cocktail on a weekday evening or weekend afternoon.

Facilities & Services

Air conditioning
Interesting wine list
Restaurant offering vegetarian menus
Valet parking
Wheelchair access

Credit cards accepted

Information

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Resto & Food

3 Compelling Reasons to Return to La Tour d’Argent

Closed since spring 2022 for extensive renovations, the legendary Michelin-starred restaurant La Tour d’Argent is once again welcoming Parisian gourmets who cherish tradition. Everything has been completely revamped with exciting new features. While the panoramic view remains as stunning as ever (along with Chef Yannick Franques' signature dishes, of course), let us tell you about the budget-friendly options that have tempted us to return without breaking the bank.

A Brand-New Bar

On the ground floor, La Tour d’Argent unveils the brand-new Bar des Maillets d’Argent , which is now an essential part of the new experience. Joyfully, in this comfortably furnished setting with ochre sofas, a fireplace, and a library, you can now sit down for a very chic breakfast starting from 9 AM. The great deal? The €19 menu includes a hot beverage, freshly squeezed juice, and pastries or toast straight from the Boulanger de la Tour (right across the street and among the best in Paris).

Prefer the aperitif team? After work, settle in at the bar for a toast with a well-shaken cocktail like the Chukker (apricot, verjus, white vermouth... €28) or the Pink Mademoiselle with calvados infused with lemon verbena, in addition to classic options available upon request.

Psst: A true all-day hangout, the Bar des Maillets d’Argent also offers daily lunch specials (veal blanquette, pike quenelle... €39) and snack options with tempting pastries (whipped cream tart, fruit charlotte…).

Passion for the Rooftop

The rooftop of the restaurant "La Tour d'Argent" in Paris.

The Roof of the Tour was previously unused. Now, secured and greened, you can enjoy an extraordinary 360° view of the Seine , Notre-Dame de Paris , and the Île Saint-Louis : the ideal spot for a romantic drink for two. On the menu, you'll have a tough choice between a glass of Chablis (€30) or Menetou-Salon (€20), unless you opt for a glass of La Tour d’Argent champagne (€28), to be paired with an incredible terrine and bakery bread (€42) or a selection of cheeses (€22).

The Bar des Maillets d’Argent is open daily from 9 AM to midnight.

The Roof of the Tour is open from Monday to Friday from 6:30 PM to midnight and from noon on weekends.

Clémence Renoux

Where to find it?

La tour d'argent.

15, quai de la Tournelle

75005 Paris

latourdargent.com

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Tour d'Argent

Tour d'Argent

Ratings and reviews, location and contact, michelin guide's point of view.

TOUR D'ARGENT, Paris - Quartier Latin - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Service: 4.5
Atmosphere: 4.5

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Parent item expand the sub menu, meet qiuhao, china’s answer to phoebe philo, saks.com secures additional liquidity, maria grazia chiuri’s first dior show in nyc a dream come true, at la tour d’argent, a family heir makes something new with something old.

The Paris institution has reopened after a wide-ranging renovation led by André Terrail, whose family has owned the restaurant for more than a century.

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La Tour d’Argent, the Paris institution known for its pressed duck and spectacular views of the Seine, has had a makeover.

The restaurant, which traces its roots back to the 16th century, reopened on Aug. 29 after a 17-month renovation, marking its most wide-ranging overhaul since the dining room was moved to the sixth floor of the building in 1936.

What to see, do and eat in london this spring, from 'icons of british fashion' to dining at the black book, the fashion and design world can't get enough of ananas ananas, the food-art studio.

In an effort to make the venerable eatery more welcoming to locals, Terrail has added a ground-floor bar and a rooftop terrace, while out-of-town guests can rent a full apartment on the fifth floor.

“The Tour d’Argent before it closed was already a great experience, but now we’re taking it to the next level,” he says during an interview in his office as workers put the finishing touches to the building.

Tweaking an icon is always a delicate exercise. For Terrail, who was only 26 when he took over in 2006 from his father Claude, it means honoring the family legacy while taking bold steps to propel the restaurant into the 21st century. Chief among them: opening the kitchen headed by chef Yannick Franques.

“It’s a very big decision, but it’s consistent with who we are, because La Tour d’Argent has always been a theater. That’s how my father saw it. It was his stage. He always wanted to be an actor, so opening the kitchen to show the cooks perform makes sense,” he says.

Indeed, with its breathtaking panorama of Paris, ballet of waiters, 400-page wine list and elaborate duck carving ceremony — which involves lifting the bird with a fork without allowing it to touch the platter — the main dining room already provides plenty of entertainment.

But with a lunch menu at 150 euros, and dinner menus starting at 360 euros, the Michelin-starred restaurant has always been reserved for the happy few. In the spirit of opening its doors to a broader crowd, the family acquired the nearby Rôtisserie d’Argent in 1989 and also runs an adjoining bakery, gourmet grocery and even an ice cream truck in summer.

With the new downstairs bar, named Maillets d’Argent after his father’s former polo team, and Le Toit de la Tour, serving Champagne and cocktails on the roof, Terrail hopes to create a neighborhood haunt with a laid-back, festive atmosphere.

Terrail has decorated the downstairs bar with wood paneling and opened its windows onto the street. On a sweltering afternoon, he personally hauled an armchair into its cozy annex, which features a chimneyplace and an array of vintage or specially commissioned furniture.

“This is my idea of a dream bar,” he enthuses. “To have a little club sandwich in the afternoon and to sit in front of a roaring fire with a glass of white wine specially selected by our head sommelier Victor González — that’s paradise on earth.”

Still, exclusivity remains at the core of the offering. The 1,600-square-foot guest suite is named after Terrail’s grandmother Augusta Burdel, who used to live on the premises, and features a dining table for private entertaining, a bedroom and a sauna — the latter a nod to Tarja Räsänen, the owner’s Finnish mother.

As might be expected, the price is available on demand. Terrail notes that his grandfather, also named André, was a famed hotelier who founded the Georges V in Paris and headed an empire that also included the Bellman and San Régis hotels, as well as caterer Potel et Chabot.

“So in a way, it’s a return to the family roots,” he says. “It’s a way of broadening the experience well beyond the gastronomic event.”

Terrail has been paving the way for the transformation for the last decade.

In 2016, he raised more than 725,000 euros by selling off some of the contents of the restaurant and its legendary wine cellar at auction house Artcurial. A silver-plated duck press, used to prepare the signature Caneton Frédéric Delair, named after the 19th century chef who invented the recipe, went for more than 40,000 euros, more than six times its high estimate.

Terrail sees himself as a custodian of the family’s heritage.

“I was thrust into the business by my father,” he says. “In the beginning, I felt it was important to be humble toward this house. I needed some time to understand it and to make it my own, even if I’ve lived here my whole life. My 40s felt like the right age, the right moment, to start to shake things up and take some risks.”

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The Return of La Tour d’Argent and Summer Restaurant Buzz

“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.”

— Francois de Rochefoucauld (1613-1680)

What could be better than eating on a terrasse when the weather’s nice? Not only does summer bring wonderful weather to Paris, it also ushers in a flurry of restaurant openings and reopenings. Here’s the latest food news, including the highly anticipated return of the legendary Tour d’Argent.

La Tour d’Argent

Ever since the legendary restaurant closed on April 30th, 2022 for renovations, we’ve been waiting with bated breath for news. Now André Terrail proudly announces the reopening of La Tour d’Argent on Friday June 30th. Because, “everything has to change so that nothing changes”, he said. The goal: “To bring La Tour d’Argent, the most famous restaurant in the world (created 1582), into the 21st century.”

Architect Franklin Azzi completely redesigned the sixth-floor restaurant, with panoramic Seine views, keeping the iconic blue color, giving it a ceiling with kinetic effects. Luxuriously thick carpet, created by contemporary artist Margaux Lavevre, reinterprets and reflects the movement of the Seine.

The iconic map of Paris is reinvented by Antoine Carbonne who, through this painting in shimmering colors, recalls the history of the city of Paris and La Tour.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by La Tour d’Argent Paris (@latourdargentparis)

A bar, Les Maillets d’Argent, a tribute to the polo loving late Claude Terrail, has been created on the ground floor, serving cocktails, lunch and dinner. And up on the roof, the seventh floor, Le Toit de la Tour brings the skyline of Paris to life.

A spot to dine privately? Augusta’s Apartment, on the fifth floor, dedicated to André Terrail’s grandmother, will be the ultimate TDA experience. POA!

An exciting new story is about to begin for this incredible maison . From his newly decorated kitchen, Chef Yannick Franquès will send out his mouthwatering classic cuisine revised and corrected for 2023. Match with a choice of 300,000 wines from the cellars. See you there!

15-17 Quai de la Tournelle, 5th

Metro: Maubart-Mutualité

Tel: +33 (0)1 43 54 23 31

Open Tuesday-Saturday

La Tour d’Argent. Photo: Hirama

The quirky name that chef Maxime Bouttier chose for his first Paris address, “evokes, in Greek, the power of what cannot be seen, earthy fragrance,” he explains.

Originally from Le Mans, in the Sarthe region, Bouttier discovered his love of all things culinary aged 8 and, by the time he was 14, earned a BEP (Brévet d’Etudes Professionelles) in cooking, pastry and restaurant service.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by GÉOSMINE. (@geosmine.restaurant)

Valuable experience followed in Michelin star establishments: Le Beaulieu*, Le Mans, La Maison d’à Côté** with Christophe Hay, Le Taillevent, London, Le Pressoir d’Argent** at Le Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux, L’Atelier de Jean Luc Rabanel** Arles and, in Paris, at Mensae as head chef, with Thibaut Sombardier. Geosmine is on rue de la Folie Méricourt, near the Canal Saint Martin.

Discover an exciting contemporary concept by a dedicated young talent, really worth your attention.

What about the food? To begin, a nod to Le Mans, with cromesquis of hot rillettes, served on thistles, dipped in lard, accompanied by puff pastries with Mayenne butter, black shallots and fish roe bottarga. Oyster mushrooms, from the Loire Valley, roasted whole with XO sauce, topped with marrow and sardines. The chef does not hesitate to amaze with his current signature dish: cow udder, smoked cream with hay and Aquitaine Sturia caviar! The bread’s by Graine and desserts are divine.

Wines are in harmony with chef’s exciting cuisine, “which evolved during my culinary experiences and encounters.” The wine list created in tandem with sommelier Vincent Glaymann, travels between France, Greece, Spain, Austria, Germany and Italy for the 90% natural and or organic/biodynamic wines.

71, rue de la Folie Méricourt, 11th Tel: +33 09 78 80 48 59 Metro: Parmentier Lunch & Dinner from Monday to Thursday Lunch from €11-€49 8 course Dinner €109 with wine pairings +€69 11 course Dinner €139 + €119 wine pairings.

Talented, charming, Normandy-born chef Fréderic Vardon’s beautiful restaurant is located in the heart of the golden triangle, on the sixth floor of an imposing Haussmann building, overlooking the classic Parisian rooftops of Avenue George V.

Handsome shiny sliding windows look out onto a sublime suspended garden. The designer Raphael Navot, designer of the year 2023, created this unique setting to resemble a ship’s bow with, at its summit, a floating century-old olive tree. The perfect summer address, with exquisite food and cocktails such as L’Ultra Violet (€19) or Kiss-Me (€11)m after a hard day’s retail therapy. Admire the buzzing open kitchens and, in the distance, the Eiffel Tower!

39 Avenue George V, 8th Entrance – 17, rue Quentin Bauchart Metro: George V Tel: +33 01 56 62 39 05 Email: [email protected] Lunch from €49 + wine Dinner from €95 Closed Saturday-Sunday

Bouillon Chartier

“Everything’s going up, but not the prices at Bouillons Chartier,” promise the delightful management at BC, now part of the impressive Groupe-Joulie.

So see you there for the legendary egg mayo @ €2; fillet of saithe (cod) with shellfish sauce (€11); Aveyron sausage, served with creamy mashed potatoes, toujours €9. And the signature chou chantilly is still €3.80. With a bottle of Buzet – €10:

“With our menus, Bouillons Chartier remain faithful to the founders’ (1896) principles, the Chartier Brothers, Fréderic and Camille. Open 365 days a year serving traditional French cuisine,” they explain.

You’re served by immaculate staff wearing traditional rondin , black waistcoats with multiple pockets and long white starched aprons. Your bill’s written directly on the paper tablecloth. Pure theater.

Bouillon Chartier Gare de l’Est: 5 rue du 8 Mai 1945, 10th

Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards: 7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 9th

Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse: 59 boulevard du Montparnasse, 6th

Courtesy of Bouillon Chartier

Have you noticed the intriguing atmosphere when you exit the Garibaldi metro in Saint-Ouen to walk to Les Puces ? So much to see, discover, enjoy. So many exotic, eclectic, eateries.

Next time try HaSalon, the perfect culinary match to your puces purchases. Street food with attitude. Here’s Tel Aviv and its festive vibes transported to our favorite flea market.

You’ll adore self-taught Israeli chef Eyal Shani’s poetic approach to raw, fresh, pure and local ingredients. His talent is deconstructing the essence and spirit of national cuisine, which began in 1989 with Oceanus, his first seafood restaurant in his native Jerusalem.

Shani now heads 40 restaurants globally (including Miznon in the Marais) and has built a solid reputation following his participation as a Masterchef (Israel) judge. The products of his region: olive oil, tahini, fresh & seasonal vegetables, and “the precious tomato” which he holds in high esteem, are the components of his unique and instinctive culinary language. “A tomato is sweet and sour at the same time, and very versatile. Enjoy it raw, stewed, or grilled. stuff it, squeeze the juice out, or just eat the inside. Make a sauce, sashimi or a steak. Give me a tomato, and I’ll interpret 50 dishes or more”, he promises.

With his partner, Shahar Segal, their addresses are buzzing in London, Vienna, Paris, Cannes, Melbourne, Singapore, London, New York, Boston.

106 rue de Rosiers, 93400 Saint Ouen Tel: +33 01 84 21 04 30 Metro: Saint-Ouen Thursday, Friday 7 pm – 2 am Saturday 12 noon – 5 pm, 7 pm – 2 am Sunday 12 noon – 6 pm

Tran Anh Hung’s delicious film The Pot-Au-Feu takes inspiration from Marcel Rouff’s 1924 classic novel The Life and Passion of Dodin-Bouffant, Gourmet, winning the Prix Mise en Scene/Best Director at this year’s Cannes Film Festival . The film revives the story of a passionate gastronome who collaborates with his favorite servant, concocting incredible meals – to make sure she doesn’t leave! Wow!

Love is linked to cooking, bravo to Tran Anh Hung who made a name for himself with The Scent of Green Papaya (1993).

Pot-Au Feu stars Juliette Binoche (Eugenie) and Benoît Magimel (Dodin Bouffant) and, notable, among the extras, a certain Pierre Gagnaire, passionate about cooking as much as cinema – and vice versa – who, as culinary advisor supervised and revisited all the recipes used in the film.

“Tran Anh Hung dined at rue Balzac a few years back,” recalls Pierre Gagnaire. “That night there was pot-au-feu on the menu and he asked me if I’d share my input for a film he was in the process of working on. I said yes, without hesitation of course!” The rest as they say…. Chapeau PG!

In cinemas November 2023

Lead photo credit : Coffee with croissants against Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Photo Contributor: Tomas Marek on Shutterstock

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By margaret kemp.

Born in Hampton, Middlesex, UK, Margaret Kemp is a lifestyle journalist, based between London, Paris and the world. Intensive cookery courses at The Cordon Bleu, London, a wedding gift from a very astute ex-husband, gave her the base that would take her travelling (leaving the astute one behind) in search of rare food and wine experiences, such as the vineyards of Thailand, 'gator hunting in South Florida, learning to make eye-watering spicy food in Kerala;pasta making in a tiny Tuscany trattoria. She has contributed to The Guardian, The Financial Times Weekend and FT. How To Spend It.com, The Spectator, Condé Nast Traveller, Food & Travel, and Luxos Magazine. She also advises as consultant to luxury hotels and restaurants. Over the years, Kemp has amassed a faithful following on BonjourParis. If she were a dish she'd be Alain Passard's Millefeuille “Caprice d'Enfant”, as a painting: Manet’s Dejeuner sur l’herbe !

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Our history.

For three generations, the Terrail family has looked after this exceptional heritage, with the aim of passing on and reinventing an inimitable savoir-faire: the Art of Entertaining of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

1911  — 1947

1947  — 2006

2006 — today

André Terrail, the grandfather of the current owner, bought the Tour d'Argent from Frédéric Delair in 1914 and made Adolphe Dugléré's recipes and the rare bottles of Café Anglais part of his legend.

A tireless entrepreneur, the tour d'argent joins the collection of his many establishments, including san régis, georges v in paris, escargot montorgueil and potel & chabot. in 1947, andré terrail handed over the reins of the tour d'argent to his son, claude. under his leadership, the tour d'argent opened a second restaurant in tokyo, celebrated its 400th anniversary, and underwent a number of changes, keeping it at the very top of world gastronomy., a visionary entrepreneur and leader of men, history will remember him as a great maître de maison whose favourite maxim was: "there is nothing more serious than pleasure". passed away in 2006, his son andré is now carrying on the history of our great house. he joined the family business in 2003 and took over from his father in 2006. andré thus began a new chapter in the illustrious history of la tour. while meeting the expectations of a demanding clientele, he is committed to developing the company while respecting its heritage, and relies on a team of top professionals to embrace the spirit of the time., a unique historical heritage.

On the banks of the Seine

The first forks, the tower coat of arms, exceptional food and drink, lecoq, first chef of the tour d'argent ... and of napoleon, the three emperors' dinner, frédéric delair & the numbered duckling, le café anglais, a new decor, the tower rises, andré terrail, a legacy looking to the future.

Under Henry III, opposite the wine port and just past the Porte Saint-Bernard, a certain Rourteau opened an elegant inn that welcomed the King’s lords. The adjacent Château de la Tournelle, built of silvery Champagne stone, gave its name to the establishment, which became known as the Hostellerie de la Tour d’Argent.

16 th century

Already used in some Italian homes, the fork made its appearance in France at the Tour d’Argent. In order not to stain the immaculate strawberry that fashion imposed on the necks of gentlemen, Henri IV inaugurated this utensil at a dinner that caused quite a stir in Paris. From then on, the Tour d’Argent became the place to be, and Henri IV regularly came there to enjoy “La Poule d’Afrique ou l’Anguille des Bois” and “thick slices of heron pâté”.

18 th century

It was this same Henry IV who granted the Tour d’Argent the honour of bearing arms, and until the reign of Louis XIV the coat of arms “Cuisinier – Oyer – traiteur” could be seen above the hostelry door. The restaurant’s arms were: “Argent a plate covered with Sable between three wreaths of ivy and Vert”, while those of the hostelry were “a Tower Argent embattled on a field of Gules”.

From the time of Cardinal de Richelieu to the French Revolution, La Tour d’Argent remained the place for fine dinners. Legend has it that the Duke of Richelieu, the Cardinal’s nephew, hosted a dinner for forty people over a menu consisting entirely of beef prepared in thirty different ways! It was at the end of this meal that coffee cups first appeared. Excellent chocolate was also served at the Tour d’Argent. In a letter written in 1671, Madame de Sévigné wrote to her daughter that she enjoyed her chocolate every day on the Quai de la Tournelle.

With the revolutionary turmoil behind him, Lecoq, the imperial chef, rebuilt the Tour d’Argent restaurant. The restaurant once again became a venue for famous gourmets such as the Duc de Morny and the Countess Le Hon, the Lady of the Camellias and Lord Seymour.

It was in 1867, at the time of the Paris Universal Exhibition, that the Café Anglais reached its apogee. Just imagine! Alexander II, Tsar of all the Russias, the Tsarevitch and future Alexander III, William I, King of Prussia and future Emperor, as well as Prince Otto von Bismarck gathered at the same table. For these exceptional guests, Chef Dugléré will be preparing an exceptional menu comprising five starters, six main courses and four desserts.

For nearly seventy years, La Tour d’Argent has been supplied of its precious ducks by Burgaud in Chalans, Vendée, recognised as a “quality artisan producer” by the Collège Culinaire de France.

In 1911, on the eve of the First World War, André Terrail bought the Tour d’Argent. By marrying the daughter of Claudius Burdel, then owner of the Café Anglais, he brought together the gastronomic heritage of Frédéric and that of the no less illustrious Adolphe Dugléré, chef at the Café Anglais, no less than the most popular Parisian establishment of the Second Empire.

Before 1936, the Tour d’Argent restaurant, then on the ground floor, was covered in wood panelling. A sumptuous wrought-iron gate marked the new entrance, moved from 15 quai de la Tournelle to 17, at the corner of quai de la Tournelle and rue du Cardinal Lemoine.

You can imagine the architectural prodigies that had to be deployed to build the now-famous grand hall on steel blocks, the weight of which the main building would not have been able to support. At first, it was an open terrace, which was then covered with tarpaulins, and then with huge bay windows. Little by little, the Tower took on the unique structure it has retained ever since: the second dining room was opened up, the kitchens moved to the sixth floor, a slightly larger lift was installed, and the Tour d’Argent, with its breathtaking view of Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral and its islands, was born!

In 1947, André Terrail handed over the reins of the Tour d’Argent to his son, Claude. Under his leadership, the Tour d’Argent opened a second restaurant in Tokyo, celebrated its 400th anniversary, and underwent a number of changes to maintain its position at the very highest level of world gastronomy. A visionary entrepreneur and leader of men, history will remember him as a great Maître de Maison whose favourite maxim was: “There is nothing more serious than pleasure”. His son, André, who took over at his father’s death in 2006, continues the history of this great household.

The Tour d’Argent is not a museum but a theatre – Claude Terrail understood this perfectly – and for André Terrail, the challenge is to pass on the family heritage with an eye to the future. In 2022, buoyed by his initial successes and surrounded by a team of enthusiasts, André Terrail dared to take the boldest gamble since the 1936 renovation by his grandfather of the same name, who took the restaurant up to the 6th floor. At the end of a titanic worksite lasting more than a year and led by architect Franklin Azzi, La Tour d’Argent reopens its doors in August 2023 to unveil a revamped restaurant as well as completely new, tailor-made spaces. These immersive experiences, from the ground floor to the roof of the Tower, have been thought out down to the last detail by André Terrail, captain of the ship, who is thus brilliantly ushering La Tour d’Argent into a new century where the excellence, generosity and modernity of the House shine together in the Parisian sky.

IMAGES

Hailed as the oldest restaurant in Paris, La Tour d'Argent opened in
Argent Tower Wallpaper
Travel Curious Often
La Tour d'Argent finally reopens its doors in Paris
La Tour d'Argent finally reopens its doors in Paris
La Tour d'Argent

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La Tour d'Argent is a historic restaurant, bar, roof and apartment in Paris that offers a rich and vibrant history of hospitality and cuisine. Explore its four exceptional venues designed to entertain and enchant you any time, day and night.
La Tour D'Argent
Découvrez la Tour d'Argent, un restaurant gastronomique surplombe la Seine, Notre-Dame et l'Ile Saint-Louis. Le Chef Yannick Franques vous propose une cuisine contemporaine inspirée du patrimoine culinaire de la Tour d'Argent.
TOUR D'ARGENT, Paris
Tour d'Argent, Paris: See 2,706 unbiased reviews of Tour d'Argent, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #288 of 18,933 restaurants in Paris. Flights Vacation Rentals Restaurants ... 15 quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris France. 5th Arr. - Pantheon. 0.3 miles from Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris. Website. Email +33 7 77 27 37 15.
La Tour d'Argent
La Tour d'Argent (English: The Silver Tower) is a historic restaurant in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, France. It is located at 15 Quai de la Tournelle. ... Baedeker's 1860 guide to Paris describes the establishment's current location as "out of the way", while mentioning a restaurant associated with a low-cost "Hotel of the Tour d'Argent ...
Tour d'Argent
Enjoy modern cuisine and a stunning view of the Seine and Notre Dame at Tour d'Argent, a historic restaurant established in 1582. The restaurant offers a neo-Classical menu, a wine cellar with over 300 000 bottles, and a roof terrace for cocktails.
The Restaurant
15, Quai de la Tournelle Paris V e. Directions & map. [email protected] +33 1 43 54 23 31. Opening hours . Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 to 14:00 ... Belle-Hélène style, thin almond lace biscuit, vanilla ice cream, Tour d'Argent chocolate sauce . 01 . Tables with a view . 02 . Seasonal duckling, hibiscus powdered fillet, caillette ...
Tour d'Argent
Un restaurant mythique de Paris, fondé en 1582, qui propose une cuisine moderne et finesse, avec un beau plafond en acier à effet cinétique et une cave de plus de 300 000 bouteilles. Situé au 15 quai de la Tournelle, près de Notre-Dame, il offre une vue exceptionnelle sur le fleuve et la ville.
La Tour d'Argent
15-17 Quai de la Tournelle, Paris 75005. Find La Tour d'Argent, Paris, France, ratings, photos, prices, expert advice, traveler reviews and tips, and more information from Condé Nast Traveler.
La Tour d'Argent
La Tour d'Argent is a 400 year-old restaurant with an exceptional view overlooking the Seine and Notre Dame. It reopened in 2023 after a long renovation, and we recently returned four our fourth visit and loved the experience. We've included La Tour d'Argent among our 50 favorite restaurants in Paris. Read our full review of
TOUR D'ARGENT, Paris
Tour d'Argent. Page attribuée. Avis. Enregistrer. Partager. 0 avis Nº 278 sur 13 842 restaurants à Paris €€€€ Française Végétariens bienvenus. 15, Quai De La Tournelle, 75005 Paris France +33 7 77 27 37 15 Site Web Menu. Fermé à l'heure actuelle : Voir tous les horaires. Améliorer cette page établissement.
La Tour D'Argent Review
Chris Stang. December 12, 2016. According to a good friend and wine expert - a real one, not just a person who drinks a lot of wine - La Tour d'Argent has the best wine cellar in the world. As in almost 500,000 bottles. They're also famous for their pressed duck, which comes with a certificate if you buy it, like a vintage watch, or a house.
Tour d'Argent
Specialties: La Tour d'Argent : la vieille dame se porte toujours bien ! Sans conteste l'un des plus mythiques restaurants de Paris , avec sa vue exceptionnelle sur la Seine et l'arrière de Notre-Dame et ses hôtes illustres du passé comme Edouard VII, Charlie Chaplin ou encore Grace de Monaco. Un service qui s'apparente à un véritable ballet, et une cuisine gastronomique de tradition ...
Accueil
La Tour d'Argent est une maison historique située au cœur de Paris, qui accueille un restaurant, un bar, un toit et un appartement. Découvrez son histoire, son héritage et ses lieux d'exception, qui vous feront vivre une expérience unique et inoubliable.
Photos: Inside La Tour D'Argent, One of the Oldest Restaurants in Paris
May 27, 2022, 2:54 AM PDT. La Tour d'Argent is a time capsule intro classic French luxury dining. Josh Ong/Insider. La Tour d'Argent claims to be the oldest restaurant in Paris, serving diners ...
Michelin-Starred La Tour d'Argent In Paris Served Historic Kings
Before 1996, La Tour d'Argent held three Michelin stars, dropping to one that year. To modernize the space and turn things around, the restaurant closed for remodeling between April 2022 and ...
Restaurant La Tour d'Argent Review: Insights on its ...
Nestled on the banks of the Seine River in Paris, La Tour d'Argent is a legendary French restaurant known for its sumptuous cuisine and unparalleled dining experience.With a history dating back to the 16th century, this prestigious establishment has earned its reputation through offering exceptional food, impeccable service, and an intimate atmosphere that keeps patrons returning for more.
La Tour d'Argent finally reopens its doors in Paris
La Tour d'Agent. 17 Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris, Tel.01.43.54.23.31. More on Vogue.fr. Translated by Constance Caiola. Closed since the announcement of lockdown, this striking Parisian restaurant has just reopened its doors under the leadership of chef Yannick Franques.
The Reopening of One MICHELIN Star Tour d'Argent
The experience at the heart of La Tour: "All the developments made over the past 10 years at the Tour d'Argent are at the service of the table, of the gastronomic experience offered to our customers. So Le Boulanger de la Tour, our bakery, works above all for the restaurant; Kévin Derpierre, our Baker, offers a specific bread with each dish.
Tour d'Argent
MICHELIN Guide's Point Of View. Established in 1582, this elegant restaurant on the banks of the Seine gained a new floor in the early 20C, and with it one of the best views of Paris's emblematic river and Notre Dame! Tour d'Argent has continued to move with the times: on the ground floor is the Bar des Maillets d'Argent - which harks back ...
La Tour d'Argent Reopens Its Doors with a New Bar and Rooftop
The Roof of the Tour was previously unused. Now, secured and greened, you can enjoy an extraordinary 360° view of the Seine, Notre-Dame de Paris, and the Île Saint-Louis: the ideal spot for a romantic drink for two.On the menu, you'll have a tough choice between a glass of Chablis (€30) or Menetou-Salon (€20), unless you opt for a glass of La Tour d'Argent champagne (€28), to be ...
TOUR D'ARGENT, Paris
Tour d'Argent, Paris: See 2,706 unbiased reviews of Tour d'Argent, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #288 of 18,928 restaurants in Paris. Flights Holiday Rentals Restaurants ... 15 quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris France. 5th Arr. - Pantheon. 0.3 miles from Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris. Website. Email +33 7 77 27 37 15.
At La Tour d'Argent, a Scion Makes Something New With Something Old
La Tour d'Argent, the Paris institution known for its pressed duck and spectacular views of the Seine, has had a makeover. The restaurant, which traces its roots back to the 16th century ...
The Return of La Tour d'Argent and Summer Restaurant Buzz
La Tour d'Argent. Ever since the legendary restaurant closed on April 30th, 2022 for renovations, we've been waiting with bated breath for news. Now André Terrail proudly announces the reopening of La Tour d'Argent on Friday June 30th. Because, "everything has to change so that nothing changes", he said.
Our History
In 1947, André Terrail handed over the reins of the Tour d'Argent to his son, Claude. Under his leadership, the Tour d'Argent opened a second restaurant in Tokyo, celebrated its 400th anniversary, and underwent a number of changes, keeping it at the very top of world gastronomy. A visionary entrepreneur and leader of men, history will remember ...
Baker from Paris' oldest restaurant working magic in the Bay Area
The cross-bred viennoiserie was invented in Paris in 2022 by Stephane Louvard, now of Boulangerie Louvard, ... La Tour d'Argent, which claims to be the oldest restaurant in Paris. Established in ...