The 16th arrondissement has always been that fancy corner of Paris where money hangs out. Tucked inside the Palais de Tokyo, Monsieur Bleu sits right between the modern art scene and the Seine with the Eiffel Tower showing off in the background. This spot opened as the first Paris Society restaurant and basically became the blueprint for what they do. Chef Benjamin Masson runs the kitchen.

Key highlights:

- Killer views of the Eiffel Tower from the terrace and dining room - Art Deco design by Joseph Dirand with green marble and velvet everywhere - Open seven days a week from lunch through late night

PROFILE

The restaurant is inside a 1937 building that was originally made for art exhibitions. Now one wing is a contemporary art museum and the other houses this restaurant. It can seat about 80 people inside plus more on the garden terrace. The space was designed to look sharp but not stuffy. They do lunch Monday through Friday, weekend brunch, and dinner service that goes until 2am every night. You can walk in but reservations are the smarter move.

AMBIENCE

Joseph Dirand designed everything and the guy clearly likes green. There are green velvet seats and Connemara green marble tables scattered around. The Lalique glass panels catch light in weird ways throughout the day. Big windows face the Seine and give you those Eiffel Tower shots everyone wants. The vibe shifts depending on when you show up. Lunch is calmer and dinner gets louder with a DJ sometimes spinning tracks. Inside can get pretty dark especially in the corners. The terrace only opens when weather cooperates so winter guests miss out on the best views.

MUST-TRY

The langoustine ravioli with foie gras gets mentioned in almost every review. People lose their minds over this dish. The truffle pasta is a classic here and regulars order it without even looking at the menu. That pizzeta with summer truffle also has a cult following. For mains the caramelized black cod stands out. The chargrilled octopus is another solid pick that shows up on Instagram a lot.

FOOD

The menu mixes French techniques with international flavors. Nothing too weird but also not your grandma's bistro cooking. Starters run strong with options like tuna tartare and smoked salmon. The ravioli appetizer might be the best thing they make. Main courses include seabass with tomatoes and basil, roast chicken with morels, and a spicy beef that gets crazy reviews. Portions on some dishes can be small for the price though. Desserts include chestnut pavlova with blackcurrant, classic mille-feuille, and apple tart with salted butter caramel. The French toast at brunch also hits different.

SERVICE

Staff speaks English and French without making you feel dumb. They move fast and keep tables turning. Some reviewers said service was attentive and friendly. Others complained about getting seated in bad spots even with reservations. There was one story about a proposal gone wrong because staff stuck a couple in a dark corner despite advance notice. So experiences vary wildly depending on your luck. Valet parking is available which is clutch in this part of town. Private event bookings are also a thing if you got the budget.

PRICING

Average meal runs between 40 to 60 euros per person. That is before drinks which can rack up quick. Brunch is 25 euros for basic options and goes up from there. The croque-monsieur with 18-month Comté costs 25 euros alone. They add truffle to stuff for an extra 15 euros. Kids menu is 30 euros which includes juice, main,and dessert. This is three dollar sign territory on most review sites. You are paying for the location and the scene as much as the food.

SUMMARY

Monsieur Bleu works best when you want to impress someone or celebrate something. The setting does a lot of heavy lifting. Food quality is genuinely good especially appetizers and certain signature dishes. Mains can be hit or miss with some coming out bland or tiny. Service ranges from great to frustrating with no real pattern. Getting a good table seems to be random luck. If you can snag a terrace seat during nice weather it is probably worth the hype and the price. Winter visits inside might leave you wondering what all the fuss was about.

FAQs

Do you need a reservation at Monsieur Bleu?

Reservations are recommended especially for dinner and weekend brunch. They take walk-ins when space allows but you might end up in a less desirable spot or waiting a while.

What is the dress code?

There is no strict dress code but people tend to dress nice since it is a fine dining spot. Casual chic works fine and you will fit right in with the crowd.

Can you see the Eiffel Tower from inside?

Yes the dining room has big windows facing the Seine and Eiffel Tower. The terrace gives you even better views but it only opens in good weather so check before you go.