Les Coltineurs: A romantic, local French restaurant near the Eiffel Tower
If you’re looking for a great restaurant near the Eiffel Tower that isn’t touristy, add Les Coltineurs to your Paris list. Opened in 2019, this modern bistro offers refined French cooking, warm service, and a truly local atmosphere. When we visited, the room was filled mostly with couples and neighborhood regulars : always a good sign.
Getting there : my little nighttime Paris ritual
Benoît came straight from work while I left from home, so we arrived from different directions and met at the restaurant : very Parisian. I took the metro and enjoyed a short walk through this elegant part of the 7th arrondissement, catching glimpses of Haussmann façades and, of course, the Eiffel Tower lighting up the night sky. No matter how long I’ve lived here, that sparkle still gets me every time.
I made it a mini date with myself and dressed up a bit: a vintage all-green outfit with a tweed vest, wool skirt, and my oversized trench coat that somehow works with everything. I even wore heels : a rare treat these days since I’m usually in practical shoes while leading tours around the city. The evening already felt special before I even sat down.
The atmosphere at Les Coltineurs
Les Coltineurs strikes the balance I love: stylish but relaxed. It doesn’t feel touristy at all, despite being so close to the Eiffel Tower. The servers are friendly and bilingual, happy to explain the menu and wine list without fuss or attitude. The vibe is intimate and warm : perfect for date night in Paris or a cozy dinner with someone you love.
What to order at Les Coltineurs: menu highlights
The cuisine at Les Coltineurs is seasonal French cooking with modern presentation : chef-driven but never pretentious. Here’s what stood out from our meal.
Starters that set the tone
Fried squid with chorizo
Tender calamari with a light, crispy coating, paired with smoky chorizo that added depth without overwhelming the delicate seafood. It went beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine.
Stacked leeks with emulsion sauce
This dish represents everything I love about French cooking: simple ingredients elevated through technique. The leeks were perfectly cooked, and the silky emulsion was rich without being heavy : elegant and very, very French.
Main courses: lobster and sweetbreads
Blue lobster from the tank
One of the restaurant’s signature dishes, this Normandy-style preparation features lobster picked fresh from the tank and served with golden fries. It feels festive and indulgent yet somehow still comforting. The lobster was sweet, perfectly cooked, and generous in portion.
Riz de veau (sweetbreads) with heritage vegetables
Benoît ordered this, and I’m still thinking about those vegetables. The restaurant uses “old” heritage varieties with deep, earthy flavors that taste like the French countryside. The sweetbreads were buttery and rich : a classic bistro dish executed exceptionally well.
Desserts worth saving room for
Profiteroles
Classic choux pastry filled with vanilla ice cream and topped with warm chocolate sauce : nostalgic, generous, and exactly what you want profiteroles to be.
Fig tart
Seasonal, elegant, and not overly sweet. Flaky buttery pastry with jammy figs that tasted like late summer on a plate.
Both desserts felt like a warm hug from French grandmothers everywhere.
Why I recommend Les Coltineurs
If you’re asking:
- where to eat near the Eiffel Tower
- best non-touristy restaurant by the Eiffel Tower
- romantic dinner in Paris with locals
- modern French bistro in the 7th arrondissement
…Les Coltineurs fits perfectly.
It’s elegant but not stiff, contemporary yet comforting, and already feels like one of those places people return to again and again.
Practical information : Les Coltineurs, Paris
- Restaurant name: Les Coltineurs
- Neighborhood: 7th arrondissement (Left Bank, near Eiffel Tower)
- Address: 83 Avenue de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris (verify before publishing)
- Metro nearby: École Militaire / Alma–Marceau / Pont de l’Alma (RER C)
- Opened: 2019
- Cuisine: modern French, seasonal, market-driven, seafood options
- Price range:
- Starters: €12–€18
- Mains: €26–€45 (lobster varies with market price)
- Desserts: €10–€14
- Reservation: recommended, especially evenings and weekends
- Atmosphere: local, couples, romantic, non-touristy
- Good for: date night, celebrations, dining near the Eiffel Tower without tourist menus
Booking & insider tips
- book ahead for Friday–Saturday
- ask about daily specials or market fish
- check whether the blue lobster is available
- sit inside for romantic evening lighting
- plan a post-dinner stroll to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle (every hour after dark)
FAQs
Is Les Coltineurs a touristy restaurant near the Eiffel Tower?
No. Even though it’s very close to the Eiffel Tower, Les Coltineurs feels genuinely local. Most guests are Parisians, and the menu focuses on seasonal French cuisine rather than tourist menus.
Do I need a reservation at Les Coltineurs?
Yes. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and weekends, as the restaurant is small and popular with locals.
What kind of food is served at Les Coltineurs?
Modern French cuisine with seasonal produce: fried squid with chorizo, sweetbreads, heritage vegetables, fresh blue lobster, profiteroles, and seasonal fruit tarts.
Is Les Coltineurs good for date night in Paris?
Absolutely. The intimate dining room, friendly bilingual service, and proximity to the Eiffel Tower lights make it perfect for a romantic dinner.
How expensive is Les Coltineurs?
Expect around €45–€80 per person, depending on whether you order seafood such as blue lobster and add wine.
Insider tips for dining near the Eiffel Tower
After years of living in Paris and guiding food tours, here’s what I’ve learned:
- avoid restaurants with photos on the menu
- always book ahead : good spots in the 7th fill up quickly
- ask for the plat du jour : often the best thing on the menu
- walk 5–10 minutes away from the tower for better food
- time your visit so you catch the sparkle on the hour
- dress up just a touch : Parisians appreciate the effort
Final thoughts: where to eat near the Eiffel Tower
Finding somewhere good to eat near the Eiffel Tower doesn’t have to mean settling for mediocre tourist traps. Les Coltineurs proves you can have refined French cuisine, warm service, and an authentic local atmosphere : all within walking distance of Paris’s most famous landmark.
Whether you’re celebrating something special, planning a romantic date night in Paris, or simply want to eat well in the 7th arrondissement, Les Coltineurs delivers. Book ahead, come hungry, and maybe wear the fancy outfit waiting in your suitcase.
You’re in Paris, after all. It’s worth it.
Other restaurants near the Eiffel Tower (quick alternatives)
While Les Coltineurs is my top pick, here are other solid options nearby:
- Le Petit Cler : cozy bistro, great for lunch
- Café de l’Homme : Trocadéro views, pricier but beautiful
- Arnaud Nicolas : outstanding charcuterie and wine
- Les Fables de la Fontaine : seafood-focused, Michelin-recommended
But honestly? If I’m taking someone special out near the Eiffel Tower, we’re going to Les Coltineurs.
