When we were in Paris for the Olympics, we chose to spend one night à deux dining at one of France’s most lauded restaurants. After some deliberation, we chose Le Tour d’Argent, a restaurant we’d heard so much about over the years. With its history, incredible views, and promise of a truly iconic meal, it felt like the perfect place to sneak away for a few hours and soak up the magic of Paris.
Le Tour d’Argent is one of those places that feels like you’re stepping into a piece of Parisian history. It’s been around since 1582, and from the moment we sat down at our table overlooking the Seine, I knew we were in for something truly special. This wasn’t just another meal—it was a bucket-list experience.
We kicked off the night with a glass of champagne in the bar, soaking in the old-world charm before being seated. Once at the table, we were handed Le Grand Livre du Vin—and let me tell you, they don’t call it grand for nothing. This wine list is a 400-page, 5kg anthology with over 15,000 wines to choose from, out of a cellar holding more than 300,000 bottles. Some of them date back to the 18th century, so flipping through it felt like reading through history. After much deliberation, we settled on a 2000 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Aux Combottes from Domaine Dujac.
Here’s a little tip: I wish we had visited earlier in the day to select our wine, allowing it time to decant properly. So, while we waited for the Burgundy to open up, we sipped on a glass of 2021 Fronholz Domaine Ostertag Riesling from Alsace, which paired beautifully with a light soup course, an interpretation of a classic French vichyssoise. Thank goodness for a light dish, because what was to come next blew my mind: Goose Foie Gras de Trois Empereurs, a decadent presentation of goose liver which was scooped out of a refrigerated canister and onto a plate like ice cream, complete with – what I imagine were the trois empereurs – truffle confit, port jelly, and caramelized onion chutney. And let’s talk about the plate? It said, “Il n’est rien de plus serieux que le plaisir” (There is nothing more serious than pleasure). Indeed.
Next came the Pike Quenelles—fluffy, light mixtures of creamed fish—served in a Champagne zabaglioni cream. This dish was followed by Sully Sole Filet in a white wine sauce with a vegetable coulis, a beautiful example of how simple, fresh ingredients can be elevated with expert technique. Then came the star of the show: the pressed duck. In 1890, Frédéric Delair, one of the restaurant’s former owners, created the recipe for Canard au Sang (pressed duck), and he started numbering each duck they served to keep its legacy alive. We were given a card with our duck’s number—another unique memento from the night.
For dessert, a refreshing raspberry dish rounded things off. It was not too heavy, just the right amount of sweet and tart to close the evening. However, if I have to be completely honest with you, le vin was definitely kicking in, and I forgot to get a personal menu (super rare for me). I couldn’t really tell you more about the dessert and the mignardises that followed, but it was all spectacular -the history, the traditions, and the care that went into every detail. Le Tour d’Argent isn’t just about dining—it’s about experiencing a slice of Paris that’s been savored by so many over the centuries. So where to dine next in Paris for a completely outrageous and legendary meal…Jules Verne? L’Arpege? Drop me a line and let me know where you want to go! xoM
