Lunch with a View at Le Ziryab, Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris

Lately I’ve been reminiscing some of the trips we’ve taken in the past. I’ve been looking at pictures of the two boys and I can’t believe how much each has grown over the years. I could be experiencing an early depression from the “empty nest syndrome” since Joshua is halfway done with his junior year. The idea of him going to college so far away from home scare me.

While going through at the pictures of our vacation in Paris, the lunch we had at Le Ziryab was something that caught my attention. I remember in search for a restaurant that was different from the usual bistros we’ve been frequenting and luckily I found Le Ziryab, located on the 9th floor of the Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute)- a museum of artifacts from the Arab world.

We ordered mostly vegetarian to take a break from what we’ve been eating– a lot of Croque Monsieur sandwiches! I don’t remember being blown away with the food but I do remember our snooty waiter who told us we can’t order tap water. So we had to order bottles of Evian water –something we (being Americans)  weren’t used to. But following the advice of a popular adage, “when in Rome, do what the Romans do”, we were glad to comply (and as in this case, do as what the French waiter tells you) 😄

Located in the Latin Quarter, the restaurant has an incredible view both inside (with large glass windows) and outside in the patio (a panoramic view of the Seine, overlooking the Notre Dame cathedral).

We looked around the museum but it was small and it didn’t seem like there was much going at the time. However the restaurant’s amazing view alone was definitely worth visiting this museum.

Institut du Monde Arabe
1 Rue des Fossès Saint-Bernard
75005 Paris, France