It usually happens that I'm still touring a museum when hunger pangs hit, and I'd much rather stay in the museum than leave, find food, and return. My experiences with museum cafés in London have generally been good. (I remember a particularly good chicken and leek pie at the Natural History Museum.)
Does anyone have any thumbs-up or thumbs-down info for museum cafés in Paris? I've heard the one in the Musée D'Orsay is pretty good.
We had lunch last month at the D'Orsay. The food was very good; however, we were eating lunch late (around 2:00) and several items were sold out. It was a bit more expensive than most museum restaurants---I think we paid about 12 euros each for a piece of quiche and some sort of variation on a melted cheese / chicken sandwich. We did get a nice view--the restaurant is on the top floor.
The Louvre has a huge shopping centre on the lowest level---many restaurants, even a Starbucks. I didn't see any restaurants at the Carnevalet or the Cluny.
I like the food court -- on the mezzanine of the shopping mall attached to the Louvre. I eat there virtually every time I'm in Paris.
Teresa, I had a very nice lunch at the Musee du Quai Branly (27 quai Branly, 7e). It was the first Sunday of the month so the museums were free. I was just walking around looking for a restroom and something to eat when I found this lovely place. I had lunch at the outdoor terrace, in the middle of a garden, with a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower. I had a salad with anchovies, bread, and coffee for about 14e. The museum was nice, it just opened in 2006 and focuses on Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Thumbs up for this one!
Donna: Was the café at the Branly separate from the museum itself, such that one wouldn't necessarily have to purchase admission to the museum in order to eat there? The Branly is close to where we'll be staying, but I must admit I don't have a whole lot of interest in that area of art.
It is a common Sunday afternoon event to go to museum have lunch there and tour exhibits.
Food can always be hit or miss. In general, stay away from your typical American fare and you will find okay prices (i.e. Coke, hamburger etc). Another way to save money is that typically tap water is available in carafe. Save some cash on the bottles.
No chicken leek pie in Paris - sorry. Quiche of the day with a small salad - always a good bet.
We had a great time at the Rodin Gardens. Maybe a bit expensive, but worth it for the atmosphere and scenery.
We ate at the cafe in the Louve. Lunch does not get served until noon, and we arrived at 11:30. They would not let us wait for 1/2 hour (even with drinks) which shocked me. It was a bit pricey, but to sit outside and look at the pyramid was relaxing.
If you want to eat a cheaper meal, on the ground floor of the Louve is a cafeteria and a sandwich kiosk. The prices were more reasonable, but you don't gt the view.
Teresa - You're correct - the entrance to the Cafe Branly was separate from the museum. Here's their website: http://www.quaibranly.fr/en/musee/restaurant-service/index.html
I ate at the Louvre, but it was very busy and there was a wait. The food was alright.
I didn't eat at the one in D'Orsay but there was a huge lineup there as well.
http://troi.cc.rochester.edu/~tdip/tomsguidetoparis.htm
Hi Teresa --- The above link is to Tom's Guide to Paris. Tom lives there. If I were making a list of Paris restaurants to visit, I would click on Tom's EATING icon. There, he gives information on several eateries, including one he considers his favorite "in all the world". If you have further questions, you may always click on CONTACT ME and email Tom your remaining question(s). He is sure to answer you promptly. bon appétit! P
