Love Affair with Georges

Georges: interior of the restaurant

Of course, Paris is home to tons of amazing restaurants, but last weekend I had the chance to go to one that I felt has something special above the rest. And when I say “above,” that is literally what I mean…

“Georges” is the name of the restaurant that sits on the top floor of the George Pompidou Centre. I had heard good reviews about this restaurant from several people, including some Parisians, so I have been dying to go but waiting for the right occasion since it is definitely on the pricey side.

When my friend’s parents arrived last Sunday morning and wanted to take us out to dinner that night, we decided that this would be the perfect opportunity to try it out; that, and on top of that it was one of the only nice restaurants on our list that was actually open on Sundays.

When I reached the top floor and got out of the elevator, I was immediately in love. The view was simply spectacular. As you walk down the corridor to the entrance of the restaurant, you come to the terrace, which would probably be the optimal dining location, weather permitting, before you actually enter the restaurant. When I got inside I was escorted through the modernly chic room to the table where my friend and her family were waiting. The room is completely enclosed by glass walls, so no matter where you sit, you are privy to a 360-degree view of the city.

The restaurant fits in completely with the modern art that is housed in this museum. The ceiling is brightly painted with exposed air vents and beams and there are these giant cave-like structures placed around the large room that are painted silver. Inside these structures are larger tables, of the most unusual shapes, where you would sit if you had an exceptionally large party, or were of particular importance.

The tables are sleek and even sexy, each with a tall vase containing a single, long stemmed rose and instead of a candle there is a light that dimly beams from inside the table. The wait staff is equally sleek and sexy, and to be honest, I wouldn’t expect anything less.

After eating one of the best meals I have had since I have been here in Paris, (wine, truffle ravioli in a cream sauce, and cheesecake 10x better than what we have in America) gazing over the city, pointing out all the landmarks we could find, and “ohhing and ahhing” as we watched the Eiffel Tower sparkle in the distance, I couldn’t have felt more satisfied.

This wasn’t my first rooftop dining experience, as I went to “Le Zyriab,” which is on the roof of the Institute du Monde Arabe (and which I would also highly recommend) with a group of my friends to celebrate one of their birthdays; however, there was just something about “Georges.” Maybe because I am a sucker for ambiance and atmosphere, or perhaps it was because there was a much younger scene at “George” but whatever it was, it just clicked for me and I really hope I will be able to go back before I leave.

Georges View: view from the terrace