Travel

The Best Museum Cafés and Restaurants in Paris

Imagine ending your museum visit with a glass of wine or a seasonal tart, high above the rooftops of Paris or in a lush garden setting. Several museums in the city now offer rooftop terraces or garden cafés that elevate the cultural experience—literally. While some spots are full-service restaurants with panoramic views, others offer more intimate terraces perfect for a quiet coffee or apéro. In this guide, I’ve rounded up the best museum cafés and restaurants in Paris that let you dine, sip, or relax while soaking in the city skyline.

And if you’re looking for more sky-high views, check out my favorite rooftop bars in Paris.

Le Georges at Centre Pompidou: Parisian Views in the Clouds

Skyline view and tables at Le Georges rooftop restaurant
Sip cocktails above the skyline at this iconic rooftop restaurant with a panoramic view.

Le Centre Pompidou is the most important contemporary art museum in Paris, known for its colorful exterior and panoramic escalators. The most famous museum rooftop in Paris, Le Georges sits atop the Centre Pompidou with sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and Notre-Dame. Expect upscale modern French cuisine and sleek interiors with huge glass windows that frame the city like a postcard. Enjoy this one soon as it will be closing in September 2025 – reopening set for 2030!

Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
Reservations: https://beaumarly.com/etablissement/georges/

Fabula at Musée Carnavalet: Seasonal Fine Dining in a Secret Garden

Courtyard restaurant with greenery at Musée Carnavalet
From smoked beet carpaccio to garden cocktails, Fabula is a gastronomic retreat in the Marais.

A museum dedicated to the history of Paris, nestled in the Marais. Tucked into the lush courtyard of the Musée Carnavalet, Fabula is a seasonal terrace helmed by chef Thomas Chisholm. The setting is romantic and intimate—ideal for a summer dinner or cocktail beneath the trees in the historic Marais.

Address: 23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris
Reservations: https://www.fabula.paris/

Rose Bakery at Maison de Balzac: Quiche with a Literary View

Garden café with Eiffel Tower view at Maison de Balzac in Paris
Enjoy tea and quiche at the literary garden café of Maison de Balzac, one of the coziest museum cafés and restaurants in Paris.

The former home of author Honoré de Balzac. Hidden in a leafy courtyard with a rare view of the Eiffel Tower, this peaceful café offers organic quiches, cakes, and teas. A charming spot that feels far removed from the city.

Address: 47 Rue Raynouard, 75016 Paris
Reservations: maisondebalzac.paris.fr

Les Ombres at Musée du Quai Branly: Gourmet Dining with Eiffel Tower Views

Elegant restaurant setup with Eiffel Tower visible through glass at Les Ombres, Quai Branly
The breathtaking Eiffel Tower view from Les Ombres at the Musée du Quai Branly

Designed by architect Jean Nouvel, the Musée du Quai Branly–Jacques Chirac is one of the city’s most visually striking museums, nestled in a lush urban garden just steps from the Seine. The museum showcases a remarkable collection of Indigenous art and artifacts from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas—offering a global perspective that contrasts beautifully with the classical Parisian museum circuit.

On the rooftop, Les Ombres awaits with sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower, best enjoyed at sunset with a glass of wine in hand. The restaurant is enclosed in glass but offers access to its terrace and garden areas during warmer months. Expect fine dining in a contemporary space where the Eiffel Tower feels almost within arm’s reach. This is one of the most luxurious museum cafés and restaurants in Paris—and arguably one of the most romantic.

Address: 27 quai Branly, 75007 Paris
Reservations: https://www.lesombres-restaurant.com/

FIKA Café at the Swedish Institute: Nordic Calm in the Marais

Outdoor terrace under leafy trees at the Swedish Institute in Paris
Take a Scandinavian-style break with cinnamon buns and coffee under the trees.

A cultural space dedicated to Swedish culture. A relaxed café in the cobbled courtyard of the Institut Suédois, FIKA offers coffee and light fare with a Nordic twist. Not technically a rooftop, but the terrace is open-air and lovely on a sunny day.

Address: 11 Rue Payenne, 75003 Paris
Reservations: institut-suedeois.fr

Le Camondo at Musée Nissim de Camondo: Hidden Garden Elegance

Elegant courtyard dining at Le Camondo near Musée Nissim de Camondo
Tucked behind the Musée Nissim de Camondo, Le Camondo is a hidden gem for refined meals.

A museum set in a private mansion showcasing decorative arts. With one of the greenest terraces in Paris, Le Camondo is adjacent to the museum and makes a great lunch spot before or after a visit. The interior is just as lovely, blending Art Deco charm with modern touches.

Address: 61 bis Rue de Monceau, 75008 Paris
Reservations: https://madparis.fr/le-camondo-the-restaurant-1738

Mimosa at Hôtel de la Marine: Gourmet Fare in a Grand Setting

Elegant covered terrace at Mimosa, Hôtel de la Marine in Paris
Deviled eggs never looked so chic—dine in splendor at this chef-led table near Place de la Concorde.

A historic monument and cultural space on Place de la Concorde. While not technically part of a museum, Mimosa at the Hôtel de la Marine offers refined dining in a space filled with heritage. Think deviled egg “bars” and elegant interiors worthy of a chef like Jean-François Piège.

Address: 2 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008 Paris
Reservations: https://xn--jeanfranoispiege-jpb.com/mimosa

Bambini at Palais de Tokyo: Aperitivo with a Sunset Backdrop

Outdoor terrace of Bambini restaurant at Palais de Tokyo with Eiffel Tower in the background
Bambini brings a playful Italian aperitivo spirit to the Palais de Tokyo terrace.

Le Palais de Tokyo is Europe’s largest center for contemporary art. This lively Italian restaurant from Paris Society offers a sunny terrace with front-row Eiffel Tower views. Expect spritz cocktails, Neapolitan-style pizza, and a crowd of stylish Parisians catching sunset apéros.

Address: 13 Av. du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris
Reservations: https://palaisdetokyo.com/bambini/

Café Lucy at Musée de l’Homme: Anthropology Meets Eiffel Tower Magic

Terrace seating at Café Lucy at Musée de l’Homme overlooking the Eiffel Tower
Café Lucy at the Musée de l’Homme offers one of the best unobstructed Eiffel Tower views in Paris.

A museum focused on anthropology and human evolution. Located in the Trocadéro, this lesser-known rooftop café has one of the best Eiffel Tower views in town. The Musée de l’Homme’s terrace is a peaceful spot for a post-visit coffee or lunch.

Address: 17 Place du Trocadéro, 75016 Paris
Reservations: https://www.cafedelhomme.com/

Foundation Azzedine Alaïa Courtyard Café: Design Lover’s Refuge

Shaded café in the courtyard of the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa
Tucked behind Alaïa’s showroom, this stylish café is a quiet favorite in the Marais.

A fashion museum and gallery space honoring the designer. This hidden courtyard café within the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation is a minimalist haven for design lovers. A chic place to pause between shopping and visiting an exhibition with a light bite or coffee.

Address: 18 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris
Website: https://fondationazzedinealaia.org/cafe-restaurant/

Café at Musée Rodin: Sculpture Garden Serenity

Garden café with umbrellas at Musée Rodin in Paris
Surrounded by sculptures and blooms, enjoy a poetic lunch in this tranquil garden café in the center of Paris.

A museum dedicated to the life and works of Auguste Rodin. Overlooking the serene sculpture gardens of the Musée Rodin, this quiet café is one of the most relaxing spots to enjoy a coffee or lunch. Surrounded by masterpieces and greenery, it feels like a hidden retreat in the 7th.

Address: 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
Website: musee-rodin.fr

Forest at Musée d’Art Moderne: Artistic Dining with a View

The Forest restaurant terrace at Musée d’Art Moderne with view of Eiffel Tower
The Forest restaurant terrace at Musée d’Art Moderne with view of Eiffel Tower

A modern art museum facing the Palais de Tokyo. This psyché-digital space is a favorite among foodies and creatives alike. Forest offers an immersive dining experience with Eiffel Tower views and a dynamic, ever-changing atmosphere.

Address: 11 Av. du Président Wilson, 75016 Paris
Website: https://www.restaurants-forest.com/

Café Renoir at Musée de Montmartre: Greenery and Quiet in the 18th

White wrought iron café tables and chairs in the garden at Musée de Montmartre
Café Renoir offers a serene garden setting in the heart of Montmartre’s art history.

An art museum housed in a former artist residence. Surrounded by the historic Renoir Gardens, this peaceful café is the perfect escape from busy Montmartre. Think vintage conservatory charm, light fare, and quietude.

Address: 12 Rue Cortot, 75018 Paris
Website: https://museedemontmartre.fr/en/musee-jardins/#jardins-renoir

Café Mulot at Maison de Victor Hugo: Where Literature Meets Patisserie

Red tables and trees in courtyard café at Maison de Victor Hugo
From literary salons to tartes aux fruits, Café Mulot celebrates French culture in every bite.

The historic home of author Victor Hugo, located in Place des Vosges. Set in the Place des Vosges, this leafy café is part of the Maison de Victor Hugo museum and blends literary charm with Parisian elegance. It’s run by the beloved bakery Mulot, originally located near Marché Saint-Germain, known for their beautiful catering and exquisite tartes aux fruits. (We even served their tarte aux fraises for dessert at our civil wedding lunch!)

Address: 6 Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris
Website: maisonsvictorhugo.paris.fr

Café des Amis at Musée de Cluny: Medieval Calm in the Latin Quarter

Outdoor café seating in the stone courtyard of Musée de Cluny
The Café des Amis offers a peaceful medieval pause in the heart of Paris’ Latin Quarter.

A museum showcasing medieval art and architecture. This medieval-meets-modern courtyard café is a serene place for a drink or bite in the Latin Quarter. Expect peace, ambiance, and historic charm.

Address: 24 Rue du Sommerard, 75005 Paris
Website: https://www.musee-moyenage.fr/en/site/a-21st-century-museum.html

Les Petites Mains at Palais Galliera: Fashion, Food, and Eiffel Tower Views

Garden terrace with Eiffel Tower views at Palais Galliera
Surrounded by fashion and florals, Les Petites Mains blends haute couture and cuisine.

The City of Paris’ fashion museum, housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts building. Set in the sculpture-filled gardens of the Palais Galliera, Les Petites Mains is one of the only terraces in Paris where you can dine with an Eiffel Tower view after an exhibition. The menu leans seasonal and fresh, designed by chef Jared Phillips.

Address: 10 Av. Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75116 Paris
Reservations: https://www.lespetitesmains.paris/

Le Grand Café at the Grand Palais: A Monumental New Brasserie

Colonnaded outdoor terrace with white tablecloth tables and greenery at Le Grand Café in Paris's Grand Palais
The majestic colonnaded terrace at Le Grand Café, the Grand Palais’s new restaurant blending timeless architecture and brasserie charm.

The Grand Palais, the iconic Beaux-Arts monument near the Champs-Élysées, now hosts one of Paris’s most elegant new museum dining destinations: Le Grand Café. Designed by celebrated French architect Joseph Dirand, the space blends nostalgia and grandeur with rust-colored velvet banquettes, soaring 60-foot ceilings, and a colonnaded terrace blooming with camellias and magnolias.

Live jazz performances add to the charm, while the menu revives traditional French brasserie fare with a refined touch—think buttery sole meunière, île flottante, and citrus-crusted veal sweetbreads. Whether you stop in after an exhibition or reserve an evening table, Le Grand Café delivers a sensory experience as rich as the art it neighbors.

Address: Rotonde Clemenceau, 1 place Clemenceau, 75008 Paris
Reservations: legrandcafe-paris.com

Bonus: Paris Views Without Cafés

Musée Picasso Rooftop

Rooftop terrace with tables at Musée Picasso café in Paris
Take a break at the museum’s airy rooftop café, overlooking the historic Marais.

A museum focused on the life and works of Pablo Picasso. While there’s no café or restaurant here, the Musée Picasso occasionally opens its rooftop for special events and exhibitions. If you’re lucky enough to visit during one of these, the view over the Marais is well worth it.

Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris
Website: museepicassoparis.fr

Musée d’Orsay Rooftop Terrace

Evening view of the rooftop terrace at Musée d'Orsay with elegant arches and garden elements
A rare peek at the hidden rooftop terrace of the Musée d’Orsay, typically reserved for private events

A former train station turned museum, home to Impressionist masterpieces. Musée d’Orsay’s seasonal terrace café offers views over the Seine and is the perfect pause between Impressionist masterpieces. Less formal than the main restaurant, but a true hidden gem.

Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris
Website: musee-orsay.fr

Final Thoughts

Pairing Parisian culture with rooftop views is a unique experience that adds a whole new layer of charm to your museum day. Whether you’re here for a garden lunch, an artful apéro, or a sunset dinner with skyline views, these rooftop spots let you enjoy the best of both worlds: food and art. Bon appétit! Explore even more of the best museum cafés and restaurants in Paris and make each visit memorable.

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