Loulou

Loulou is an upscale Italian-French restaurant tucked inside the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, with a terrace that overlooks the Jardin des Tuileries. It's one of the most beautiful dining locations in Paris, and surprisingly welcoming to families despite the refined setting.

The terrace is the reason to come. On a sunny day, you're eating with views of the Tuileries' formal gardens, fountains, and the Louvre wing across the way. Kids can watch joggers, carousel riders, and park-goers while parents enjoy excellent Italian-inspired cooking — fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, grilled seafood, and a strong wine list.

The menu works for families because Italian food is inherently kid-friendly. Pasta dishes and pizza give younger eaters familiar ground, while the more sophisticated options (vitello tonnato, burrata, grilled branzino) let parents enjoy a proper upscale meal. This is a place where everyone eats well, which is rarer than it should be in fine dining.

Prices are high — expect 120-180 EUR for a family of 4 — and reservations are essential, especially for the terrace. This isn't an everyday meal. But as a special-occasion lunch that combines stunning surroundings with food the whole family can enjoy, Loulou earns its reputation. After lunch, the Tuileries playground is right outside, and the Louvre is across the garden.