Man oh man: the Café de l’Homme
Thanks to the brothers Costes, hip restos jammed with arrogantly beautiful wait-staff are a dime-a-dozen in the French capital. Though few of them (sauf Georges, of course) are blessed with this kind of breathtaking view. Hidden within the somewhat fusty confines of the Muse de l’Homme at the Trocadero’s winged Palais de Chaillot, the Café de l’Homme opens to what must be one of the most prized terrace spaces in Paris: from your chicly simple table, enjoy an uninterrupted view across the Palais’ fountains to the city’s filigreed grand dame. And, with its plush use of burgundies and purples, massive chandeliers and subdued lighting, the interior ain’t bad either. But the service? Well, that’s another matter entirely. You won’t be fending off simpering advances from the coolly disinterested staff. Neither will you be experiencing raptures over the enjoyable-though-unsurprising mod French cuisine. Your best bet is come early and stick to cocktails (accompanying bowls of nuts are devilish moreish), keeping in mind the following friendly tips: tables with a view are first come, first served, and it’s meals-only service during lunch and dinner hours.