Trattoria en Seine: My Review of This Italian Meal Cruise

In this article, I’m going to tell you about my experience with Trattoria en Seine (see cruise details by following the link), this meal cruise on the Seine for €65 per person. If you’re wondering whether this cruise is worth it, or if you’re looking for reviews on the quality of the menus and dishes on offer, you’ve come to the right place. I’m sharing my detailed opinion here to help you make your choice.

 

The video of my Trattoria en Seine experience here:

 

Getting to the Boat

Banner
A highly visible banner to find the boat!

First of all, you have to get to the starting point.

The boat departs from a somewhat isolated spot in Port de Passy, on the quayside opposite the Maison de la Radio, which is not so easy to find.

The Théo
The Theo welcoming us to start the cruise

We took the RER to the “Maison de la Radio” station, then walked for a few minutes.

There was a somewhat dark and not necessarily very reassuring tunnel to go through to get to the departure platform.

For those who want to avoid this tunnel, a cab or Uber from the Eiffel Tower will take less than 10 minutes and drop you off right in front of the boat.

Arriving to the boat
Ready to embark!

 

The Cruise Experience

Stairs view
The view from the departure point is already quite a sight!

The cruise lasts just over two hours.

I advise you to arrive 30 minutes early, as recommended by the boat company. Just to make sure you don’t miss the start…

Boarding was quick, and we were lucky enough to be placed next to a window. Perfect for admiring the views through the large windows!

View from the dining room
View from our place, a spot where you won’t miss a thing

The boat is medium-sized, creating a friendly atmosphere.

Birthday party
A birthday party was being held at a nearby table

It wasn’t too crowded that day, so the atmosphere was really pleasant.

My favorite place on board was the rooftop terrace.

Cruise terrace
The cruise terrace. THE Spot!

It’s the ideal place to relax with your cocktail on the sofas and, of course, take hundreds of photos.

Cocktails
Cocktails to start. Set sails!
Aperol Spritz
Aperol Spritz, the classic Italian cocktail of course!

As the boat glided along the Seine, we were able to admire all the great Parisian monuments – the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Ile de la Cité, the Louvre, the Conciergerie, the Musée d’Orsay, and even the copy of the Statue of Liberty.

It was truly a feast for the eyes!

Eiffel Tower
View of the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty replica from Ile aux Cygnes
Alexander 3 Bridge
Passing under the Alexandre III Bridge is quite unique.
Eiffel Tower 2
View of the Eiffel Tower from the boat. A little cloudy but no rain!
Notre-Dame view
Beautiful Notre-Dame views
Pont des Arts
The Pont des Arts is quite something to see from the Seine
Banks of the Seine
A view of the banks of the Seine

 

The Meal in Details

Let’s move on to the meal. The menu offers dishes inspired by Italian cuisine, with classic options.

All guests start with an Italian plate as a starter, then choose from four main courses.

Pinsa Romana
Introducing “Pinza romana”, a foccacia with mozzarella, green pesto and zucchini!
Spaghetti
Spaghetti bolognese sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
Rigatoni
Rigatonis with three cheeses. A proposal that I found good but a little simple.
Pasta
Enjoying an Italian pasta dish on the Seine is quite original!
Pasta tasting
I ended up gobbling it all up
Tiramisu
Authentic tiramisu for dessert

Please note: drinks are not included, with the exception of a complimentary 50cl bottle of water for the table. If you’d like cocktails or wine, you’ll have to pay extra.

The service on board was impeccable, the staff very attentive, and the food arrived quickly, allowing us to enjoy the scenery while eating.

Dining room
The cozy dining room

 

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    Pros & Cons

    So, is this cruise worth the detour? Here are my strengths and weaknesses:

    Pros

    Cons

    Reasonably priced compared to other cruises Access to the boat is a little complicated (unwelcoming tunnel)
    Intimate atmosphere thanks to the boat’s medium-size Good but simple food
    Rooftop terrace ideal for relaxing and enjoying the views in fine weather Drinks not included, which may increase the cost
    Magnificent views of Paris’s main monuments Space can be tight when the boat is full
    Professional, attentive service Rooftop terrace unusable in bad weather
    Suitable for families, good choice for a birthday party or romantic lunch
    Selfie from the terrace
    The view from the rooftop terrace is just great!

     

    My Opinion

    Would I recommend this cruise? Yes, absolutely, especially if it’s your first visit to Paris or if you’re looking for an unusual dining experience without spending too much. At €65 per person, you won’t find a better deal.

    The pros far outweigh the cons, making this an excellent option for an anniversary or a romantic lunch with a breathtaking view.

    If you’re interested, my advice is to book your table in advance!