Napoleon-era cabaret with lunch and a real show. In Paradis Latin (created for Napoleon in 1803 and rebuilt by Gustave Eiffel in 1889), I love the on-site, Guy Savoy–signed meal with wine and champagne. I also like the L’Oiseau Paradis production by choreographer Kamel Ouali, with dancers welcoming you and a musical preshow woven into lunch. The trade-off: the rules are strict (dress code, and no cameras), and some seating can mean a bit of obstructed sightlines.

This is a 3.5-hour plan that keeps moving: you’re in the room at 12:00, lunch lands at 12:30, the show starts at 14:00, and it wraps at 15:45. If you want your afternoon to feel like classic Paris entertainment—food included—this format is built for that.

One more thing to flag: the experience isn’t made for kids under 6, and it’s smart-dress all the way. If you show up in flip-flops or sports gear, you may not get in.

Key points before you go

• Napoleon → Eiffel venue: the room was created in 1803, then rebuilt by Gustave Eiffel in 1889
• Guy Savoy–signed dining: a real 4-course meal prepared on site, not a token dinner
• L’Oiseau Paradis by Kamel Ouali: modern staging with sensuality, poetry, emotion, and comedy
• Music during lunch: a musical preshow runs while you dine, plus an evolving voice singer in the hall
• Strict photo policy: cameras are not allowed inside
• Dress code matters: smart dress is appreciated; no shorts, flip-flops, or sportswear

Paradis Latin’s Napoleon–Eiffel setting: more than a backdrop

Paradis Latin isn’t just a place to watch a show. The building itself tells you you’re stepping into old-school Paris theater culture. It was created for Napoleon in 1803 and later rebuilt by Gustave Eiffel in 1889—so yes, you’re eating and applauding inside a room with serious pedigree.

That matters because cabaret works best when the room has character. Here, the hall helps set the mood right away. Instead of feeling like a generic performance space, it feels like a purpose-built stage where costumes, music, and timing land cleanly.

You’ll likely notice the difference as soon as the dancers start the welcome staging at 12:00. The show doesn’t wait until you’re bored. It starts by grabbing your attention while you’re still getting settled.

Lunch that actually counts: Guy Savoy–signed 4 courses with wine and champagne

For me, the biggest reason this is worth your money is that lunch isn’t an afterthought. You get a full 4-course meal, and the package also includes drinks: a mineral water portion, wine, and champagne, plus a Paradis Latin aperitif.

Timing also helps. Lunch begins at 12:30, after you’re welcomed at 12:00. That gives you a smooth arc—preshow energy up front, then you sit down and eat while the musical program is going on.

Here’s what’s on the menu as it’s listed:

• A course built around the whole duck prepared like a pâté en croute
• Then you choose between:
• Salmon steak one-sided, with risotto and edamame, or
• Blanquette of veal with seasonal vegetables
• Saint-Marcellin cheese with roasted nuts and cranberries
• Dessert: Chocolate Palet

So you’re not just getting a steak-and-chips moment. You’re getting classic French flavors and at least a couple of dishes that feel designed for a special occasion.

Also, the dining is described as very high-level gastronomy signed by Guy Savoy, cooked on site by the chef. Even if you’re not a food snob, you’ll feel it in the pacing and presentation. The service is meant to keep you in the cabaret rhythm, not pause the day while everyone waits for plates.

From a value perspective, you’re paying about $164 per person for a package that combines meal + drinks + show in one block. If you’ve ever tried to piece together dinner near a major cabaret and then buy a separate show ticket, you know how quickly the day gets expensive. This is one ticket, one afternoon, one bill.

12:00 welcome and musical preshow: how the afternoon starts

At 12:00, dancers greet you in striking staging. The goal is not subtle. It’s total atmosphere, with a surreal, surprising vibe meant to pull you into the performance space immediately.

Then at 12:30, lunch begins. This is where things get cleverly Parisian: the artists lead the audience through the meal as part of the overall entertainment. In the mythical Paradis Latin hall, there’s also an exceptional voice singer who evolves during the experience.

In practice, this means you’re not stuck waiting for the main act like it’s a school play starting late. You’re already part of the show’s energy by the time the first course lands. If you like your entertainment to be social and a bit theatrical, you’ll probably enjoy that.

The 14:00 show: L’Oiseau Paradis and what it’s really aiming for

At 14:00, the show begins: L’Oiseau Paradis. The program’s described under the sign of sensuality, poetry, emotion, humor, and new technologies. That combination matters because it signals the tone isn’t only about spectacle for spectacle’s sake.

Choreography is by Kamel Ouali, and you can expect modern staging choices rather than old-fashioned cabaret costumes alone. In other words, this is built for movement and timing—where lighting, music, and staging help tell the story beats.

The show runs until 15:45, so you’re getting a substantial performance window. It’s long enough to feel like a complete arc, but short enough that it won’t wreck your evening plans in Paris.

What I find smart about this kind of cabaret is the blend of emotions. The humor keeps it from getting too heavy. The poetry keeps it from turning into a checklist of tricks. And the new technologies signal they’re using modern production tools, not just relying on dancers and singers to carry everything.

Where you sit matters: dress code, no cameras, and sightline reality

A quick reality check: this isn’t a casual drop-in. The rules are clear:

• Dress code: smart dress is appreciated—no shorts, no flip-flops, no sportswear
• Cameras: not allowed inside
• No luggage or large bags
• Pets aren’t allowed (assistance dogs are allowed)

Paradis Latin also reserves the right to refuse entry if your clothing isn’t appropriate. So if you’re planning to pair this with a long walking day in Paris, do a quick outfit check beforehand. Bring sensible shoes. You’ll be glad you did.

There’s also practical extras you might want to budget for. The cloakroom costs 2€ per piece, and photos are available for 10€ per person (though note that personal photography inside is not allowed).

Now for the one part you can’t fully fix: seat location and sightlines. One of the experiences is that some tables have posts that can block certain views, like a performer movement you’d want to catch. That doesn’t mean the show is ruined—but it does mean the “best seat” isn’t guaranteed by the room alone. If you’re picky about angles, check your seat info as best you can when selecting.

Price and value: what $164 buys in a single afternoon block

Let’s talk money without pretending it’s “cheap.” At $164 per person, this is a premium-priced Paris activity. But you’re not just buying a ticket for a stage show.

You’re getting:

• A 4-course lunch
• Listed drinks including mineral water, wine, and champagne, plus a Paradis Latin aperitif
• The show L’Oiseau Paradis itself

That bundle changes how you should think about cost. You’re paying for a timed, hosted experience where your food and entertainment are designed together. If you compare this to the cost of a good sit-down dinner plus a separate cabaret ticket, the price can feel less shocking. You’re also saving the hassle of finding a restaurant that works with show timing.

I’d also call out the “worth it” factor if you like theater as part of your travel style. This isn’t just dinner. It’s theater with a meal attached.

Who should book L’Oiseau Paradis (and who may not love it)

This fits best if you want:

• A classic Paris cabaret vibe, but with modern staging
• A full afternoon event rather than a short evening-only thing
• A meal that’s integrated into the show pacing

It’s also a solid choice for couples and friend groups who want a planned, “nothing to decide” afternoon. You arrive, you’re welcomed, you dine, you watch, you leave with a clear memory.

But skip it—or at least adjust expectations—if:

• You need casual dress and don’t want to follow dress rules
• You absolutely must take photos inside (you can’t)
• You’re traveling with kids under 6, since it’s not suitable

If you’re someone who hates waiting and prefers total freedom, the fixed schedule might feel tight. It’s still only 3.5 hours, but it is structured.

Should you book this cabaret lunch?

If you’re booking one Paris cabaret and you want food included, I’d say this is a strong bet. The combination of Paradis Latin’s storied venue, a proper 4-course lunch, and a main show choreographed by Kamel Ouali gives you a full “Paris afternoon” package.

Book it if you’re excited by the idea of a theatrical experience that doesn’t pause for dinner. The meal is part of the entertainment flow, not a separate chore.

I’d think twice if you’re very sensitive about dress-code restrictions or if you’re the type who needs constant photo documentation. Also, if you’re worried about seat visibility, plan to choose carefully when you can.

FAQ

How long is the Paradis Latin L’Oiseau Paradis experience with lunch?

The total duration is 3.5 hours, with welcome at 12:00, lunch starting at 12:30, the show beginning at 14:00, and the show ending at 15:45.

What’s included in the price?

You get a 4-course lunch with an appetizer, mineral water, wine, and champagne, plus the show L’Oiseau Paradis.

What food is served during lunch?

The meal includes a course featuring whole duck prepared like a pâté en croute, a choice between salmon steak with risotto and edamame or blanquette of veal with seasonal vegetables, Saint-Marcellin with roasted nuts and cranberries, and chocolate palet.

Is there wine and champagne with lunch?

Yes. The lunch includes wine and champagne as part of the package, along with mineral water.

Are cameras or phones allowed during the show?

No. Cameras are not allowed inside.

What should I wear?

Smart dress is appreciated. Shorts, flip-flops, and sportswear are not allowed. The venue can refuse entry if your clothing is not appropriate.

Is there a cloakroom or place to store items?

A cloakroom is available for 2€ per piece. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

What age is this suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 6.

You Might Also Enjoy

Paris: Early Evening Dinner Cruise on the River SeineParis: Eiffel Tower Flying-Dress Photoshoot jonadressParis: Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor or Summit AccessParis: Private Sightseeing Tour in Citroën 2CV