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With its exceptional Eiffel Tower views, elegant interiors and seafood-focused menu, Girafe has become one of Paris’s most sought-after dining destinations. Occupying a prime position within the Palais de Chaillot at the Trocadéro, the restaurant combines the charm of a traditional Parisian brasserie with a distinctly contemporary atmosphere.
Part of the Paris Society collection, Girafe is particularly appealing for its impressive setting and sophisticated approach to seafood. Its terrace offers one of the city’s most memorable dining backdrops, while the beautifully designed interior makes it an attractive destination throughout the year.
Parisian Elegance at the Trocadéro
Girafe occupies part of the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine within the Palais de Chaillot, an architectural landmark overlooking the Trocadéro Gardens and Eiffel Tower. Its historic surroundings lend the restaurant a sense of grandeur that continues throughout the interior.
Designed by French architect Joseph Dirand, the dining room draws inspiration from the glamour of 1930s Paris. Cream-coloured banquettes, polished marble, brass detailing and tropical greenery create a sophisticated yet welcoming space. Soft lighting and carefully considered furnishings complete the setting, giving the restaurant a timeless appeal.
The atmosphere is lively without feeling overly formal, attracting a fashionable mix of Parisians and international visitors. Whether for a leisurely lunch or an evening celebration, Girafe offers an inviting setting with plenty of character.
A Seafood Menu Rooted in French Tradition
Seafood is the centrepiece of Girafe’s menu, with an extensive selection of oysters, shellfish, raw preparations and cooked fish. Classic French techniques feature alongside contemporary flavours, while a smaller selection of meat and vegetarian dishes provides alternatives.
Oysters, Caviar and Raw Seafood
The oyster selection includes Fines de Claire Cadoret from Charente-Maritime, alongside Perle Noire and Spéciales Cadoret from Brittany. Oscietra and Beluga caviar are served with homemade blinis and Isigny cream, while seafood platters offer an opportunity to sample several specialities.
The Royal Platter, designed for two, brings together oysters, whelks, pink shrimp, crab claws, Norway lobsters and a whole blue lobster. For a more elaborate selection, the Girafe Platter adds raw seafood preparations and two glasses of Perrier-Jouët Champagne, with optional caviar.
Among the raw dishes, thinly sliced tuna is served with avocado and spicy condiments, while yellowtail sashimi comes with warm sesame oil and ponzu sauce. Sea bream tartare features black lemon and tangy cream, and sea bass ceviche combines coconut milk, citrus and cucumber. Gambero rosso carpaccio, finished with olive oil, lemon and fleur de sel, is also available with caviar.
Starters and Signature Mains
Cooked starters include American lobster ravioli in a curry and ginger broth, king prawns sautéed with basil and baby spinach, and squid with tomatoes, spinach and chorizo. Salt cod accras with spicy condiments provide another option, while the salads include king crab with avocado and cucumber, and artichokes with lamb’s lettuce, frisée and black truffle.
The main courses continue the seafood emphasis. American lobster linguine is prepared with tomatoes and herbs, while grilled Norway lobsters are accompanied by brown butter, ginger and fennel salad. Other highlights include sea scallops with parsnip, watercress and beurre blanc, tuna tataki with seaweed and grilled avocado salad, and cod with sorrel, gnocchi and mushrooms.
Grilled octopus is served with carrots, ginger, horseradish, chorizo and baby spinach. For a more traditional choice, sole is available grilled or meunière, while the catch of the day may include sea bass, sea bream, turbot or John Dory. Depending on availability, fish can be roasted, grilled, prepared meunière or cooked in a salt crust, with a choice of classic sauces.
Meat dishes include roasted chicken with morels and vin jaune, beef fillet with confit shallots and béarnaise sauce, and a rib of beef for two. Vegetarian options range from butternut risotto with Parmesan and pine nuts to black truffle linguine.
Desserts
The dessert menu features vanilla and praline-filled choux with warm chocolate sauce, exotic fruit cheesecake, and a chocolate and caramel tart with tonka bean. Other choices include chestnut and blueberry pavlova and an all-pistachio dessert.
For sharing, the waffle comes with Chantilly cream, chocolate sauce, exotic fruits, salted butter caramel and hazelnuts. Ice creams, sorbets and fresh fruit offer lighter alternatives.
Cocktails, Champagne and Fine Wines
Girafe’s drinks selection is equally considered, with creative cocktails, an extensive Champagne list and a substantial collection of premium spirits.
The signature cocktails take their names from celebrated artists. Matisse combines Bombay Sapphire and Malfy gin with blackberry and cacao, while Mare features Grey Goose vodka, pineapple, orange blossom and almond. Morris introduces tequila, mezcal, St-Germain, honey, lemon and chipotle, while Monet pairs gin and absinthe with apricot, mallow and verjus.
Classic favourites include the Negroni, Margarita, Old Fashioned and Moscow Mule, alongside alcohol-free creations such as Dufrêne, with pineapple, orange blossom and almond, and Ruskin, featuring elderflower, honey, lemon and chipotle.
Champagne is particularly well represented, with Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs and Veuve Clicquot Rosé available by the glass. The bottle selection includes Krug, Dom Pérignon, Ruinart and Louis Roederer, including Cristal. An extensive range of whiskies, cognacs and other spirits rounds out the offering.
Dining with the Eiffel Tower in View
Girafe’s terrace is among its most distinctive features, offering an exceptional perspective of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro. Its outdoor tables provide a memorable setting for lunch or dinner, particularly during the warmer months.
By day, guests can enjoy views of the tower and surrounding Parisian architecture. In the evening, the illuminated landmark creates an atmospheric backdrop, with its hourly sparkling display adding to the experience after nightfall.
The terrace operates seasonally and closes during winter. Given the restaurant’s popularity, reservations are advisable, although outdoor seating arrangements should be confirmed directly.
La Suite Girafe: An Elevated Parisian Experience
Nine floors above, La Suite Girafe offers a different perspective on the capital. Occupying the former private apartment of the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine’s curator, this separate restaurant combines Art Deco-inspired interiors with a panoramic terrace overlooking Paris.
Also designed by Joseph Dirand, La Suite retains an intimate, residential character, with elegant furnishings and expansive views. Its seafood-led cuisine follows a similar approach to Girafe, making it an appealing alternative for guests seeking a more secluded dining experience.
A Memorable Table in Paris
Girafe’s appeal lies in its combination of excellent seafood, elegant surroundings, and an enviable position overlooking the Eiffel Tower. The thoughtfully designed dining room and seasonal terrace give the restaurant a distinctive character, making it equally suited to a leisurely lunch or a special evening out.
For those planning a visit, booking ahead is recommended, particularly during the warmer months when terrace tables are in high demand. With its impressive setting and varied seafood menu, Girafe remains a standout choice for dining in Paris.
Location: Palais de Chaillot, 1 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris
