The Most Expensive Meal I’ve Ever Had — And Why I’d Do It Again

The WordPress prompt was too good to pass up today: “What’s the most you’ve ever spent on a meal — and was it worth it?” And this one was easy to answer. Not because I remember the final bill (I absolutely don’t), but because I’ll never forget how it felt and I wanted to sit in the memory of it for a minute.

I’m not someone who’s afraid to spend money on a good meal — I’ve dropped a couple hundred bucks on steak and wine just for myself luxuriating in each bite and sip. But the most expensive and most memorable meal I’ve ever had? That was at Jules Verne, inside the Eiffel Tower.

I had the privilege of taking my friend Carolina with me. We both share a deep love of travel and food — and neither of us hesitates when it comes to denting our credit cards for a great experience. We ordered the largest tasting menu they offered, added several drinks, and I don’t remember the final bill… but I do remember that the reservation deposit alone was close to $300. That should tell you something.

The food was beautiful. The view — sitting above the city, wrapped in the iconic steel work of the Eiffel Tower — was unforgettable. The conversation flowed. The service was unreal.

And then there was the wine.

At one point, I was offered a glass of something exquisite — a wine that had been opened for another table. The server poured me half a glass, and I was stunned. I’d never tasted anything like it. I asked if I could order my own glass and he said, “Of course — it’s $65 a glass.” – in hindsight, a stupid place to suddenly draw a line.

I smiled, passed, and asked to take a photo of the bottle instead.

Was it worth it?

Every bite. Every sip. Every cent.
And I’d do it again tomorrow.