Good Food and Art: Two in the 7th Arrondisement

We'll be posting a short series on excellent options for dining in notable Paris museums.  To start off, two great choices in the 7th arrondissement.  The Jean Nouvel designed Quai Branly Museum is an architectural gem.  The collections highlight 'premier peoples' ranging from meso American to Australian aborigines to Cambodian, African and much more.  The museum is located very near the Eiffel Tower and one of the best views of the tower in Paris is a bonus if you dine or have a drink at Les Ombres, the lovely restaurant on the museum's rooftop.  Les Ombres features cuisines that reference the collections but with a French twist.  There is a prix fixe lunch for 32 Euros, dinner ranges from 65 to 95 E plus a la carte menus.  The terrace bar is open from 2:30 to 11 p.m. Seven days a week. Quai Branly, near the Bir Hakeim metro.  There is also a less pricey cafe at the museum, a good option for a meal but minus the fabulous views and simpler food.

Our second 7th arrondisement restaurant is actually a lovely cafe and terrace within the lush grounds of the beloved Rodin Museum.  The cafe is an oasis of quiet and greenery, serving sandwiches, salads, soups, quiches, a daily hot dish and delicious desserts along with views of Les Invalides golden dome.  Average tab is around 15 euros.  Closed Mondays.  This is a good spot for lunch with children who can play on the lawns amid the Rodin sculptures while parents relax over a meal.