Restaurant at the Palais de Tokyo : the Corail Experience
Perched on the forecourt of the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris (MAM), within the East Wing of the majestic 1930s building, Corail breathes life into the Parisian sunny season. This signature venue, curated by Butler Collection, brings a whisper of farniente and the Parisian Riviera straight to the heart of the 16th arrondissement.
Set upon this historic esplanade, directly opposite the West Wing housing the Palais de Tokyo, the establishment invites its guests to make time stand still. It offers a luminous interlude where Mediterranean art de vivre meets the iconic horizon of the Eiffel Tower.
Looking for somewhere to eat near Palais de Tokyo?
The arrival of the warmer months transforms the esplanades of the colline de Chaillot. For visitors exploring the architectural complex and contemporary art enthusiasts wondering where to eat near Palais de Tokyo or the Musée d'Art Moderne, Corail emerges as the obvious choice—simultaneously open to the shared plaza yet beautifully secluded from the city’s bustle.
The design of the Musée d'Art Moderne restaurant
The raw 1930s framework of the grand building uniting the Musée d'Art Moderne and Palais de Tokyo is met here with a joyous, sun-drenched contrast. The terrace’s design celebrates natural materials, summer stripes, and vibrant textiles imagined by designer Ingrid Noël. Inspired by the bold chromatic audacity of Henri Matisse, the space is adorned with corals and palm trees. Right-bank regulars and international travellers alike gather here for an apéritif at sunset.
A terrace with Eiffel Tower views at the heart of the arts hub
The Corail experience centres primarily around its monumental terrace. This coveted spot in the 16th arrondissement offers a direct vantage point over the river Seine and the Iron Lady. Among the dining options surrounding Palais de Tokyo and its adjacent cultural hub, Corail distinguishes itself through its vast terrace open to the Eiffel Tower and its seafood-centric culinary identity.
Sheltered beneath shaded pergolas, lunches extend leisurely away from the hum of avenue du Président Wilson, turning this esplanade into a unique open-air salon in Paris.
The table at Corail: Sea views and seafood facing the Seine
True to its promise of escape, the establishment deploys a culinary identity rooted in the open sea and pristine freshness, standing as the preferred outdoor dining destination for art lovers.
A seasonal menu driven by ocean freshness
The cuisine on this terrace showcases line-caught fish and seasonal vegetables. In the kitchens, the chefs prepare homemade taramasalata, amberjack sashimi enhanced with lemongrass and chilies, or delicate calamari fritti served with a refined tartare sauce.
Masterpieces of Mediterranean gastronomy thus grace your table: paccheri with sea bass and fresh tomato, grilled octopus with citrus bursts, or sea bream subtly elevated with capers and lemon.
The experience and value of an exceptional table in Paris 16
Dining within a national monument facing the Eiffel Tower demands uncompromised excellence at every turn. Crafted with a steadfast commitment to freshness, the menu features starters and raw dishes designed for sharing, alongside characterful mains for dinner.
A world away from traditional, fast-paced brasseries, this 16th-arrondissement destination honors a slower, serene rhythm, farniente, and a flawless standard of hospitality, making it ideal for business lunches and romantic dinners alike.
Planning your visit to Corail: Services, access, and reservations
To ensure a seamless welcome on the forecourt, Corail relies on a dedicated team and bespoke services tailored to both individual and corporate guests.
The restaurant operates seven days a week, providing continuous service from noon until 2 am throughout its opening season. Located at 11 avenue du Président Wilson, access is direct via the Musée d'Art Moderne esplanade, just moments from the steps of Palais de Tokyo. For corporate entities across fashion, art, or finance, the Butler corporate team manages exclusive terrace hire for public relations dinners or collection launches.
Practical information
- Address: 11 avenue du Président Wilson, Paris 16e (Musée d'Art Moderne forecourt)
- Location: East Wing of the building (opposite the Palais de Tokyo wing)
- Terrace: yes, with views of the Eiffel Tower and Palais de Tokyo
- Ambience: chic and relaxed
- Reservations: highly recommended
- A seasonal dining destination set upon the esplanade of the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris.
- A strategic location on the shared forecourt, directly opposite Palais de Tokyo.
- An expansive, verdant terrace offering an uninterrupted panorama of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.
- A couture décor inspired by Henri Matisse’s cut-outs and the House of La Casano.
- A sun-filled menu dedicated to iodised flavours, raw fish specialties, and Mediterranean accents.