lunch at the eiffel tower?

Maybe, but I also think only you can really answer if it's worth it for you. Personally, I don't (usually) like to spend my money this way, however, sometimes I do. In my experience, restaurants that are located so that just being in them is an "experience" do not have the "best" food and is any meal really worth $200? And, what if the weather is not good when you are there? On the other hand, it is Paris and it is the Eiffel Tower. If you can afford it and the experience appeals to you, then why not? Ultimately, you have to define your own trade-offs and make your own evaluation.

I think I'd rather get a picnic and eat it in the park area while gazing AT the Eiffel...

Well , its one way to skip the long lines if you haven't prebooked tickets,, personally for me I wouldn't but its just because thats alot of money for my budget. I do assume you mean at Jules Verne,, I wouldn't bother with the other place up there, Tour 58,, looks like a cafeteria.

nope

Yes Jules Verne restaurant...discussed it and its a go. Thank you for your replies and suggestions .I will post all about the trip when i get home. Heading to Paris for three days then to Italy for the remainder of a two week vacation.

Hi Laura, I'd say yes it is worth it. We had dinner there in 2010 to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. The food, the view and the service are superb. After your meal let them know that you 'd like to go up to the top floor or out on the observation deck. It is a once in a lifetime experience- I know I'll never spend that much on a meal again but we felt it was worth it.
Marilyn

Thank you Marilyn,,, that makes me feel a lot better. Will post when I get home!!!!

Laura, Yes! You are on holiday. It's well worth it. I can see from your price that your looking at the Jules Verne restaurant, and not the 58 Tour Eiffel. It's romantic, lofty, exciting. Get your reservations well in advance, though, as it books weeks ahead of time. My wife and I had dinner there, and we still remember it. Some things you just have to do in life, even if they are considered touristy. (Kissing the Blarney Stone, touring Ludwig's castle, standing all alone in the rain in the amphitheatre in Pompeii, yelling "Are you not entertained?" at the top of your lungs, etc.) You will always remember it whenever you see the Eiffel Tower on the telly.
Also, if you are going to there for a few days, hit the restaurant Je The' Me on 4, rue de d'Alleray in the 15th Arrond. Menu changes all the time, but the roasted duck and the baba rum cake desserts are off the chain. Signing off as it is almost 11:30 here in Sindelfingen, DE. Cheers!