Review of our (almost free) lunch at L’Oiseau Blanc – The Peninsula Paris

We had already tried the tea time at The Peninsula Paris (which I really enjoyed). This time, we head up a few floors to test their Michelin-starred restaurant (2 stars in the Michelin Guide) with a view of the Eiffel Tower. As every year, we get 200 euros per year with our American Express Platinum card (referral code here) to enjoy a gourmet restaurant. This year, to properly celebrate JB’s birthday, we chose L’Oiseau Blanc.

The restaurant’s name pays tribute to the two French aviation pioneers, Charles Nungesser and François Coli, the first to attempt a non-stop transatlantic crossing in a biplane. They allegedly succeeded before disappearing forever in the Caribbean. A smaller replica of their plane, 11 meters wide, hangs in the air, simulating a flight toward the Eiffel Tower.

We were right to arrive early, because there are certain seats where I’m completely blinded by the sun (despite the curtains). In the end, we get a really nice table—I can see the Eiffel Tower while having lunch, it’s perfect! In the restaurant corridor, there’s plenty of information about the plane and the story of the two pilots.

Amex only gives us 200 euros for the “fine dining,” so we still pay the rest out of pocket. We opted for the “l’envol de saison” menu at 125 euros/person + drinks. This menu changes every six weeks, so you’re likely to get a different menu.

Here, there’s no risk of not finishing your plate. The portions are perfect—not too much, not too little.

The butter is served like ice cream—it’s so cute and delicious. The bread is really good too.

Everything is served on beautiful plates, and the textures and colors are very interesting.

At the end, I don’t know if it’s JB who mentioned it during the booking or if he gave his birth date, but they brought us a Peninsula groom made entirely of chocolate & a candle. What a surprise! Thank you!

We’ve been to several gourmet restaurants, starred or not. This one, despite some good elements, didn’t seem unforgettable to me. Maybe I should have ordered à la carte? Or tried the other menu? The dishes are technically and visually interesting, but I wouldn’t say it’s good. Let’s just say I’m glad the meal was partially covered by Amex, because I wouldn’t have found the value for money interesting. Then again, the setting is incredible, and the service is attentive and luxurious. I’ll also note for all my readers that I’m hard to impress.

At the next table, a man and a woman are having lunch, and we overheard the waiter offering them free wine after seeing… the man’s name on the reservation. We wondered who could get such VIP treatment. A friend, upon learning we were at L’Oiseau Blanc, told us his friend R. was there at the same time and that he’s a food influencer, respected by all the chefs in Paris. I checked his Instagram that day—it was indeed the man at the next table; he just shared photos on his account without saying a word about the food quality. He had a more extensive menu than mine, but his lack of compliments speaks volumes.

The Peninsula Paris is always lovely, and there are always beautiful luxury cars parked outside.