La Rôtisserie d'Argent — Restaurant in Paris

I would like to first note that right from the beginning we felt extremely welcomed by all of the wonderful attendants at Tour d’Argent. We were given the pleasure of comfort and leisure to make for a night we could always remember. We were provided the best table and were so happy to view our last night in Paris overlooking your beautiful city. We had eaten at 3 Michelin restaurants in Paris one of which was Le Meurice. We had been so pleased by the welcoming nature of every place including Tour d’Argent.

The waitress was so kind to our daughter and presented each dish excellently. Unfortunately, we quickly lost our experience just following the presentation of the great and extensive wine collection by the Sommelier who had a tattoo of a cross in the back of his neck. We asked for his opinion regarding pairing our wine with our pescatarian selection since it was Friday during Lent.

The Sommelier simply told us one white wine we should have for our first and said something under his breath. He did not come back to our table and we were without wine for the next course. After his first presentation, we did not see him again despite him standing at the front talking with the other staff in a full restaurant, and rather the young gentleman who had been serving our water, came to our table to ask us for what we wanted for our next wine. He presented the big book again as if he was a Sommelier.

We know a Sommelier is identified by their pin and extensive knowledge even though he presented himself and one. The young gentlemen could not describe any of the wines. We informed him that the Sommelier was supposed to have wine selection for us. The young gentleman proceeded to tell us that he was here to help and we should get red wine for the meat course even though we were suppose to have a fish menu. He brought out the book again but this time showed us the front page and said this is what you have available by the glass. We let him know that we were planning on having fish, but he had said that we were going to have meat and should select a red wine next not a white wine. We were confused at this point, and decided to go with his recommendation for the red wine.

However, when our main course was presented, it was the fish selection. Therefore, the red wine, which was very bold, not at all paired with our food selection. In fact, we were very disappointed in how it overrode the delicate preparation of the chefs cuisine. We knew better but decided to take the guidance of your staff.

We have dealt with many Sommeliers and have visited Michelin starred restaurants all over the world. We have had only one other experience that was poorly executed by the Sommelier like the one here with the cross on his neck. The shame is that this role in the orchestrating of a great dinner is just as important as the chef preparing the food or the wait staff presenting the cuisine. We highly respect their wine expertise and appreciate their guidance in bringing us the best notes from the wines they often select for us. I prefer their recommendations because they are the experts. Everyone at Tour d’Argent did their part except him and it was further misguided by the waiter who served water and had no idea what our dinner was or the wine selections.

The billing did not match our wine selection which was corrected. In the end, I would have expected we would not have paid for the red wine at all considering we informed the staff and the new Sommelier that we were told to select bold reds with the light fish prepared for us. We also did not drink the wine recommended.

I emailed twice to Monsieur André Terrai without a reply. Unfortunately, this is a restaurant for the view and not for...

#40 follow my Michelin Stars Marathon reviews on Googlemaps list On top of the world!

If you’re French, sitting in la Tour d Argent, you’re feeling like you’re on top of the world… and you are since you have a magnificent view over, what we French consider as the world: Paris and Notre Dame. I know what you’re going to say: it’s expensive. You’re right. It is. Is it really though ? The lunch menu is less than a very average 3 stars hotel in the city center. Which memories will last a lifetime? A meal at La Tour or an hotel night in a very average place? I had the good fortune of speaking with the manager of the group (they also have a bakery -aka “oh my god those croissants are so good”, and an epicerie ). Interestingly, the difference with the others famous star Michelin in Paris, is that the proportion of none Parisian French customers is uniquely higher, allowing them to reopen way before the other big names. It does make sense. I wouldn’t live in Paris, why wouldn’t I eat in a place where I enjoy Paris, a great cuisine and an impeccable service? Still, for the French, we save this restaurant for the “grandes occasions”, exceptional events like engagement, diplomas, etc… well, I’m living 2 mn walk from the place, I feel like I need to more exceptional event in my life… So when I went, the restaurant patrons were mainly French, which is really different from other place I went (see my review on Septime). To make it short, if you want to be amongst wealthy French, now you know the address. Which brings me to another point: the dressing code/mood. You ll receive an email after you booked reminding you that you should dress properly. Well, I think it’s important because I think there are places, where it’s great when all the patrons are well dressed. Being well dressed, it’s not only important for your experience, but also for the others, as you’re participating in creating an unique memory. I would feel as I m not respecting the other patrons (especially the couples) moment by not dressing up. I saw some French guy in chic, yet slightly casual, I was about to call the fashion police on them! One last thing, don’t worry about it being to « formal « , the waiters will know how to put you at ease. It’s the quality of all the good Michelin Stars waiters, nice enough to be at ease, distant enough to feel respected. Here you have la crème de la crème. But what about the food, I hear you wondering. It’s true that the setting, the history and the service will first occupy your mind. But then, you wonder if the cuisine will be up to the same level. The task is incredibly difficult. You went to be classical, yet haute cuisine, with some innovations (but not too much). The chef, who is a “meilleur ouvrier de France “ (like “top chef”, but before, without cameras and really focus on the cuisine…) manages to avoid the traps, and delivers beautifully. He manages to get out alive of this culinary “mine field “. Look at my pictures. It’s as good as it looks. It’s perfectly executed, coherent, balanced and perfectly in line with the rest of the experience. Which is another fit in itself.

It’s a very well deserved star, a top tiers one star. It’ll create memories, that’ll you speak about years later. And I need to find a good...

Although this was not my first time eating at La Rotisserie D’Argent, it was my first outdoor dining experience there. The early June weather seemed primed for a meal on the terrasse (terrace). This is set up on the northwest corner of Quai de la Tournelle and Pont de la Tournelle, one of the bridges connecting the city to Ile St. Louis. Born out of the pandemic, the outdoor location now seems to be an established extension of the restaurant during good weather.

The bridge’s wide sidewalk provides space for two and four top tables. Wooden planter boxes give a sense of separation from the foot and car traffic. The tables next to the bridge railing have an unobstructed view of the Seine, Ile St. Louis, Notre Dame, and, alas, the reconstruction works and equipment. When the sun begins to set, however, the view is enchanting!

My friend and I had dinner on the terrace for our first and last restaurant meals in Paris. The first night’s dinner started with a La Rotisserie’s version of the French classic eggs and mayonnaise, followed by perfectly cooked sea bream. Our food was well prepared and delicious, especially the chilled white asparagus and Chartreuse sauce that was the starter for our final dinner. We didn’t know if Chartreuse was an ingredient or referred to the color of the sauce. Regardless, it was so good that we didn’t let a drop go waste and used bread to capture all of it. My friend’s request for a vegetarian main course resulted in a delightful mélange of eggplant and tomatoes accompanied by haricots verts, grilled baby hearts of romaine, and little roasted potatoes. I thoroughly enjoyed my glazed pork belly and shitake mushrooms, as well as the silky carrot ginger puree that complemented them.

The service was professional and attentive, and we were astonished with how much work is involved serving dinner on the bridge. The waiters constantly cross Quai de la Tournelle, a busy street that separates the restaurant from the terrace. They must carry everything back and forth: all of the food and drink and trays heavily laden with used dishes, glasses, and silverware. It’s helpful to keep this in mind if it takes a little longer than expected to receive your meal or drinks. Although the outdoor area must close by 10 p.m., those who wish to linger over dessert or a digestif can do so inside the restaurant.

I understand that La Rotisserie’s sister restaurant and near neighbor, La Tour D’Argent, offers a notable perspective of the river and Notre Dame from its sixth floor location. However, after my latest visits to La Rotisserie it’s difficult to imagine how seeing that view through a glass window could compare to a picture perfect summer dinner...