paris must visit cafes

18 Famous Cafes in Paris You Must Visit in 2024

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: January 15, 2024

Categories Europe

I don’t know about you, but any pastime that involved me drinking copious amounts of coffee and eating my weight in light, buttery, and oh-so-delicious, French croissants is right up my glutinous alley. And that’s probably why one of my favorite things to do, whenever I’m in the French capital, is to visit some of the most famous cafes in Paris.

I mean, n ot only is the food and ambiance totally alluring in 99.9% of these divine famous cafes in Paris (perhaps not the price but whateves, nothing is perfect), but many of these fantastic, famous French cafes are also steeped in a wealth of history that has transformed them into living, breathing time capsules.

Because let’s be real for just a moment here.  Paris is an OLD city.

Therefore, some of these iconic, epic French cafes that Paris is famous for  have been around so long, that they have enjoyed the patronage of some uber-famous clientele, like Picasso and Albert Camus.

You know, super snazzy celebs who probably debated nothing less than the finer points of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness; all while sipping on a coffee or getting wasty pants beyond belief in one of the  most walkable cities in Europe . 

Yeah, this is something you can learn more about during one of the best bike tours in Paris .

So, e mbrace your inner starving artist and grab yourself a seat at a quaint little table that is nestled along a picturesque, Parisian thoroughfare; a charming bistro where you can quietly sit, watch the city slowly saunter by, and sip on a rich, delicious latte as you while away the hours.

And while I can’t promise that spending some quali-tea (get it?) time in one of these famous cafes in Paris will transform you into either a literary or artistic genius, I can promise that you’ll enjoy some delicious beverages, devour some delectable pastries, and even make your friends SUPER jealous of the fact that you got to dine where Picasso once did. Something that is particularly fun if you’re planning a Paris honeymoon.  

So if you’re ready to see Paris like local – since, cough, I’ve visited this beyond fabulous city upwards of five-plus times and want to share all my secret insider information with you – then let’s  do a tour de force of some of the most famous cafes in Paris. 

Since I am incapable of making it rain money, there’s a high chance that this post may contain affiliate links. Please see my  disclosure  for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Most Famous Cafes in Paris

1. les deux magots.

Opened in ye olde 1885, this swank AF, ultra-chic café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés is probably THE most famous Paris cafe of them all. So yeah, it’s basically the famous Paris cafe that all the other Paris cafes on this list want to be like.

Once a favorite haunt of literary giants like Albert Camus, Ernest Hemmingway, and James Joyce, this famous French cafe eventually became so popular amongst Paris’ burgeoning crowd of writers and intellectuals, that Les Deux Magots actually started its very own literary prize, and has continually awarded this honor to new, up and coming French novelists since 1933.

However, y ou too can get in on this thin slice of immortality since Les Deux Magots doesn’t just cater to the ultra-famous but welcomes slightly more “normal” diners too!

So, i f you’re looking for the perfect place to kick start your day, then grab a seat at this eatery’s exquisite terrace and order one of their amazing espressos, for an epic dose of caffeine that you won’t soon forget!

Added bonus?  They also serve some wicked awesome breakfast dishes that are named for the very authors who frequented this foodie hot spot back in the day.

And while the food is definitely top-notch, the ambiance is pretty epic too.

I mean, the interiors here practically ooze class with simple dark wood decor, fresh white table cloths, and an impeccable standard of service that seriously makes you wonder if you ever really have to leave.

And btw, the answer is yes, sadly.  I mean, you don’t have to go home…but you can’t stay here.

Oh, and if you’re  lucky enough to stop by during the winter, then be sure to order their hot chocolate. I promise you will NOT regret it.

Pro Tip: My fave dish here is Le Petit Dejeuner JP Sartre, which includes 2 danish pastries, bread, butter, jam, fresh orange juice, and fresh yogurt or a fruit salad.

Address:   6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés

Nearest Metro Station: Saint-Germain-Des-Prés

Price: Dishes here start at €13.00 and above.

Hours: Open daily from 7:30 am to 1:00 am.

2. La Rotonde

Ornate, over-the-top, lavish, and extravagant are probably just a few of the super snazzy adjectives that literary icon F. Scott Fitzgerald would have used to describe La Rotonde after dining here.

Because honestly , i f you’re looking for a glimpse into the lifestyle of the rich and famous of the jazz age, then you’ve just found it at this classic, Montparnasse eatery.

Founded by Victor Libion in 1911, t he smart but cozy decor of this famous Paris cafe is enhanced by cushy leather chairs, wood paneling aplenty, and chic, modern lamps that create a discreet but welcoming atmosphere.

This sophisticated, Parisian brasserie also serves an assortment of decadent delights for breakfast (served between 7:00 am and 11:00 am).that include freshly baked croissants, hot chocolate, coffee, eggs, etc.

However , i f you’re feeling particularly HUNGRY after an epic night out on the town with some rogue flappers from the wrong century, then skip the single pastry altogether and order their set breakfast entree.

For €18 guests can enjoy a hot drink, a fresh-squeezed juice, fresh slices of bread or a viennoiserie (croissant or pain au chocolat), and either organic eggs (served scrambled, in omelet or fried) or 0% fat Fromage blanc, that is served with red berries coulis or honey.

Truth be told though, you  really can’t go wrong when dining at one of the many famous cafes in Paris for either lunch or dinner since you’re in for a treat regardless of when you stop by.

However, I should definitely mention that of all La Rotonde’s menu items, they’re most well-known for their delicious desserts, including devastatingly delicious molten chocolate lava cake, rich lemon basil macarons, and creamy, creme brûlée.

So, f eel free to skip the savory items altogether and live by the age-old adage, “Life’s Uncertain, Eat Dessert First” instead.

Added bonus? L a Rotonde is practically right next door to Le Bon Marché, a fantastic Parisian shopping spot that is absolutely adored by all the aspiring fashionistas out there.

Therefore, m aking a pit stop at one of the most famous cafes in Paris is a great way to fuel up before you max out your credit cards and shop until no one will give you any more credit (kidding, definitely don’t be THAT person. We promote only the MOST responsible of tourism here at Girl with the Passport. LOL.) .

Address: 105 boulevards du Montparnasse

Nearest Metro Station: Vavin

Price: Dishes here start at €12.00 and above.

Hours : Open daily from 7:30 am to 2:00 am.

3. Café Des Deux Moulins

If you are looking for a cafe that is popular and yet away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then Cafe de Deux Moulins is the place for you. 

Located in the Montmartre area of the city, the cafe is named after two popular windmills (Moulin Rouge and Moulin de la Galette) which are located a stone’s throw away from it. Cafe de Deux Moulins gained popularity after it was featured in the film Amelie in 2001. 

Some say that there isn’t anything really exquisite about the food. It is the charm of the cafe that keeps drawing people back to its doors. In fact, it is the only Parisian style dinner in the area! Ironically the hustle and bustle is normally inside the cafe during the peak times of the day. One great way to enjoy Cafe de Deux Moulins is to visit it for a late night meal. You’ll find that the cafe empties out around 10 pm and is still open till 2 am. It allows you to enjoy both the charm of the cafe without the crowds and the nearly vacant streets of the city.

While almost everything on the menu is worth a try (and let’s not get started on the amazing catalog of wine!!!), the opinion on the creme brulee is unanimous. You can’t stop at one! Take my word for it. Keep place for dessert . 

Address: 15 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris

Nearest Metro Station: Blanche

Price:  14 – 19 Euros

Hours: Open Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 2:00 am. Saturday and Sundays have different hours where they are open from 9: 00 am to 2:00 am

4. Cafe Tournon

Just steps away from the ethereal beauty of Luxembourg Gardens is the ever swanky,   Cafe Tournon.

Routinely filled with the city’s most elite journalists, politicians, and celebrities, t his historic, Saint-Germain eatery/famous cafe in Paris was first made famous by Duke Ellington, who used to play jazz music here with his band.

Today though,  Cafe Tourney is one of those famous cafes in Paris that is more commonly known amongst locals for its wide selection of regional wines and market-fresh, earthy, home-cooked, French cuisine.

Perfect for either a mid-afternoon cappuccino or an evening meal,  try to get here as early in the day as possible since this cafe tends to run out of some of their more popular dishes, like the immortal, Beef Bourguignon

So, w hile Café Tournon may be one of the more discreet, lesser-known cafés on this list, what truly sets this place apart is the fact that it sits in a rather touristy location but is routinely frequented by locals.

And if you travel even a little bit t hen you know that Locals in a cafe = win! Because trust me, b eing one amongst the locals definitely means that you’re onto something good.

Especially in a city like Paris where every other food establishment is an overpriced tourist trap of epic proportions.

What, need more convincing?  Well, in addition to being a top, local hot spot and one of the most famous cafes in Paris, the service here is impeccable. So, you’re sure to be well taken care of.

Address: 18 Rue de Tournon

Nearest Metro Station: Odeon

Price: Entrees here start at €16.00 and above.

Hours:  Open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 am to 12:00 am and on Sunday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

5. Cafe de Flore

Cafe de Flore initially opened its doors in the 1880s and is one of the oldest coffee houses in all of Paris.

Located right across the street from rival Les Deux Magots, Cafe de Flore is another immortal eatery that is celebrated across the city for both its long history and its wealth of famous clientele, including philosophers like Sartre and de Beauvoir.

Known for being one of Paris’ oldest coffeehouses and one of the most famous French cafes in Paris ,  Le Cafe de Flore was first opened in the 1880s and has changed little since World War II with its bold, red booths, wide mirrors, and small, street-side tables.

Now, b ecause a little friendly rivalry never hurt anyone, Café de Flore actually started their own annual literary award just one year after Les Deux Magots.

See, I guess imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery, huh?  Anyway, i f I’m 100% honest, the food here is a bit simple and a little pricey when compared to some of the other famous cafés in Paris on this list.

Therefore,I’d recommend stopping here for a quick coffee just so that you can bask in the history of it all, before moving on to other restaurants with better prices and infinitely more intriguing menu items (trust me, this place won’t be on anyone’s budget guide to Paris ).

Address: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain

Price: Entrees are priced at €10.00 and above.

Hours: Open daily from 7:30 am to 1:30 am.

6. Le Vrai Paris

Looking for one of the most famous cafes in Paris that doubles as one of the prettiest cafes in Paris too?

If so then you can’t beat Le Vrai Paris in the always awesome neighborhood of Montmartre.

After all, this pretty cafe in Paris is known for its stunning exterior, which includes an awning adorned with a wealth of stunning pink flowers.

Add in a vintage, 20th-century-inspired interior that includes a series of wooden cabinets and old-school lights ensconced with flowers and you easily have one of the coolest cafes in Paris.

Pro Tip: While you’re at one of the cutest cafes in Paris, be sure to order the lamb, risotto, and steak.

I personally recommend the “Boeuf Bourguignon” and love coming here either before or after a show at the Moulin Rouge.

Address: 33 Rue des Abbesses, 75018 Paris, France

Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am to 2:00 am.

Price: Entrees start at around €18.00 each.

How to Get There: Take line 12 to Abbesses station and walk from there.

6. Ladurée (Champs Elysées)

The one and only Ladurée Cafe, which sits along Paris’ immortal, Champs Elysées and serves up some of the most famous food in Paris and some of the best brunch in Paris too.

And unless you’ve been living under a rock of cultural isolation, then chances are that you’ve heard of the immortal macaron purveyor, Ladurée .

After all, this one of those famous cafes in Paris that has stores all across the globe, including locations in New York City, Los Angeles, and London.

So, there’s a solid chance that you’ve at least heard of this divine creator of all things macaron. Heck, you’ve probably even been inside a Laduree store yourself.

But, trust me. There’s really no location like the Champs Elysées location, which, in addition to creating decadent macarons of every variety, serves up exquisite, seafoam green, classic beyond belief, pastel-hued interiors.

We’re talking an Instagrammer’s playground people since you’ll be swimming in a sea of picture-perfect, pastel decor that is over the top wonderful, but still totally classy

So, if you want to live like Marie Antoinette for a day (sans the whole off with her head thing), then Ladurée is the place for you.

Just grab a seat, order all the pastries you can possibly eat, wash it down with one of their wickedly wonderful, floral teas, and indulge as you’ve never indulged before.

Now, because this place is so stinking chic and impossibly difficult to leave, this ethereal wonderland of an eatery also has an amazing gift shop where you can purchase some of the  best souvenirs from Paris  – anything from perfume to cosmetics to macaron keychains.

So, even though your macarons definitely won’t last a lifetime, you’re piece of Ladurée memorabilia just might!

Address:  75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées

Nearest Metro Station:  George V

Price:  Individual pastries start at €5.00 each while a box of 6 macarons costs €17.10.

Hours:  Open daily from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm.

7. Café de la Paix

Located right across the street from Palais Garnier,  Cafe de la Paix  is instantly recognizable from the animated version of the restaurant in the classic Disney film, The Aristocats.

What, missed that cinematic masterpiece? Yeah, me too since I don’t think it’s some of Disney’s best work.

However, Cafe de la Paix did snag some much-warranted street cred after the French government declared it an official, historic site in 1975 (feel free to be duly amazed at the official historic status of one of the most famous cafes in Paris).

Now A LEGIT Parisian icon, Café de la Paix is not only one of the oldest cafés in Paris, but it has also entertained famous patrons like Charles De Gaulle and Victor Hugo.

And in case that’s not impressive enough for you, just grab a seat on the cafe’s terrace and savor the mesmerizing views of Paris’ charming Palais Garnier (opera house) from here.

Yeah, you can thank me later because this really is one of the best views in the entire city.

However, Paris is quite a pricey city, to begin with. Therefore, add in a bit of historical grandeur and prices take off into the stratosphere.

So, while Café de la Paix is one of those famous cafes in Paris that is most assuredly a splurge, it’s still worth a visit for the views and historical grandeur alone.

That’s why I’d opt for the preset course meal if you want to get the most bang for your buck (You can get a set menu with an entree and a starter or an entree and a dessert. And the burrata and tomato soup here are both EPIC).

And if you choose to order a cocktail, expect to spend upwards of $20 USD for a single drink. Yeah, that’s sadly not a typo.

Pro Tip:  The burrata and tomato soup here are both EPIC. So yeah, you should definitely order both while at this famous Paris cafe.

Address:  5 Place de l’Opéra

Nearest Metro Station:  Opera

Price:  Entrees here start at €25.00 each.

Hours:  Open daily from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm.

8. Brasserie Lipp

Want to treat yourself to some French cuisine with the authentic ambiance in the background? Brasserie Lipp has you covered. Situated right in the heart of Paris, it is super easy to get to and it is also a great place to stop at if your legs are aching. 

One of the best things about Brasserie Lipp is that they cater to both the vegetarian and non vegetarian palate. This means that it has something for everyone. With over 100 years under its belt, the café is iconic and serves French delicacies from different regions. From Cod brandade to calf’s head, there are all sorts of intriguing items on the menu.

Note that the old school charm and the amazing food make this a popular destination for foodies in the city. That’s why reservations are a must! Don’t forget to try one of their steaks while you are in the house!

Address:  151 Boulevard-Germain, 75006 Paris

Nearest Metro Station:  Saint Germain-des-Pres

Price:  21-40 Euros

Hours:  Open from 9 am to 12:45 am daily

9. La Palette

For all you art aficionados out there, this famous Paris café was actually frequented by none other than Picasso (Insert your amazed ohs and ahs here).

And if you’re a fan of Hollywood celebrities, then you’ll be happy to hear that both Harrison Ford and Julia Roberts have also been known to spend time here too.

But, enough about the celebrities! Let’s get to the food because that’s what really counts, at least in my humble opinion.

And trust me, the food here definitely brings a whole new meaning to the word delicious.

I mean, not only has La Palette been repeatedly voted the best outdoor café in Paris, but it also comes highly recommended by both Anthony Bourdain AND Andrew Zimmerman.

Added bonus? The atmosphere here isn’t stuffy at all. It’s actually super chill, unassuming, and kind of feels like the cafe hasn’t been updated in decades.

But in a cool vintage way that gives La Palette tons of character and charm. Not in a gross, heinously retro, rancid mothball-smelling kind of way.

And while the prices here aren’t all that budget-friendly, I managed to procure a delicious cheese omelet for €10.50, which I didn’t think was too bad (The hot goat cheese on toast is also really good too).

So, if you’re on a tight budget, then try getting a small bite to eat and a cup of coffee instead of an enormous meal that will cost you about as much as the gross domestic product of a small nation.

Pro Tip:  If you’re a hardcore, partying cool kid then you’ll be delighted to know that La Palette serves absinthe, which will be perfect if you really wanna let that freak flag fly free.

Address:  43 Rue de Seine

Nearest Metro Station : Odeon or Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Price : Entrees here start at about €16.00 each.

Hours:  Open daily from 8:00 am to 2:00 am, except on Sundays when they open at 10:00 am.

10. La Closerie des Lilas

Another famous cafe in Paris with yet another slew of notable clientele. Therefore, if a leisurely stroll through yesteryear is something that you’d enjoy during your trip to Paris, then a visit to La Closerie des Lilas is a must since it really doesn’t get any more historical than this place.

But, dining here does come with a hefty price tag since their most affordable dish will set you back no less than 20 Euros.

So, be prepared! However, once you can get past that not-so-tiny detail you’ll be able to truly savor the fact that La Closerie des Lilas is the creme de la creme of famous cafés in Paris since literally every famous author, artist, or musician mentioned above has dined here at one point or another.

So, why not add yourself to the list, you devilishly awesome person you? I mean, the food here is delicious, the ambiance is fantastic, and the staff is professional.

And while their menu definitely isn’t the largest one I’ve ever seen, it’s all good since everything they serve here is done extremely well.

Therefore, you definitely won’t walk away disappointed. However, because of La Closerie des Lilas’ historic significance, this café has turned into a bit of a spectacle.

That’s why you should expect this place to be overflowing with hordes of tourists not too unlike yourself.

Pro Tip:  Lest you forget this famous cafe in Paris’ long rap sheet of notable past patrons, each table comes with a snazzy little brass marker that details exactly who sat at that table in the restaurant.

Address:  171 Boulevard du Montparnasse

Nearest Metro Station:  Port Royal

Price:  Try dining in the brasserie where entrees start at €15.00 and above.

Hours:  Open daily from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm and again from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

11. Le Procope

The historic beauty of Paris’ oldest cafe, Le Procope. Because believe it or not  Le Procope is actually THE oldest café in Paris since it first opened by Sicilian chef Procopio Cutò WAY back in 1686.

That’s why Le Procope’s client list includes none other than Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Voltaire, and Rousseau.

So, while you can refer to each one of these cafés as a “literary hub” of some sort, Le Procope takes it one step further and proudly proclaims itself the first literary café in the entire world!

Although, that is up for debate, depending on who you talk to.

Be forewarned though, Le Procope is one of the most famous cafes in Paris that no longer serve JUST coffee.

Therefore, if you choose to dine here, you’ll need to order a meal along with your beverage of choice. To save some of your hard-earned cash try ordering from their set menu, which includes a starter and entree, or an entree and a dessert for € 21.90.

Pro Tip:  I ordered the pesto pasta with fresh vegetables and loved it).

Address:  13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie

Nearest Metro Station:  Odeon

Price:  You can get a starter, main, and dessert here for just €19.50.

Hours : Currently not open just yet.

12. Angelina (Rivoli)

Hi, my name is Girl with the Passport and I have an unhealthy obsession with this famous cafe in Paris.

Why you may rightly wonder? No, it’s not because of the famous clientele, although both Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn were both frequent customers here.

No, I’m a huge fan of their wickedly wonderful chocolate i’africain. Or as my American brethren fondly refer to it, hot chocolate.

Trust me, Angelina’s hot chocolate is unlike any other. It’s thick, rich, gooey, almost pudding-like, and the stuff that my foodie flights of fancy are made of.

I honestly would probably book a trip to Paris JUST for this hot chocolate since it really is THAT good.

Okay, truth be told, their croissants are pretty epic too.

So, while you may have to fight the perpetual urge to order everything on the menu, the best, and cheapest, way to indulge in as many pastries as humanly possible is to order one of their preset breakfast samplers.

For €29.50 you can order the Angelina Breakfast, which comes with a delightful assortment of bread, pastries (including a croissant, pain au chocolate, raisin bread, and baguette), and eggs.

This preset breakfast option also includes your choice of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

So yeah, be super indulgent at one of the most famous cafes in Paris and go with the hot chocolate, ALL the way.

And the decor here? Yeah, it ain’t too shabby either. Think chic, ornate, and richly beautiful interiors that will make you feel like you’re having the boujiest breakfast of your life.

Address:  226 Rue de Rivoli

Nearest Metro Station:  Tuileries

Price:  Breakfast starts at €20.00 per person.

Hours:  Open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and on Saturday/Sunday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

13. Le Consulat

Located just a few minutes from Montmartre’s immortal Sacré-Coeur is this charming little cafe, Le Consulat.

You’ve probably seen this Insta-chic eatery plastered all over your Paris-related Instagram feed. And while this place is definitely picturesque AF, Le Consulat is truly known for serving Parisian artistic royalty like Vincent Van Gogh, Picasso, and, Monet, just to name a few.

But here’s the best part. Le Consulat has maintained a lot of its vintage charm and decor over the years, making it a truly enjoyable place to relax and sip on some espresso as you watch the people wander by.

So, if you’re planning to take some insta-worthy pics of Le Consulat for yourself, definitely try to avoid the crowds by arriving as early as humanly possible on a weekday.

Yeah, weekends at one of the most famous cafes in Paris tend to be insanely crowded, making your photo-op, not as #aesthetic as it could be (am I part of the Instagram cult yet?).

But, if you’re here for the foodie awesomeness, then I’ve heard some great things about the Steak au Poivre avec pomme frites, AKA steak and french fries.

It’s rumored to be one of the best steak and fries dishes in all of Paris.

And although I’m a vegetarian and haven’t tried the meaty goodness for myself, dipping into some pomme frites while sitting along their terrace does sound like the perfect way to spend a  glorious day in good ol’ Paris .

Address:  18 Rue Norvins

Nearest Metro Station:  Abbesses stop.

Price:  Most entrees are priced between €10.00 and €20.00.

Hours:  Open daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.

14. La Maison Rose

If you don’t know this café by name, then chances are that you can probably identify it from its iconic, pink, and green exterior.

Yes, this famous cafe in Paris is none other than the immortal pink café, La Maison Rose, which has been the subject of many a famous Parisian photo throughout the decades.

By now, you can probably tell from the building’s vintage, fairytale-like charm and surrounding, cobblestone streets that this eatery is located in Montmartre, THE most photogenic neighborhood in all of Paris.

And aside from being famous in its own right, La Maison Rose actually served infamous café hoppers and not-so-starving artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Van Gogh.

But wait, it gets better! Because this place is definitely not your typical “tourist trap” cafe.

You know, a place where you can expect mediocre food, high prices, and poor service.

However, not so at La Maison Rose. Because I’ve heard through the grapevine that the Poulet Basquaise here is out of this world (I had their veggie salad plate which was pretty darn lovely)

Apparently, you can even smell it cooking even before they place it down in front of you.

But let’s be real.It’s Paris. So, everything on the menu here is pretty damn amazing. Therefore, order to your heart’s content or grab un petit café if you’re not that hungry!

Although, snagging a table at one of the most famous cafes in Paris can be a bit tricky since they have limited outdoor seating. And let’s face it, grabbing a seat out on the terrace here is kind of sort of mandatory.

But no worries, because I’ve got you covered! The first thing you need to know about La Maison Rose is that it’s closed on Tuesdays.

So, If you’re coming just for the photo op, then Tuesday is the best day to do so.

However, If you’re hoping to actually dine at this pastel pink cafe of wonder, then you should know that they have slightly odd hours that are listed below.

Because you know, I’m just over here, helping you live the dream, one random hours of operation list at a time (insert thumbs up emoji here).

Address:  2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir,

Nearest Metro Station : Lamarck

Price:  Daily specials are between €13.00 and €20.00

Hours:  Open Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm. They also require reservations for lunch and dinner.

15, Le Chat Noir

Another one of the many famous cafes in Paris that is located in Montmartre is none other than  Le Chat Noir .

Opened in 1881, this famous restaurant started as a humble, cabaret nightclub, where patrons would order drinks while enjoying a live show.

Today though, this former epicenter of Parisian nightlife has turned into an attraction in and of itself, offering patrons live performances throughout the evening.

Although, something tells me that these shows probably don’t quite measure up to the acts that performed here during the 19th century.

But, I digress. And while the food here is nothing to rave about, dining at le Chat Noir is fun if you want to immerse yourself in the long-standing history of this immortal cabaret.

FYI, they do have a great happy hour if you want to chase your escargot and foie gras down with a bit of boozy fun.

So, do yourself a favor and order something light, like a cup of coffee, as you take in the cafe’s vibrant atmosphere.

Because the next time you see that infamous Chat Noir poster, you can be all nonchalant about it and say, “Oh yeah, I’ve dined there”

Pro Tip:  This is one of the many famous cafes in Paris that has now become a chic, 4-star hotel in Montmartre where rooms start at around $170 per night. So, if you want to stay somewhere super sleek and historic, then be sure to book your room at Hotel Le Chat Noir now!

Address:  68 boulevard de Clichy

Nearest Metro Station:  Blanche or Pigalle.

Price:  Rooms here start at $170 per night.

Hours:  The front desk is open twenty-four hours per day.

16. La Fontaine de Belleville

Tucked away in Paris’ 10th arrondissement, the owners of this  famous cafe in Paris  have expertly restored this charming Parisian eatery to its former ’20s, bistro-style glory.

Therefore, step inside one of the most famous cafes in Paris and expect to find large mirrors, stunning ceilings, exquisite paintings, and hand-painted tables with chic, rattan chairs.

And the menu? Well, it’s gone through a bit of an overhaul too since you’ll find nothing but ethical, locally sourced, artisinal products that include nothing but the finest of craft beers and fair trade coffees.

Whatever you do though, don’t leave without making use of their fabulous terrace, which is bathed in light and overlooks the intersection of e rue la Grange aux Belles and Juliette Dodu.

The atmosphere of this place is also wonderfully quiet and the service is beyond exceptional – easily making this one of the best cafes in Paris.

Pro Tip:  Sit outside on their terrace and order delicious french toast from one of the most famous cafes in Paris.  The boiled egg with toast and filtered coffee is also good if you’re trying to be a wee bit sensible.

Address:  31-33 Rue Juliette Dodu, 75010 Paris, France

Nearest Metro Station:  Colonel Fabien, Belleville, or Goncourt.

Price:  Entrees are between €12.00 and €15.00 each.

Hours:  Open Sunday through Wednesday from 8:00 am to 1:00 am and then Thursday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:00 am.

17. Le Dôme Café

Tucked away in the 6th arrondissement, Le Dôme Café is a true gem that exudes history and charm. As you step through its doors, you’ll be transported to a bygone era. Take a seat and indulge in their signature dishes that have delighted patrons for generations.

This café is known for its seafood dishes. From oysters to monkfish, seafood platters with prawns and crabs, to the fish and octopus salad, this restaurant has a knack for serving up seafood with a flair that you will find in few other places.

The atmosphere and décor reflect the cafe’s rich heritage, with vintage furnishings and elegant touches.

I’ll have to warn you though. Le Dôme Café is expensive and tends to cater to a lot of the tourists that head into the town. The food however is good. The service is pleasant and it is a seafood lovers paradise.

Address: 108 Bd du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris, France

Nearest Metro: Vavin metro station

Price: The entrees start at 19 euros

Hours: Open every day from 12pm – 2:45pm, 7-10:30pm

18. Le Select

If you’re in search of a café that embodies the spirit of artistic Paris, look no further than Le Select. This eclectic hotspot has been a gathering place for creatives, intellectuals, and free spirits for decades.

As you enter, you’ll be greeted by the charming ambiance and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Le Select’s menu boasts a range of signature dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds, from savory quiches to decadent pastries.

Immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere and let the creativity flow as you sip your coffee and people-watch. In fact, the café actually prides itself on its décor because they have retained the original set up from the 1920’s which is so cool and it is one of the big draws about this place.

Address:   99 Bd du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris, France

Price: Prices for the dishes start at 23 euros

Hours: Open everyday from 7am – 2am except on Fri – Sat when it closes at 3am

Map of the Most Famous Cafes in Paris

Additional Paris Resources You’ll Love

• 120+ Amazing Paris Captions for Instagram
• 15 Secret Tips for Your Paris Vacation
• 30 Amazing Hidden Gems in Paris
• The Ultimate Paris Solo Travel Guide
• Ultimate Winter in Paris Guide
• Best Afternoon Tea in Paris

Most Famous Cafes in Paris FAQs

What is the most famous café in paris.

The most famous cafe in Paris is Café de Flore which was initially opened in the 1880s.

What are the Two Most Famous Cafes in Paris?

The two most famous cafes in Paris are Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots Café. Both are located on the left bank of Paris and in the Saint Germain neighborhood.

What Famous Café in Paris was in the Movie?

Cafe des Deux Moulins was featured in the film Amelie and is where the title character worked when she went to her day job.

In fact, this pretty cafe in Paris now has a salad on the menu that is named after the fictional character.

Is Paris Known for Its Cafes?

Yes, Paris is known for its cafes since the cafe culture in this city is second to none.

In fact, it initially emerged at the end of the 19th century when philosophers, painters, writers, and other creative individuals would gather in cafes for hours to discuss the most pressing issues of the day.

So, step inside one of the many famous cafes in Paris and enjoy lavish interiors and enchanting terraces

What Is The Most Photographed Café In Paris?

La Maison Rose is without doubt the most photographed café in Paris. This is after all the very same café that Van Gogh and Picasso frequented. They aren’t the only eminent people who have found their way here over time.

The historic café been serving up hot coffee and delicious meals for over a hundred years and it is still frequented by a lot of people. You will find that many stop just to take a pic of the iconic pink building. It is after all an important part of the Parisian history.

Let’s face it guys, food in Paris is always a great idea. I mean, even the tourist trap cafés here tend to serve food that far surpasses anything you’ll find in decent cafés elsewhere.

Plus, throughout many of these famous cafes in paris, there’s an air of sophistication and culture that seductively lures in the city’s best of the best for a drink, a bite, and a lively discussion about the important things in life., you know, things like whether you should leave the toilet paper roll face up or face down when you replace it., so, while i can’t promise that you’ll become a famous patron of one of these cafés, i can tell you where to find them so that you can bask in some of paris’ historic glory, at least for a few minutes..

Thursday 5th of May 2022

Sorry about the spelling of Louvre below!!!! Yikes!!! Fingers were going too fast!!

girlwiththepassport

Monday 9th of May 2022

No problem at all. Happens to me all the time.

Your list of Paris cafe's looks incredible!! This will be our third time in Paris and we have had enough of the traditional tourist spots like the Louve, Eiffel Tower etc. Been there...done that! This time we intend to spend our week in Paris as a Parisian not as a tourist and your list of cafe's and walking tours will be our starting point! Thank you so much!!

My pleasure and so glad to hear it. Thanks for reading. I also have a post about Parisian hidden gems that might be useful if you're a return visitor. Have an amazing time.

Rhonda King

Monday 18th of April 2022

Haven’t been to all the cafes. But have to agree about Les Deux Magots, it is amazing! Have to disagree on La Palette, was the worst cafe I think I have ever been to. Staff pretty rude, food was awful (we went at 11:30pm). Le Chat Noir was brilliant (except we went to the wrong on on our first try, there are few cafes named this in Paris) for a super simple breakfast and friendly staff. Thanks for creating this list. So helpful.

Wednesday 20th of April 2022

So glad you found this helpful and so sorry about La Palette and your experience. That sounds dreadful.

george casanova

Sunday 9th of February 2020

very informative great list will visit this year when i go back again (it feels like home Pari!) thank you love your blog

Saturday 15th of February 2020

Thanks so much for reading and I agree. I always love going back to Paris!

Ioana Stoica

Thursday 3rd of October 2019

Great list! I just love Paris and hanging out at cafes people watching. The ones on this list are so charming, I'm going to have to save them for my next trip!

Friday 4th of October 2019

I am so happy to hear that! While writing this it made me want to get back to Paris ASAP.

Privacy Overview

Europe Chevron

France Chevron

Ile-de-France Chevron

Paris Chevron

The 21 Best Cafés in Paris

By Lindsey Tramuta

There has always been coffee in Paris but it’s only been within the last decade that there has been genuinely  good  coffee in Paris. That’s thanks to a robust specialty coffee movement that has turned the capital into a coffee lover’s dream. With local roasters and barista-led shops in nearly every arrondissement, Paris rivals all the best European destinations for espressos, pour-overs, flat whites, and crèmes. The aesthetics may vary from café to café but the selection of drinks will be familiar and served alongside delicious sweets. Here, find our recommendations for the best Parisian cafés and coffee shops to grab a cup, take a seat, and linger like a local.

Read our complete Paris travel guide here .

This gallery has been updates with new information since its original publish date.

Ten Belles Arrow

Ten Belles was one of the city's original specialty coffee shops; it continues to turn out high quality house blends roasted by Belleville Brûlerie. But due to its small square footage, this spot does brisk takeaway business. Expect regulars, coffee fanatics, and tourists on a stroll through the neighborhood. (Locals love it so much they've invested in the café's gear: sturdy mugs, reusable take-away cups, and thermoses.)

Café Loustic Arrow

With its bright pink cushions, half-wood-half-tiled floors, bamboo bar, and graphic vintage Hermès wallpaper, Café Loustic is more like your stylish, chic friend's apartment than your neighborhood coffee shop. That is, if your friend serves V60 pour-overs, a stellar chai latté, and specialty coffee by Belgian roaster Caffènation. (Note to non-bean drinkers: Get the milk oolong tea.) Loustic is an excellent spot to start the day on a sweet note, have a light lunch with a friend, or savor a late-afternoon pick-me-up.

Télescope Arrow

The fashion set descends on this cozy coffee bar throughout the day (offices for Kenzo and Céline are nearby). Owner Nicolas Clerc works primarily with Scandinavian coffee roasters, offering excellent filter coffee, milk-based drinks, and lovely teas for the non-Java contingent. Computers are verboten so the energy is conversational—but not so roaring that you can't read, write, or sit and people-watch. It's is an excellent spot for a solo outing, friendly catch-up, or client meeting (they'll be impressed by your coffee prowess).

Holybelly Arrow

Barista-brewed coffee is the primary focus at this Parisian coffee bar. But it's also the only place in Paris to get a London Fog (earl grey tea seeped in milk), and also one of the best brunches in town—be prepared to wait in line. Even with the Beastie Boys blaring from the speakers and aproned staffers quickly weaving between tables, the crowd is laid back and casual; weekend brunch-goers tend to be lively and cheerful.

CNT Editors

Lindsey Tramuta

Lauren Burvill

Meaghan Kenny

Café Méricourt Arrow

With its bright green facade, earthy interiors, and row of succulents behind the bar, it wouldn't be hard to imagine this café in tropical environs. Regulars come for coffee and a light breakfast or a casual lunch with colleagues. In-the-know Parisians seek out the novelty of shakshuka or green eggs with their specialty brews. The focus is on French roasters (same as at sister shop, Café Oberkampf), and, though it operates like a full-service restaurant, this is an easy stop-in for a to-go cup.

Fringe Coffee Arrow

It's impossible to miss the light fixtures fashioned like clouds above blonde wood tables. Or the walls, dressed up with thought-provoking works by rotating artists and photographers. This relaxing environment trumps most Parisian coffee shops and the locals, frequently found reading or writing, know it. The owner is an expert in specialty coffee—he photographed an entire book on the third wave coffee movement in Paris. Not to mention the staff is largely Scandinavian; they take orders promptly and hustle to serve everyone quickly.

O Coffeeshop Arrow

This surf-inspired coffee shop, owned by an Aussie and a Frenchie, is an outlier in the residential (but still near-ish the Eiffel Tower) 15th Arrondissement. Inside, it's all light-blonde wood, marble tabletops, and turquoise accents (a nod to the sea). The strong showing of coffee shop favorites—noisettes, capps, flat whites—draws a crowd of locals, thankful to no longer to have to travel east for their specialty coffee.

Lomi, one of the city's premier coffee roasters, occupies the ground floor of a modern building designed for social housing in a developing section of the eighteenth arrondissement. Inside, though, it's all high-design exposed stone walls, reclaimed wood tables, and vintage chairs. The calming environment attracts young professionals and students. But since the roasting facility and training/tasting room are on-site, you're also likely to cross paths with coffee distributors and industry folk. Expect all the usuals, from lattes to expertly pulled espresso, plus some wildcards like café fromage—double espresso served with blue cheese (nibble on the small piece, sip the espresso, and let it melt the cheese in your mouth; you'll be surprised how well they pair).

Le Peloton Café Arrow

This minimalist café focuses on two things: coffee and cycling. (It's owned by the Kiwi founders of Bike About Tours.) There are only a handful of seats and counter stools, so it's not suited for lingering; stop in on a leisurely stroll through the Marais or en route to the left bank museums. They serve flat whites, drip coffee, espresso, and a menu largely filled with sweet treats, like croissants and waffles with a side of jam.

KB Coffee Roasters Arrow

This high-ceilinged corner café is prized for obvious reasons: its spacious outdoor terrace, just-comfortable-enough wooden tables and benches, and serious coffee on rotation. KB is deep in the coffee scene; they started roasting their own beans a couple years ago. While the menu consists of all the usuals, what's special is the quality in the cup, which is why you'll see lots of young, work-from-anywhere locals or groups of chatting friends, plus a smattering of coffee-caring tourists.

Boot Café Arrow

Set in a former cobbler's workshop, this pint-sized coffee wonderland is never loud nor rowdy. In fact, it only seats eight people, so more often than not, there's a line snaking around the shopfront for to-go cups. The millennials who frequent Boot are an international cohort of in-the-know coffee fans. They're here for pour overs by Chemex (versus already prepared filter coffee), flat whites, expertly pulled shots of espresso, and a killer hot chocolate.

Coutume Cafe Arrow

Among the first upscale coffee shops in Paris, Coutume caught the wave of industrial-chic café design. It has an almost scientific approach to coffee roasting and brewing; come here and you'll learn that coffee is serious business. The menu includes everything from espressos, cafés crèmes, and cappuccinos to various "méthode douce café" (slow coffee), like V60, Chemex, and Aeropress.

Terres de Cafe Arrow

At first glance, this shoe boxed-sized café only seems suitable for knocking back an espresso. But it's worth lingering over a latte among coffee connoisseurs, baristas-in-training, and curious consumers. If you like flat whites or antipodean-style coffee, consider this your go-to for a proper cup. The baristas know what they're doing: Each coffee is nice and strong and consistently extracted with just the right crema.

Shakespeare and Company Café Arrow

The café component of iconic bookshop Shakespeare and Company is a compact, modern contrast to the store's wonderfully worn aesthetic. The café gets traffic from bookstore clients and tourists trickling across the street from Notre Dame. Lomi, a Parisian roaster and café, manages the java, so you can grab a quality cup while visiting nearby sights or perusing the bookstore.

Occupying a corner space on the picturesque Ile Saint Louis (known for the Berthillon ice cream shop), this is one of several sharply-designed offerings from the growing specialty coffee group called Noir. Soft lines and curvaceous walls, off-white travertine coffee tables and surfaces, light blonde wood, and banquettes in earthy colors make up the general design scheme but you'll find differences location to location. You'll find the favorites, from espressos and cortados, to charcoal and matcha lattes. Noir roasts their own beans in a facility-café in the heart of the Marché aux Puces and sell bags in their individual outposts, including here.

Mardi Arrow

A corner shop in a lovely stretch of the hilly neighborhood between the Buttes Chaumont park and Belleville, this months-old specialty hot spot is faintly Scandi-inspired both in decor (blonde wood tables and stools, exposed stone walls, and handmade ceramic dishware by Charline Robache) and in the cup. It's cozy, friendly, and full of neighborhood locals on any given day. Expect beautifully-executed coffees, from flat whites to pour overs, and a menu that's a bit more sophisticated than the average coffee shop—the lunch selection is seasonal and has included latkes served with chive crème fraîche and a stracciatella tartine with honey-roasted carrots in a chimichurri sauce. 

Dreamin' Man Arrow

This sliver of a coffee shop on the end of the 11th arrondissement has a custom wood bar, upcycled tables and stools, and lots of wabi-sabi style. Folk music à la Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen plays on repeat, creating a chill vibe for a crowd of regulars (many of who come twice a day). At most, there will be two people working the bar including the owner, Yuichiro Sugiyama, who takes the art of coffee very seriously. Sugiyama works with April and Prolog coffee from Denmark for pour-overs, espresso, and lattes—tea drinkers should opt for the hojicha latte, which can be made iced in the warmer months. All of the sweets are made by Sugiyama's pastry-chef girlfriend Yui Matsuzaki, from scones served with cream and jam, seasonal fruit tarts, lemon cake, shortbread cookies, muffins, and occasionally a Japanese pudding that's to-die-for.

Motors Coffee Arrow

Set up in an old travel agency, the industrial-sleek space is VERY compact (there's outdoor seating, too). And while it could be in London or New York (the design plays up brick walls, white tiles, a simple black bench and cinder block tables), regulars come for the expert coffee. Each espresso shot is perfectly pulled. Each flat white is impeccably served. The shop works with the best roasters in the world to offer a regularly changing selection of coffees and offers special (higher end, generally) pours for the most discerning. You'll also find cold brew, espresso tonics, and dirty chai. They also make their own cakes and cookies (and an excellent Basque cheesecake) but work with Boneshaker for doughnuts (the city's best).

Partisan Arrow

The crowd here is trendy and cosmopolitan—definitely on the younger side, definitely on the fashion-industry side. Locals know to come early in the morning because the rest of the day will see a steady stream of people, many who are visiting or have crossed Paris to drink coffee here, pack the space until closing time. Partisan is the only specialty coffee in Paris to offer two methods (or approaches) on its menu: Italian and New Wave. New Wave refers to a lighter roast common to specialty coffee that bring out a coffee's aromatic profile, its terroir, and the drying technique that has been chosen. In general, there's more acidity in these coffees. Italian roasts are darker, more robust (and actually represents half of Partisan's orders among clients). Both are used for espressos, lattés, flat whites, and other coffee drinks. Also served: a much-loved matcha latte.

Café Nuances Arrow

Without question, this is the city's most design-forward coffee shop (thanks to the talents of Uchronia). Set up in a former crèmerie, the aesthetic is all art deco in the front and contemporary (some might say a touch futuristic) in the back. There are counter seats toward the front, but this spot does brisk take-away business given its location in the center of the city, not far from the Place Vendôme (and, notably, the Ritz Paris). The owners, brothers Charles and Raphaël Corrot, adore coffee and wanted to offer a singular take on the espresso bar. They focus on five unique coffees, each with their own flavor profile, with beans they import from top producers. Slow Dance, for example, is a coffee with chocolate and nutty notes while Coffee & Cigarettes has, you guessed it, clear notes of tobacco and spice.

The Dancing Goat Arrow

A five minute walk from Père Lachaise cemetery, this is one of the largest, most classically beautiful spaces among specialty coffee shops in Paris. Picture windows let in incredible light at all times of day and the other decorative features make it a warm and inviting place to linger over coffee: soft, rounded lines, varied floor tiles, massive mirrors, marble pedestal tables, Thonet bistro chairs, and well-placed plants. From filter to flat whites and golden lattes, the menu covers all the heavy hitters. The hot chocolate is worth ordering for anyone who keeps off caffeine. Food options are admittedly limited (but go well with the drinks!). The owner, Englishman Daniel Chapman, has wanted to serve light lunch fare and brunch but has yet to find the right chef. In the meantime, he serves granola, divine cookies (some of which are gluten-free), and a rotating selection of cakes.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Share this story

• The 19 Essential Cairo Restaurants
• The 14 Essential Vegan Restaurants in Paris
• The 15 Best Patisseries in Paris

The 16 Best Cafes in Paris

Though Parisian coffee shops historically serve subpar coffee, a wave of craft roasters and ambitious baristas now serve great espresso, lattes, and bags of specialty beans all over the city

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Twitter
• Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: The 16 Best Cafes in Paris

Paris has long been famous for its cafes. The coffee served at those cafes, though, not so much. The city is dotted with historic locations where luminaries and artists historically gathered to gossip, but it used to be surprisingly hard to come by a decent cup of coffee in Paris.

That has changed massively in the last decade, as roasters popped up all over town and shops started serving craft coffee with carefully sourced and roasted beans. Along with decent coffee came a variety of environments to enjoy a roast in, meaning there’s bound to be a setting for any occasion, from a quiet, intimate spot filled with a local boho-chic crowd to a busy cafe in a historic neighborhood.

Note: This guide is organized by arrondissement, spiraling out from the 1st.

Originally from London, Rooksana Hossenally has been a Paris-based food and travel journalist and author for the last decade. Most recently, she launched a newsletter What’s Up, Paris? about places and people of Paris that have flown under the radar.

Sébastien Gaudard

Following his success with Pâtisserie des Martyrs, renowned pastry chef Sébastien Gaudard opened this bakery and tea salon flanking the Tuileries Garden. The drinks are on the pricey side, but if you order the set brunch menu, your drink of choice (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) will come with mini-pastries, a baguette with butter and jam, eggs, smoked salmon salad, and French toast. The tea salon opens at 10 a.m., so you’ll have to get there early to snag some prime real estate on a seat by the windows or an outside table facing the plaza. Located in the 1st arrondissement.

• Open in Google Maps

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @obe.christian

Café Nuances

At Nuances, picking up a bag of traceable beans (all roasted on site) or ordering a pour over can feel a bit like shopping for a fancy handbag. Each of the three locations is stylishly thought out by local design firm Uchronia. The lovely environment of the cafe in the 1st will make you want to settle in on the terrace for a nice long sip and chat. Located in the 1st arrondissement.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CAFÉ NUANCES (@cafenuances)

This Scandi-style spot merges caffeine with art, putting on revolving photography exhibitions alongside single-origin espressos. The bar also offers a variety of solid teas. Located in the 3rd arrondissement.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by fringe - coffee, granola & photography (@fringecoffeeparis)

With its dusty blue exterior and shelves lined with ephemera, this cafe in an old cobbler’s workspace has probably been on Instagram more times than the Arc de Triomphe. The signature flat white completes a visit. Located in the 3rd arrondissement.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Boot Cafe (@bootcafe)

If you can’t stand a bad cup of coffee but you can’t pull yourself away from the Paris sights, head to Carette. The cafe has three locations in quintessential spots, including this go-to slotted in among the scenic arches of Place des Vosges in the Marais. Watch as servers swoop by with gleaming silver trays above their heads, delivering noisettes (espresso with a dash of milk) and sweets like millefeuilles and Montblancs piled high with hazelnut cream. Located in the 3rd arrondissement.

Shakespeare and Company Café

For years, George Whitman, the owner of the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookshop, asked his neighbor if he could take over the abandoned garage next door and transform it into his dream cafe. Whitman passed away in 2011, but his daughter, Sylvia, persevered, and in 2015 her father’s vision was finally realized. The cafe serves a healthy dose of literary puns (Shakespeare Shake, a Flapjack Kerouac, The Bun Also Rises) alongside lemon pie and healthy fare from Bob’s Bake Shop. The tea is sourced from London-based Postcard Teas, but the coffee is hyper-local, courtesy of Café Lomi (also on this list). Located in the 5th arrondissement.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shakespeare and Company Café, Paris (@shakespeareandcocafe)

Sign up for the Sign up for Eater's newsletter

The freshest news from the food world every day

Thanks for signing up!

Check your inbox for a welcome email.

Oops. Something went wrong. Please enter a valid email and try again.

Café de Flore

Slap bang in the middle of the bustle of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this is probably the city’s most visited cafe. It owes much of its reputation to historic regulars like Pablo Picasso and Simone de Beauvoir, and it saw a revival after its cameo in Emily in Paris . Still, all the tourists in the world can’t take away from its 1880s soul, which can be better appreciated at a table inside rather than out on the terrace. The coffee has improved immensely over the years, and the croque-monsieur doused in grilled cheese isn’t bad either. Located in the 6th arrondissement.

Coutume Café

As one of the pioneers of specialty coffee in Paris, Coutume is committed to education, hosting tasting seminars and encouraging guests to try its single-origin roasts brewed in a variety of ways. Monthly specials like raspberry-and-basil iced coffee and espresso with Parmesan and honey often come served in a glass or beaker. There are a dozen Coutume coffee shops around town, including a handy location just a few blocks away from Musée Rodin, which makes for a good pit stop between the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. If you want to linger a bit, the food is solid, as is the Wi-Fi. One of Coutume’s other locations, in the Finnish Institute, is a bit smaller, but serves Nordic French treats like korvapuusti (cinnamon rolls), carrot cake, and vispipuuro (sweet semolina porridge) from pastry duo Leivonen . Located in the 7th arrondissement.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coutume (@coutumecafe)

KB Cafeshop

A small spot on the fringes of Pigalle that roasts its own coffee, KB is usually packed with expats who come to sip and chat. There are also tables outside in the warmer months. Located in the 9th arrondissement.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by KB Coffee Roasters (@kbcoffeeroastersparis)

This small, charming shop right off Canal St.-Martin serves house-made pastries alongside local roasts from Belleville Brûlerie. One of the biggest advocates for specialty coffee in Paris, Ten Belles offers a laid-back environment and one of the best glimpses of a distinctly Parisian coffee culture across its three locations, where customers tend to eschew laptops for conversations with friends. When it’s nice out, take your drink and food to go; when it’s not, grab a colorful seat by the window. After tinkering with recipes inspired by San Francisco’s Tartine and London’s St. John, the kitchen came up with a stellar roster of breads, pastries, and savory foods. Located in the 10th arrondissement.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ten Belles (@tenbelles)

Inspired by the vibrant coffee scene of Melbourne, Australia, Holybelly has become a gathering place for discerning breakfast fans who can’t go without a good pour over or pancakes heaped with smoked crispy bacon. This buzzy joint, outfitted with exposed brick walls and high tables, serves drip coffee in mugs (a rarity in Paris) and espressos that pack a punch, made with the Mystic Mornings coffee blend specially roasted for the shop by Belleville Brûlerie in the 19th. Located in the 10th arrondissement.

Dreamin' Man

Locals swear by owner Yuichiro Sugiyama’s carefully brewed coffees, made using beans roasted in Denmark, to be enjoyed with Yui Matsuzaki’s delicate pastries. It’s become a bit of a hangout for arty locals and visitors, so be prepared to queue or get there early. There are just two tables inside and a handful are set up outside in summer, so you might need to take your cup to go. There’s also a window to grab a Dreamin’ Man coffee at the Broken Arm fashion boutique in the Marais . Located in the 11th arrondissement.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dreamin Man (@dreaminman_paris)

Hardware Société

Tucked in a side street just below the Sacré-Coeur, this Australian-run restaurant plates a variety of brunch foods, from pulled pork buns to French viennoiseries. However, you’d be entirely justified coming just for coffee, whipped up with Melbourne’s Market Lane coffee beans. Located in the 18th arrondissement.

One of Paris’s original craft roasters, Lomi has won awards and become the go-to cup in hotels and restaurants all over town. But you don’t have to pay for a hotel bed or a full restaurant meal to taste the brand’s coffee. Instead, go straight to the source at the Lomi coffee shop near Montmartre. The die-hard coffee loving crew hosts tastings, operates a coffee school for aspiring experts, and works closely with coffee plantations in South America. All three coffee varieties are top notch, but the 100-percent Arabica is a favorite among Parisians, who tend to like their espressos crisp and full flavored. Located in the 18th arrondissement.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lomi (@cafelomi)

Many of Paris’s craft coffee spots have a Brooklyn-meets-Scandi vibe these days, Bokbar included. With its waxed cement floors and shelves lined with books (some by writers who have done readings at Bokbar), this Swedish-inspired bookshop is a haven for staunch coffee drinkers. Customers pair cups with moreish cakes that owner Natalie Magnusson bakes herself daily. The calming atmosphere is perfect for catching your breath during a day exploring busy Belleville’s artist ateliers, Chinese noodle joints, and creative restaurants. Located in the 20th arrondissement.

More in Maps

• The 14 Vegan Restaurants Worthy of Paris’s Historic Food Scene

Noir is a favorite among coffee-lovers for the sharp design of its 12 locations, spread all across the arrondissements, and its great coffee made with ethically sourced and roasted arabicas from Guatemala, Brazil, and Mexico. If you have your choice, opt for the shop close to the Saint-Ouen flea market, where the interior boasts a funky mishmash of styles — wavy midcentury wall cutouts, Brutalist ceilings, high wooden stools befitting a classic bistro — that come together to create a fun vibe.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @noir_coffeeshop

• The 15 Hottest New Restaurants in Paris
• The 15 Best Paris Boulangeries
• The 38 Essential Restaurants in Paris

Related Maps

Follow eater online:.

• Follow Eater on Twitter
• Follow Eater on Facebook
• Follow Eater on Youtube
• Follow Eater on Instagram

Site search

• Los Angeles
• New Orleans
• Philadelphia
• Portland, OR
• San Francisco
• Twin Cities
• Washington DC

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Arts & Culture
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 22 best cafés in Paris right now

From quaint old-school joints to third-wave coffee shops, these are the best cafés in Paris, maybe even all of Europe

The best café culture on the planet? Brave words, but Paris is a city defined as much by its bravery as the conveyor belt of caffeine that fuels this incredible array of cafés. No morning in the French capital is complete without an espresso, possibly a baked good. Possibly even a glass of red wine. 

And that’s just breakfast . Any good day out in Paris should feature multiple café trips, with ample time allowed for each. Remember, the Parisians don’t do takeaway coffee; here you must sit with your mug and enjoy it slowly, watching the world go by. We don’t make the rules. So if you’re ready to do Paris properly, read on for our picks of the very best cafés in Paris. 

RECOMMENDED: 🥞 The best brunch in Paris 🥘 The best   restaurants in Paris 🎨 The best   things to do in Paris 🏨 The best   hotels in Paris

This article was written by the   editorial team at  Time Out Paris . At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines .

An email you’ll actually love

Best cafés in Paris

1.  Maison Fleuret

No one would dare to open their laptop at Maison Fleuret . One may knit, read or daydream while sipping coffee, but never tap away on a keyboard. This former bookstore, with its two floors of wooden charm, proudly showcases an ornate wrought-iron staircase and clean white walls. The kind of place you might imagine Gertrude Stein might hang out with a mug of coffee and a freshly squeezed juice.

Order this:  How about a hearty breakfast (starting at 9.30am) with sourdough bread, scrambled eggs, Comté and  berry compote. Or a big, fluffy lemon poppyseed cake to crumble into your long black coffee.

2.  Fauna

Fauna is a cosmopolitan hotspot with green banquets, organic globes and light wood tables, where Swedes Jacob Köhler and Filip Josefsson skillfully bake and brew. These guys cultivate a blend of simplicity and comfort that embodies hygge , that acute sense of cosiness and snug interiors that Scandinavians (and Finns) are renowned for. It’s  the spot in Paris at the minute for trendy caffeine enthusiasts.

Order this:  The cinnamon bun, and the chocolate cookie sprinkled with flaky sea salt. 

3.  Café du Clown

The Clown Bar, once known for entertaining the crowd on the Oberkampf side, now also delves into coffee. Crossing the Seine, former sommelier David Benichou – previously of Brutos fame – pours exceptional brews at Café du Clown , a small retro-bistro counter by the Marché Saint-Germain. Under the tender gaze of mascot Iago (a really big dog) purists, sleepyheads, and other coffee aficionados rock up as soon as this spot opens at 7am.

Order this: Try the  Colombian Yuzu Plum espresso beans by DAK Coffee Roasters, and the doughy chocolate chip cookies. 

4.  Pilo’s

Don't expect this discreet spot across from the Père-Lachaise cemetery to wake the dead. At Pilo’s , tranquility reigns. Argentine Pilar d'Amuri welcomes guests into this simple space, where she does everything herself with a calming demeanor: prices are whispered, espressos served without haste, and the cups carefully mismatched. A shot of sweetness in a world of chaos.

Order this:  Try the media luna, an Argentine croissant with a sugary crust, perfect for dipping in a good old-fashioned filtered coffee. Or indulge in the chocolate alfajores, two biscuits sandwiched with dulce de leche.

5.  Buddy Buddy

Julien Gaucherot and Matt Samra are a pair of peanut-loving people. Hailing from Belgium and New Zealand respectively, they craft the most talked-about peanut butter in Brussels, where they run their flagship coffee shop. Their Parisian outpost near the Saint-Martin canal resembles a space capsule, with gleaming stainless steel, inviting you to perch on a retro-futuristic log while enjoying some serious coffee.

Order this: A carrot cake muffin, and the speciality coffees roasted in  Copenhagen, Barcelona, Brussels and Antwerp. But also try the Buddy, a creamy blend of espresso, peanut butter, oat milk, and raw cocoa.

6.  Télescope Café

• Coffeeshops
• 1er arrondissement
• price 2 of 4

David Flynn is something of a coffee purist, and Télescope Café has a stripped-down look to it; whitewashed walls with no decoration, a big pale blue wooden counter with a plate of cakes, Marzocco espresso machine and a strange water-heating device which he says is called an ‘über-boiler’. When he serves a glass of water with your coffee it comes from a sleek siphon rather than from the tap, and don’t ask for free Wi-Fi: as David says, ‘it is not our concept’. 

Order this: There are s everal espresso varieties roasted on-site, from Kenya, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, Brazil or Colombia. The pastries out on the counter are well worth a go too. 

7.  Kott Café

Kott Café is like stepping into a chic white haven, straight out of a fashion magazine. Delicate opalines hang from the ceiling, aluminum pipes line the corners, and we sit at small wooden tables, next to thrifted paintings from the flea market. 

Order this:  Classic or matcha madeleines by Monsieur Caramel. Black sesame or salted caramel cookies from Jojo&Co. And definitely the exemplary bingsu (a Korean shaved ice dessert), with a delightful Korean -style Viennese coffee, not too sweet with whipped cream.

8.  Hanoï Corner

At the helm of Hanoï Corner , a hidden coffee shop just steps away from Gare Saint-Lazare, young Hô Ly and her partner Nam Nguyen showcase excellent Vietnamese cuisine.

Order this:  The excellent c à phê filter, a  Vietnamese coffee, with cake; try the chiffon with pandan leaves and the grilled cassava cakes. 

9.  Partisan Café Artisanal

Ever wondered what a break amidst the pages of a fashion magazine looks like? Then head to Le Partisan , where baristas and customers swiftly catch you up on the latest trends, all amidst the buzz of the big Probat roasting machine. Since laptops are banned, it’s all about chatting about Fashion Week gossip while sipping on well-sourced coffee. Note that this minimalist spot has Lebanese roots as the owners are the Karam brothers, and the glass, stone, and metal decor is signed by Beirutians Randa Kamel and Tracy Zeidan.

Order this:  The sesame cookie and a fresh roasted coffee; Ethiopian Samii Chelbesa or a delicate Kenyan AA Nduma with a subtle acidity.

10.  Mokonuts

Opened in December 2015, Mokonuts is the brainchild of Moko and Omar, partners who previously spent decades working in other fields. Moko, a former lawyer, prepares original and delicious desserts that catch your eye as soon as you walk in. 

Order this :  Moko’s devilish cookie, combining black olives and white chocolate (it's divine).

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Premium Profiles
• Time Out Worldwide
• Paris print guides

30+ Best And Most Beautiful Cafes In Paris

There is nothing so Parisian about Paris as its cafe culture. For centuries, quaint cafes have dotted tiny cobbled lanes and grand boulevards alike.

Some are fancy. Some are quirky. Many of them boast showy displays of flowers, which give them a romantic appeal.

Cafes have long been at the heart of civic life. Parisians live and socialize in them, even in the bowels of winter. They are the perfect spot for an espresso, wine, a meal, and conversation.

So, if you’re heading to Paris, you’ll want to participate in this unique slice of Parisian urban life. To help you along, I’ve created a list of the 30 best and most beautiful cafes in Paris.

I’ve been to Paris seven times in my life (so far!). So I’ve sampled the goods of many cafes.

These cute cafes are scattered all over the city. Unlike in the United States, you can linger for hours if you choose.

30+ Most Beautiful Cafes in Paris

Here’s my list of the best and cutest cafes in Paris, in alphabetical order.

1. Angelina

Angelina is a legendary tea room that became famous for its hot chocolate and pastries, served up in a sumptuous Belle Epoque decor.

Angelina was opened in 1903 by Austrian pastry alchemist Antoine Rumpelmayer and his son. The tea room was named after his daughter-in- law.

In this iconic tea room, Marcel Proust, Coco Chanel, and other famous fashion designers once sipped hot chocolate. Angelina’s most well known hot chocolate is the “L’Africain.”

There are locations on the Champs-Élysées, Rue de Rivoli, and the Rue du Bac.

2. Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole

Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole may be the prettiest cafe in Paris. It’s extremely photogenic and will make you stop in your tracks.

The cafe is smack in the middle of Paris on the Île de la Cité. It’s just a tad over 300 feet from Notre Dame.

Wisteria drapes the entrance in the spring and summer and there are colorful purple cafe chairs outside. In fact, the Paris mayor has given the cafe permission to just let the massive wisteria plant keep growing.

The interior is lovely too. There’s a vintage-y bar and several rooms with antiques, dining spaces, and a cozy fireplace. The largest room offers up views of the cathedral.

You can sip wine on the terrace or feast on some gourmet French cuisine in the upper levels. It’s the perfect stop after visiting Sainte-Chapelle or the Conciergerie .

3. Cafe Creme, Marais

Cafe Creme is a Marais institution that just had an amazing makeover. It now boasts industrial style New York decor with neon lighting, big bay windows, and a heated terrace.

It will please the modern palette too. The cafe serves up couture waffles, interesting salads, and truffle burgers. And of course delicious coffee and wine.

It’s an immensely popular brunch spot on the weekends. I tried their avocado toast and loved it.

>>> Click here to book a Le Marais walking tour

4. Cafe des Deux Moulins, Montmartre

The Cafe des Deux Moulins became rock star famous after its starred in the 2001 award-winning Movie Amelie , profiting from the magic of the cult of Amelie.

The cute cafe is located on Rue Lepic away from the tourist fray. Under distinctive red awnings, tourists and locals alike jostle for a spot.

The chic cafe has even been featured in a Vogue spread.

The food is nothing terribly special. You come for the vibe, to have the Amelie salad, and nab a photo of the bright red exterior.

>>> Click here to book a walking tour of Montmartre

5. Cafe de Flore, Saint-Germain-des-Pres

Across the street from rival Les Deux Magots, Cafe de Flore has changed little since World War II. It has classic Art Deco interiors — red booths, wide mirrors, and an enviable clientele.

It’s definitely one of Paris’ most famous cafes, maybe the most famous. The cafe once hosted Jean Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir’s passionate philosophical discussions.

Cafe de Flore is now a hotspot for tourists and affluent types. It no longer attracts as many students and artists.

But if you want to walk in the footsteps of history, make a pilgrimage for the ambiance. And expect a line.

Cafe Flore serves all the standard cafe items. But one thing that sets it apart is a good selection of salads.

>>> Click here to book a foodie waling tour of Saint-Germain

6. Cafe de la Paix, Opera District

Cafe de la Paix is just across the street from the ornate Opera Garnie r on the Right Bank. It pre-dates the opera house by 13 years, opening in 1862.

It’s a legendary cafe in Paris with a sumptuous design and plush ambience courtesy of architect Alfred Arman. The Napoleon III decor features bronze, leather, marble, mosaics, and gold.

Cafe de la Paix has some serious literary cred. Some of Paris’s aspiring and famous writers frequented the cafe — Segei Diaghilev, Emile Zola, Oscar Wilde, Marcel Proust, and Guy de Maupassant. They would dine before the opera.

Today, You can have coffee on the terrace, enjoy a light gourmet lunch, or nibble on a homemade pastry. 

READ : Top Attractions In The Opera District

7. Cafe de La Rotunde, Montparnasse

Cafe de la Rotunde is one of the best cafes in Paris, located in the Montparnasse district. The cafe dates back to 1911, to a time when it attracted starving artists like Picasso and Amedeo Modigliani.

They would spend hours nursing a cup of coffee. If they didn’t have cash, they paid with a drawing or painting. Earnest Hemingway was also a fan.

The cafe is worth visiting for its Art Deco elegance, warm decor, and old time Paris feel. It’s open all day. You can get anything from a coffee and pastry to snails.

8. Cafe Kitsune, 1st Arrondissement

In 2002, Cafe Kitsune opened its first mini coffee shop in the Palais du Louvre garden. It was so successful they opened a permanent venue at the Palais-Royal.

The cafe is wildly popular and famous for its has a glam minimalist atmosphere. With its distinctive logo, the brand zoomed to cult status.

The espresso-based menu offers coffee, hot chocolate, and chai lattes. Kitsune has all the usual cafe fare, with a Japanese touch. But, for brunch, it’s known for its Dorayaki Pancakes.

After you’re done with your drink or meal, you can check out the art installation the Colonnes du Buren in the courtyard of Palais-Royal.

>>> Click here to book a walking tour of Montparnasse

10. Cafe Florida, Les Halles

Cafe Florida is a very colorful and cute cafe in Paris on one of the city’s lively streets, the Rue Montorgueil. Opened in 2020, it’s right next to Saint-Eustache Church.

Bright red flowers decorate the exterior. Gold and white balloons are added during the holiday season. Inside, there’s an elegant setting with deep red decor and marble.

The food is eclectic, not just the usual French fare. The cafe has a large selection of wine and cocktails and always features a daily special.

11. Cafe Blanchet

This is another lovely cafe in Paris in the Chatelet-Les Halles neighborhood. It has an outdoor terrace topped with sprawling bougainvillea vines.

You can stop for an espresso or coffee. But the cafe also has an appealing menu.

There’s a range of inventive tapas-like appetizers to share, delicious salads, and even small snacks like guacamole. I stopped one day and had a quinoa bowl and glass of champagne.

12. La Closerie des Lilas

La Closerie is definitely one of the best and most beautiful cafes in Paris.

It began life as a destination for the Impressionist painters and later became a literary hotspot made famous by Hemingway. The writer’s face is even on the bar menu and a placard marks his seat.

The vibe is cool. The bar still beats to the sound of a piano, and you can enjoy some classic cocktail creations.

There’s also a gourmet restaurant and brasserie with al fresco dining onsite.

13. Laduree

Laduree is one of Paris’ best and most beautiful cafes. It’s a tea room that serves up baked goods, sweet confections, and snacks.

The cafe is perhaps most well known for its macaroons, which were featured in the 2006 movie Marie Antoinette .

The macarons come in pastel colors and the tea room itself is mint green. My favorite is the lemon macaron. But you can also try lavender, mint, and rose.

Laudree has locations on the Champs-Élysées, Rue Bonaparte, Rue Royal, and Rue de Rivoli. It’s always crowded, so perhaps chose an off time to visit.

The Champs-Élysées location is a good place to relax over coffee after a visit to the Arc de Triomphe. It’s just a 10 minute walk away.

READ : Top Attractions In The 8th Arrondissement

14. Le Consulat, Montmartre

Le Consulat is one of the cutest cafes in Paris. It’s located in Montmartre on Rue Norvin. It was frequented by modern artists in bygone days like Van Gogh and Toulosue-Lautrec.

The cafe is a Montmartre institution, and one of the most photographed pictures on Instagram. The red and white cafe is the perfect place to sit on the terrace and people watch in Montmartre.

Wander inside and you’ll find a menu of typical French wines, an extensive beverage list, and plenty of classic French cuisine and vintage charm. Steak aux Poivre and pomme frites are a classic dish to try.

READ : Top Attractions in Montmartre

15. Le Moulin de la Galette, Montmartre

Montmartre used to have fifteen windmills. Now only two are left on the Mont.

Moulin de la Galette is a remaining windmill, and was once the centerpiece of a popular outdoor dance hall. It’s depicted in Renoir’s most famous painting in the Musee d’Orsay , which captures the joy of bohemian Montmartre.

The Moulin de la Galette is now a super cute cafe in Paris that offers fine food in a relaxed and light filled space.

You’ll find French onion soup, foie gras, and snails aplenty. I advise making a reservation.

16. Le Progrès, Marais

The Marais neighborhood of Paris is just filled to the brim with cute cafes. Le Progress is one of the most popular.

It’s the perfect place to relax outdoors with friends and engage in some people watching. You’ll feel like a local.

Ideally, you can grab a seat on the terrace and order wine with a charcuterie or cheese plate. If you want a meal, the cafe serves up the French classics. The cafe is also a good place for breakfast or brunch.

The interior is authentic and loverly, with wood furniture and golden mosaics.

READ : Top Attractions in the Marais

>>> Click here to book a food and wine tour in Le Marais

17. Le Procope, Saint-Germain-des-Pres

Located in the heart of Saint-Germain, Le Procope is the oldest public cafe in Paris. It was founded in 1686 by Sicilian chef Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli. It’s a bit touristy now because of its vaunted history.

In the 18th century, the cafe was a major literary and philosophical hotspot. Famous figures such as Voltaire and Diderot sipped coffee here.

It was also a hotspot for revolutionaries. During the French revolution, Robespierre, Marat, and Danton sat down to plot revolution. American revolutionaries like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson also met at Le Procope to debate politics.

Later in the 19th century, the cafe attracted Romantic era writers like George Sand and Alfred de Musset.

In the late 1980s, Le Procope was fully renovated to reflect its 18th century style. It holds relics such as Voltaire’s desk.

The cafe is fully renovated and decorated with crystal chandeliers, black and white tiled floors, and gold framed portraits. The house specialties include its much loved hot chocolate.

18. Les Deux Magots, Saint-Germain-des-Pres

Les Deux Magots is the cult-like literary cafe of Paris’ Left Bank. It’s likely the most famous venue in the 6th arrondissement.

In its heyday, it attracted literary giants and philosophers such as Albert Camus, Earnest Hemingway, James Joyces, Jean Paul Sartre, Simon de Beauvoir and many others.

The cafe still attracts fashionistas, locals, and loads of tourists. Les Deux Magot serves up the French classics — cocktails, brasserie food, hot chocolate, and even brunch.

19. Le Ju’, Marais

Opened in 2017, Le Ju’ is one of Paris’ most photogenic cafes and attracts local and visiting hipsters. It boasts a lovely terrace with balloons overhead.

Located near Rue de Rivoli and the Hotel de Ville (city hall), it’s a lively place on a lively street.

The best time to visit is for brunch; try to arrive on the early side to beat the crowds. But there is also a lunch and dinner menu.

The cafe tables on the terrace have cozy sheepskin-like throws.

20. Le Bon Pecheur, Les Halles

Le Bon Pecheur may be the most colorful cafe in Paris, with a cavalcade of flowers adoring the facade. It’s smack in the center of Paris and really stands out on the street.

Like all the best cafes in Paris, you can sit inside or outside. There’s also a cozy room upstairs with a library-like setting.

I stopped in for lunch after visiting the nearby Bourse de Commerce museum and had escargot. There’s also a wide selection of beers.

21. La Favorite, Marais

La Favorite is a vintage style bistro cafe where Paris meets New York City. It has black and white tiled floors, hanging ceiling fans, and classic caffe chairs.

The pink flowered cafe is an Instagram favorite. The cafe is always bustling, so can seem a bit noisy.

Inside, the decor is also beautiful. There are more pink flowers inside and even pink bathrooms. The ceilings are antique gold tin.

The menu is diverse, ranging from croque monsieurs to truffles to veggie offerings. The cafe also has a wide selection of champagne.

22. Le Paradis, Les Halles

If you are visiting the Centre Pompidou , Le Paradis is a beautiful cafe in Paris that makes the perfect before or after stop.

When I visited, the carafe was sporting a pink, red, and white floral decor that will wow you. The flower theme continues inside as well.

There is a quite extensive menu with a combination of innovative and classic dishes and signature cocktails. Try to sit outside. Inside, it’s a little tight and noisy.

23. Le Vrais Paris

Le Vrais is a beautiful bistro cafe in Paris in the center of the Abbesses area of Montmartre. It’s especially gorgeous with lavender vines growing up the walls.

It’s a great place to start your day if you are doing a walking tour of Montmartre. Le Vrai is an authentic little bistro with an air of yesteryear Paris.

Depending on the weather, you can choose between indoor and outdoor seating. The terrace is gorgeous and you can choose from classic French dishes.

24. Maison Rose, Montmartre

Head to the corner of Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Rue des Saules and you’ll find Maison Rose . It’s likely the most photographed house in Paris.

The pretty-in-pink coffee shop and restaurant was once run by Germaine Pichot, a friend of Picasso. It was frequented by Picasso, Albert Camus, Suzanne Valadon, and Maurice Utrillo.

Today, you can sip or dine al fresco on the little bistro chairs outside and enjoy a vegan-friendly menu in a nostalgic setting.

The restaurant was immortalized in many paintings by Utrillo, who seemed to adore cafes.(You can see some of Utrillo’s works in the Musee de l’Orangerie .) More recently, Maison Rose was used as a filming location for the TV series Emily in Paris .

25. Maison Savage, Saint-Germain-des-Pres

Maison Savage is one of Paris’ most beautiful and iconic flower bedecked cafes. It’s hidden away on Rue de Buci in the Saint-Germain neighborhood. But once you see photos of it, you’ll want to seek it out.

The cafe has a garden-like setting with two floors, a terrace, and a breathtaking facade covered with plants. The floral decor changes with the rhythm of the seasons.

The cafe has a fairytale vibe. It’s bright and airy, with woven baskets hanging from the walls. It has a breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menu. I’ve tried their avocado toast and açaí bowl and both were good.

26. Odette, Latin Quarter

If you’re a fan of pastries, head to Odette . It’s a famous Instagrammable spot in Paris, right next to a rare green half timbered building in Paris.

The shop is just steps away from Saint Severin Church and behind Shakespeare & Company Bookstore. It specializes in the cream puff, but has an extensive menu and mouth watering displays.

If you’re adventurous and it’s the right season, try the passion fruit or champagne puff.

The cafe even offers up views of Notre Dame.

>>> Click here to book a food tour in the Latin Quarter

27. Le Poulbot, Montmartre

Le Poutbot is a charming historic cafe in Montmartre. It’s a cozy quaint place with lots of charm, hidden away on a quiet side street.

The cafe serves up traditional French food with al a carte and set menus. There’s also an ever-changing daily specialty featuring seasonal ingredients.

The lavender creme brûlée is simply divine.

28. Shakespeare & Company Cafe

Facing the Seine, Shakespeare and Company is the most famous English language bookstore in Paris. It’s always a fun spot to visit.

From 1921 to 1940, the bookshop was the stomping grounds of such novelists such as Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, and Ezra Pound. Irish writer James Joyce reportedly used the shop as his office.

Just as importantly, there’s also a cafe onsite, owned by the bookstore, should you need a coffee or pastry. The cafe is a modern contrast to the shabby chic aesthetic of the bookstore.

It serves specialty coffee alongside Anglo-style vegan and vegetarian meals and cakes.

29. Musset, 1st Arrondissement

Doing some shopping on Rue Saint-Honore? If so, you can take a break at Le Musset , a beautiful sidewalk cafe in Paris. It’s named after the famous French writer, Alfred de Musset.

Located in the heart of the first arrondissement of Paris, Musset has had a very chic makeover with a blue and gold color scheme. There are two rooms and two heated terraces with a direct view of the Louvre Museum.

Treat yourself to the warm atmosphere of the cafe and a cocktail bar worthy of your most beautiful Parisian evenings. You can feast on some tasty French onion soup, hamburgers, or duck.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best and most beautiful cafes in Paris. You may enjoy these other Paris travel guides and resources:

• 5 day itinerary for Paris
• 3 day itinerary for Paris
• 2 day itinerary for Paris
• Hidden gems in Paris
• Guide To Montmartre
• Guide To the Latin Quarter
• Guide to Le Marais
• Best Museums in Paris
• Louvre Survival Tips
• Guide To the Musee d’Orsay
• Secret Day Trips from Paris
• Tips for planning a trip to Paris

If you need guide to the best cafes in Paris, pin it for later.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Last Updated on January 9, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

• Choose your location
• Sunshine Coast
• New Zealand
• U:L Recommends
• Health + Wellness
• Entertainment
• Light Up The Night
• Paint The Town Yellow
• Stride & Seek London
• Stride & Seek NYC
• Good Life In The Fast Lane
• Chase The Ace
• Gift Guides

19 Of The Best Cafes In Paris (Updated May 2024)

By Rebecca Keating

14th May 2024

A coffee in one hand and croissant in the other is just about as iconic to Paris as the Eiffel Tower itself. While you’re likely to expect the winding laneways to be packed full of superb patisseries and plenty of Parisian flare, you’d be forgiven for missing an unexpected trend in this oh-so glamorous part of the world —the art of brunch.

With boutique coffee shops, international roasters and mouth-watering food galore, we could not be happier the best meal of the day has taken over the streets of Pari. So, w hether you’re craving traditional French fare, piled high pancakes or eggs with lashings of avocado or just a simple espresso hit, here are 19 of the best cafes in Paris. 

THE BEST CAFES IN PARIS AT A GLANCE

• Most Historic Parisian Cafe,  Strohrer
• Most Luxurious Desserts,   Cafe de la Paix 
• Coolest Japanese Influence, Dreamin Man
• Most Chic French Fare, Strada Cafe
• Best Tropical Vibes, Cafe Mericourt
• Best Vegan Options, Fringe Coffee Paris
• Coolest Coffee Shop With Gift Store, Bonjour Jacob

51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002

In existence since 1730 and created by King Louis XV’s pastry chef, Stohrer still stands as the oldest patisserie in Paris. Listed as a historical site with lavish decor much like the Opera Garnier, it’s worth a visit to sip on an espresso and bite down on a flaky croissant whilst taking in the ambience of the French cafe culture scene. This mecca for sweet and savoury delights is known for its Rum babas, vol-au-vents and old-fashioned religieuses (kind of like a chocolate or mocha profiterole). 

The Dancing Goat

117 av. gambetta, 75020.

The Dancing Goat is one of the largest and most traditionally beautiful spaces housing a speciality coffee shop in Paris. From filter coffees to a more Aussie flat white or golden latte, the menu here delivers for all coffee fanatics. The food is limited, however sitting back with a coffee as you take in the massive mirrors, marble tables and indoor plant scenery is about as Parisian as it gets. 

Cafe de la Paix 

5 pl. de l'opéra, 75009.

If you’re all about opulence, head straight to Cafe de la Paix . Serving brunch, coffee, desserts and French dishes in a lavish setting, the view of the lively Parisian street is superior and you can even catch a glimpse of the opera house. The cafe is an institution and has featured in plenty of films, music, books, poetry and paintings, and played host to some of history’s greatest literary figures including Oscar Wilde, Victor Hugo and Ernest Hemingway. Here you can experience true French delights like the famous opera cake or mille-feuille as well as creamy toasted croque-monsieurs and regional cheese platters. 

Dreamin Man

140 rue amelot, 75011.

Do not miss a visit to Dreamin Man , the brainchild of Japanese cafe owners Yui and Yuichiro who we are massively fanning over. In the heart of the Marais, coffee served here has been roasted in Denmark by Prolog dished out alongside pastries that have been baked daily from whatever Yui has found at the nearby markets. Folk music plays on repeat and the vibe is super chill. The sweets here are next level and if the Japanese pudding is on offer, order it immediately. Word’s out Yui has even been known to serve the odd lamington. 

Cafe Kitsune 

Various locations.

Part of the independent Paris fashion house brand, Maison Kitsune, this  cafe  has four locations including one at the Louvre Museum—a well-earned coffee after a walk around the museum sounds like actual perfection. The concept behind Cafe Kitsune is to create a space that pairs the simplistic beauty of a small and intimate coffee bar with the style and coolness that the Paris-meets-Tokyo brand Kitsune undertakes. The cafes are modern, cosmopolitan and welcoming and the coffee is full-bodied and flavoursome. 

5 Rue Lucien Sampaix, 75010

Possibly more Aussie than French, there are times that a big brunch is all that will do. Be prepared to wait in line at Hollybelly , a well known establishment dishing out breakfast and lunch seven days a week from 9am until 4pm. Opt for something light like the chia or granola, or hit brekky hard with halloumi and eggs on toast or a big burger. The focus here is on barista-brewed coffee but it’s also a rare cafe in Paris where you can get your hands on a London Fog (earl grey tea steeped in milk). 

O Coffee Paris

23 rue de lourmel, 75015.

It’s no doubt this surf-inspired coffee shop is owned by an Aussie and a Frenchie who are devout about showing off their shared yet distinct cultures. A little on the outskirts of Paris, the shop is all about the sea with pale wood, marble tabletops and a turquoise colour scheme. You can definitely expect a good Aussie-French coffee here with cappuccinos, flat white and short macs (aka a noisette to the French). 

3 ter Rue Marcadet, 75018

Lomi is one of Paris’s top coffee destinations with an in-house roasting facility, training and tasting room. The atmosphere is electric with exposed stone walls, reclaimed wood tables and vintage chairs. You can expect all the usual suspects here but there’s something just a little bit unusual which may appeal to your adventurous self - a cafe fromage - a double espresso served with blue cheese. You take a bite of the small piece of cheese, sip the espresso and let it all melt in your mouth. Strange, but somehow it just works. 

Cafe Mericourt

22 rue de la folie méricourt, 75011.

Cafe Mericourt is part cafe, part tropical paradise with its bright green exterior, earthy interiors and succulent bar decorations. You can come here for a French-roasted coffee and decadently chewy cookie or good croissant, or you can take part in the brunch experience. There’s rich and flavoursome shakshuka served with crusty French bread, green herby eggs and burgers stuffed full of eggs and avo. 

Fringe Coffee Paris 

106 rue de turenne, 75003.

Coffee, granola and photography are precisely what Fringe is known for. This hip and modern spot is a haven for specialist coffee lovers with house-roasted beans and vegan cake and brunch options. There’s all sorts of incredible granola to get around like the espresso style with mascarpone and black sesame or the savoury parmesan with olive oil. You can even take a bag of prepared dry granola home. The walls are lined with rotating artist works and photography and the relaxing environment is exactly where you’ll want to be if you’ve got a little work, writing or Paris appreciation to do. 

Le Peleton Cafe

17 rue du pont louis-philippe, 75004.

Owned by the Kiwi founders behind Bike About Tours , Le Peleton’s offering is simple—it’s all about coffee and cycling. There’s a small selection of seats and counter stools at the minimalist cafe and it’s definitely one to hit up, grab your drink and bite to eat and go. There’s a classic menu including drip coffee, espressos and flat whites with sweet treats like croissants, biscuits and waffles. 

Bonjour Jacob

28 rue yves toudic, 75010.

Bonjour Jacob is an excellent choice when you’re in need of a strong hit of caffeine. The shop stocks a whole heap of vinyl records and magazines so you can shop while you wait for your beverage. There’s two in town—one near luxury hotel Relais Christine and the other near Canal St Martin. 

Clove Coffee Shop

14 rue chappe, 75018.

We would visit Clove Coffee Shop just for the babka alone. The sweet braided bread filled with chocolate is well-worth a snack on your Parisian food itinerary. This cafe is so aesthetically pleasing, partly in thanks to Clove Ceramics—small batch ceramics made at the owner’s home studio in Paris which you can also purchase on site. 

Motors Coffee

7 rue des halles, 75001.

The industrial-chic cafe of Motors Coffee brings some of the world’s best roasters right to your Parisian door step. The cafe is set up in an old travel agency and is super compact with a London or New York feel—think brick walls, white tiles, a simple black bench and block tables. The coffee here is impeccable and you can even grab a cold brew to quench your thirst on a hot day. The crew here make their own cakes and cookies and work with Boneshare for their donuts—the absolute best. 

Angelina Cafe

Multiple locations.

Sweet tooths unite — Angelina Cafe will be your number one destination. Known for Paris’s best hot chocolate since 1903, this is a cup of pure indulgence; thick, creamy and more like melted chocolate than a drink, and we are here for it. Multiple visits (or a massive takeaway bag) will be required to try pastries like the signature Mont-Blanc, a tart filled with a creamy chestnut puree and fluffy whipped cream or an ever-favourite eclair topped with glossy dark chocolate and a gold Angelina motif. 

Bon Bouqet Cafe

29 rue de trévise, 75009.

Bon Bouqet slings out some of the prettiest brunches you might ever see. This hip, quaint cafe whips up stacks of pancakes topped with seasonal fruit, fully stuffed bagels and eggs hollandaise with smoked salmon that will have you drooling at first glance. The drinks menu is just as good with matcha, turmeric lattes, fresh juices and proper coffee. The food and drinks scene here is a true work of art.

Strada Cafe

24 rue monge, 75005.

In the heart of the Latin quarter,  Strada  is everything that French coffee culture is—one look at the exterior and you’ll know what we’re talking about. This local spot serves up fantastically great coffee and can accommodate big groups without a fuss. You can get your hands on a freshly baked, buttery croissant, as well as simple yet refined dishes like scrambled eggs or a grilled cheese sandwich.  

36 R. de Turbigo, 75003

Expect a fashionable, cosmopolitan crowd at Partisan , the only cafe in Paris to offer two methods of coffee on its menu—the Italian and New Wave. Italian roasts are darker and robust while the New Wave approach refers to a light roast that brings out the bean’s aromatic profile and is slightly more acidic. Both types of coffee are used for espressos, flat whites and all your regular faves, and interestingly it’s a fairly close 50/50 split between the crowd’s pick. There’s quite a few seats here but you can guarantee it will be packed from morning until closing time so we recommend getting in early. 

White Coffee

56 rue de turenne, 75003.

Who knew Paris had so many on-trend cafes? Coffee, pastries and fresh juice (all the finer things in life) are exactly what you’ll find at White Coffee in the ever-cool Marais neighbourhood. We love the iced drinks here, from Americanos (long blacks) to matcha-chai and ginger soda, this is the place to frequent when you’re in need of a true refreshment.

Keen for a little more Parisian inspo? Check out:

13 Of The Most Romantic Hotels in Paris Worth Splurging On (June 2024 Edition)

Twinkling lights, decadent food and world-class wines—it’s easy to see why Paris gets its fame for being the city of love. 

10 Of The Best Hotels And Airbnbs In Paris With Eiffel Tower Views

From ultra luxe hotel vibes to cosy escapes in the heart of the city, be prepared to take in that postcard-perfect view from your own…

11 Of The Best Airbnbs In Paris To Book In 2024

Enjoy ultimate Parisian charm without compromising on comfort. These are the 10 best Airbnbs in Paris, according to Urban List. 

We're dedicated to keeping our recommendations and content free. BECOME A SUPPORTER

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.

More On …

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

The best Paris cafés to visit all year-round

By Lindsey Tramuta and Rosalyn Wikeley

Never mind Versailles or the Palais Bourbon, Paris cafés were always the real powerhouses – hives of radical ideas, gossip, social shifts and seriously good coffee. Europe ’s literary legends penned world-changing chapters in their dark, brassy corners when grande crèmes and pastis (aniseed-flavoured spirit) were barely visible through thick clouds of smoke. Today, the Paris cafe scene seems to oscillate between two tribes: the noisette-and-terrace traditionalists with rattan bistro chairs and croque monsieurs menus (often no pastries), or the neo-bistro, where pastries , cakes and lunches typically play a far greater role and hip crowds convene over a more global array of coffees (matcha lattes and flat whites). A specialist coffee movement has seen to the latter, emphasising direct trade and innovative brew methods (mainly in the trendy St Martin and Marais stretches). Good coffee aside, it’s all about people watching, soaking in the Parisian café culture and taking ‘une pause’. From mythical St Germain spots where Pablo Picasso was once a regular to new-age, pastry-forward joints that unravel all rude French waiter stereotypes, here are the best cafes in Paris .

Having discovered a shared passion for seasonality and eco-agriculture, Audrey Venant and Mathilde Bignon opened their first Parisian cafe-florist in 2017, now located in both the 19th and 11th arrondissements. Locals pile into Desirée’s blonde-wooded new-age interiors for responsibly sourced blooms (all grown and plucked from French producers the duo admire) and to tuck into its seasonal recipes (think roasted carrot salads), freshly-made pastries and frothy (perfectly unFrench) cappuccinos. A glass crittall wall separates the florist section from the kitchens and hipster-flavour seating area, where buckwheat pancakes sprinkled with berries and pistachio cakes spread out under an industrial ceiling.

Address: Désirée, 96 rue de Meaux, 75019 Paris Website: desireefleurs.fr

Brasserie Dubillot

Central and surprisingly quirky for Paris, Brasserie Dubillot is the Wes Anderson-style neo-bistro – a neon, pastel-striped invitation from 9am till late. Peacocking along the up-and-coming (still ragged around the edges) Rue St-Denis, Dubillot takes the traditional Parisian brasserie to almost gimmicky, fantastical levels with bright red velvet booths, funky tiled floors and pops of green and red across the wall panelling and ceilings. It’s all bold sweets and slightly bonkers, yet tables are scattered in serious brasserie fare – steak tartare, country terrine and vinaigrette leaks. The all-day formula can mean a noisette, Earl Grey tea with a pastry to kick start the day, or a pick-me-up pistachio tart and double espresso as the late afternoon flagging hour approaches.

Address: Brasserie Dubillot, 222 Rue Saint-Denis, 75002 Paris Website: lanouvellegarde.com

Another traditionalist, Le Rostand’s animated terrace peers over the pretty Luxembourg gardens in the Odéan district – a photogenic time capsule of old Paris. Its Art Nouveau interiors, striped burgundy, and racing green wicker chairs are permanently filled with lunching locals and tourists taking a hiatus from the Left Bank’s cultural assault course. As well as good, old-school French coffee, Le Rostand’s strength is its classic brasserie-style menu – perfectly cooked steaks, beef tartare and salmon, with the sort of hearty fare required to fuel full drawn-out museum jaunts and days spent scaling the city. A café crème with a tarte tatin and scoop of ice cream is the ultimate way of rounding off a le Rostand sitting before a stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens past all 106 sculptures dotting the park.

Address: Le Rostand, 6 Pl. Edmond Rostand, 75006 Paris Website: lerostand.fr

Cafe de Flore

Tourists flock here for their  Emily in Paris  moment, channelling the drinking rituals of some of the 20th century’s most eminent writers, artists and philosophers. Opened in 1880 during the Third Republic and hugging a corner of Boulevard Saint-Germain with its classic cream scalloped awning, the café honours its boho-intelligentsia past (Robert Desnos, Pablo Picasso, and Remy de Gourmont were regulars) with annual Prix de Flore literary prize. Expect traditional crockery scribbled in its old-fashioned, swirly green logo, silver teapots and sinfully good hot chocolates (the velvety, deep-flavoured sort). A sprinkling of locals, undeterred by the influencers and film pilgrims (if not satiating their expectations for chic Parisian regulars), tuck into quiches of the day and, after work, piping hot Welsh rarebit washed down with Meteor beers.

Address: Cafe de Flore, 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris Website: cafedeflore.fr

For a glimpse into the city’s student-heavy, artistic soul, head to La Palette – a relic of the Left Bank’s scruffier past before all the eye-wateringly expensive galleries and designer boutiques moved in. It’s usually packed – a cosy mirrored-wall refuge from the winter cold or rows of animated tables and chairs scattering its terrace along Rue de Seine as soon as Paris switches on the sunshine. Tourists are interspersed among a lively coterie of locals – with coffees and carafes of wine, moules frites and a sense that you’re living in a Rive Gauche time warp. This sliver of old Paris is perhaps charming as evening draws in and scarfed and black-booted commuters are lured from the pavement into its sweet, kir royale embrace. Whether you head for a café cream, an afternoon Saint Germain Spritz or the whole confit de canard works, take a moment to observe the rituals and soak in that lively left bank energy.

Address: La Palette, 3 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris

Carved into the elegant stone arches framing Place des Vosges, Carette is your quintessential Parisian cafe. Bistro chairs spill onto the pavement, traditionally dressed servers weave through them with silver trays of noisettes (espressos with a touch of cream) and élan, and the collars of manicured dogs tinkle under the tables. Along with its vast, wrought iron glass doors tracing the soaring arches of the previous Palais Royale and the gilded interiors , the beauty of Carette lies in its view – a framed vista of one of the city’s oldest planned square, landscaped with lawns, clipped cubic lindens and a trickling fountain. Come here for a flamboyant patisserie fit for the nobility which frequented this square in the 17th and 18th centuries: macarons, mille-feuille, éclairs, mini strawberry tarts.

Address: 4 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris Website: instagram.com

Ten Belles was one of the city's original speciality coffee shops; it continues to turn out high-quality house blends roasted by Belleville Brûlerie. But due to its small square footage, this spot does brisk takeaway business. Expect regulars, coffee fanatics, and tourists on a stroll through the neighbourhood. (Locals love it so much they've invested in the café's gear: sturdy mugs, reusable take-away cups, and thermoses.)

Address: Multiple locations Website: tenbelles.com

Café Loustic

This scruffy-chic, pocket-sized coffee shop is the creation of Channa Galhenage – a bean-to-bar devotee who serves superlative café cremes, piccolo lattes and V-60 pour-overs by Antwerp-based speciality roaster Caffènation. The Marais joint dons the kooky, bamboo-and-wallpapered aesthetic you’d expect from a bar, not a Parisian cafe, yet its long cushioned bench dotted with floating hexagonal tables seems to engulf the Haut Marais set and lone wolves with a book for entire afternoons. They come not only for the right-on coffee (the chai lattés are great here) but also for tasty homemade sandwiches and quiches, sweet cakes and eye-rollingly good cookies bought from artisanal suppliers.

Address: Loustic. 40 Rue Chapon, 75003 Paris Website: instagram.com

Sarah James

Jessica Puckett

Olivia Morelli

Karthika Gupta

The fashion set descends on this cosy coffee bar throughout the day (offices for Kenzo and Céline are nearby). Owner Nicolas Clerc works primarily with Scandinavian coffee roasters, offering excellent filter coffee, milk-based drinks, and lovely teas for the non-Java contingent. Computers are verboten, so the energy is conversational – but not so roaring that you can't read, write, or sit and people-watch. It's an excellent spot for a solo outing, friendly catch-up, or client meeting (they'll be impressed by your coffee prowess).

Address: Télescope Café, 5 Rue Villédo, 75001 Paris Website: instagram.com

Satiating the trendy 10th arrondissement appetite for something beyond croissants and café cremes, Holybelly is where to go for a well-rounded hipster breakfast with clipboard menus, bacon pancakes and black rice porridge. Following a typically long queue, punters are rewarded with the deep, warming aroma of Barista-brewed coffee and scenes not far removed from an American diner (just less neon and milkshakes). In the summer months, try their signature New Orleans iced coffee (made with chicory-infused iced coffee and homemade condensed milk) and chia seed puddings with cardamom and vanilla bean coconut milk. Holy Belly’s unbuttoned, unpretentious character, its cheery aproned team and its sausage patty menu may be the very antithesis of the Parisian brasserie formula – but with a sister cafe two minutes away catering to its dizzying demand, it must be getting something right.

Address: Holybelly, 5 Rue Lucien Sampaix, 75010 Paris Website: holybellycafe.com

Café Méricourt

With its bright green facade, earthy interiors, and a row of succulents behind the bar, it wouldn't be hard to imagine this café in tropical environs. Regulars come for coffee, a light breakfast, or a casual lunch with colleagues. In-the-know Parisians seek the novelty of shakshuka or green eggs with their speciality brews. The focus is on French roasters (same as at the sister shop, Café Oberkampf), and though it operates like a full-service restaurant, this is an easy stop-in for a to-go cup.

Address: Café Méricourt, 22 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, 75011 Paris Website: cafemericourt.com

Fringe Coffee

Missing the light fixtures fashioned like clouds above blonde wood tables is impossible. Or the walls, dressed up with thought-provoking works by rotating artists and photographers. This relaxing environment trumps most Parisian coffee shops, and the locals are frequently found reading or writing here. The owner is an expert in speciality coffee – he photographed an entire book on the third-wave coffee movement in Paris. The staff is largely Scandinavian; they take orders promptly and hustle to serve everyone quickly.

Address: Fringe Coffee, 106 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris Website: fringecoffeeparis.com

O Coffeeshop

This surf-inspired coffee shop, owned by an Aussie and a Frenchie, is an outlier in the residential (but still near-ish the Eiffel Tower) 15th Arrondissement. It's all light-blonde wood, marble tabletops, and turquoise accents (a nod to the sea). The strong showing of coffee shop favourites – noisettes, capps, flat whites – draws a crowd of locals, thankful to no longer have to travel east for their speciality coffee.

Address: O Coffeeshop, 23 Rue de Lourmel, 75015 Paris Website: instagram.com

Lomi, one of the city's premier coffee roasters, occupies the ground floor of a modern building designed for social housing in a developing section of the eighteenth arrondissement. It's all high-design exposed stone walls, reclaimed wood tables, and vintage chairs inside, though. The calming environment attracts young professionals and students. But since the roasting facility and training/tasting room are on-site, you will likely cross paths with coffee distributors and industry folk. Expect all the usuals, from lattes to expertly pulled espresso, plus some wildcards like café fromage – double espresso served with blue cheese (nibble on the small piece, sip the espresso, and let it melt the cheese in your mouth; you'll be surprised how well they pair).

Address: Lomi, 3 ter Rue Marcadet, 75018 Paris Website: lomi.cafe

Le Peloton Café

This minimalist café focuses on two things: coffee and cycling. (The Kiwi founders of Bike About Tours own it.) There are only a handful of seats and counter stools, so it's not suited for lingering; stop in on a stroll through the Marais or en route to the left bank museums . They serve flat whites, drip coffee, espresso, and a menu largely filled with sweet treats, like croissants and waffles with a side of jam.

Address: Le Peloton Café, 17 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, 75004 Paris Website: lepelotoncafe.cc

KB Café Shop

This high-ceilinged corner café is prized for obvious reasons: its spacious outdoor terrace, just-comfortable-enough wooden tables and benches, and serious coffee on rotation. KB is deep in the coffee scene; they started roasting their beans a few years ago. While the menu consists of all the usuals, what's special is the quality in the cup, which is why you'll see lots of young, work-from-anywhere locals or groups of chatting friends, plus a smattering of coffee-caring tourists.

Address: KB CaféShop, 53 Av. Trudaine, 75009 Paris Website: kbcoffeeroasters.com

Set in a former cobbler's workshop, this pint-sized coffee wonderland is never loud or rowdy. It only seats eight people, so more often than not, there's a line snaking around the shopfront for to-go cups. The millennials who frequent Boot are an international cohort of in-the-know coffee fans. They're here for pour-overs by Chemex (versus already prepared filter coffee), flat whites, expertly pulled shots of espresso, and a killer hot chocolate.

Address: Boot Café, 19 Rue du Pont aux Choux, 75003 Paris Website: instagram.com

Coutume Cafe

Among Paris's first upscale coffee shops, Coutume caught the wave of industrial-chic café design. It has an almost scientific approach to coffee roasting and brewing; come here, and you'll learn that coffee is a serious business. The menu includes everything from espressos, cafés crèmes, and cappuccinos to various "méthode douce café" (slow coffee), like V60, Chemex, and Aeropress.

Address: Coutume, 47 Rue de Babylone, 75007 Paris Website: coutumecafe.com

Terres de Cafe

At first glance, this shoe boxed-sized café only seems suitable for knocking back an espresso. But it's worth lingering over a latte among coffee connoisseurs, baristas-in-training, and curious consumers. If you like flat whites or antipodean-style coffee, consider this your go-to for a proper cup. The baristas know what they're doing: Each coffee is nice, robust, and consistently extracted with just the right crema.

Address: Multiple locations Website: terresdecafe.com

Shakespeare and Company Café

The café component of iconic bookshop Shakespeare and Company is a compact, modern contrast to the store's wonderfully worn aesthetic. The café gets traffic from bookstore clients and tourists trickling across the street from Notre Dame. Lomi, a Parisian roaster and café, manages the java, so you can grab a quality cup while visiting nearby sights or perusing the bookstore.

Address: Shakespeare and Company, 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris Website: shakespeareandcompany.com

Occupying a corner space on the picturesque Ile Saint Louis (known for the Berthillon ice cream shop), this is one of several sharply-designed offerings from the growing speciality coffee group called Noir. Soft lines, curvaceous walls, off-white travertine coffee tables and surfaces, light blonde wood, and banquettes in earthy colours make up the general design scheme. Still, you'll find differences from location to location. You'll find the favourites, from espressos and cortados, to charcoal and matcha lattes. Noir roasts their beans in a facility-café in the heart of the Marché aux Puces and sells bags in their individual outposts, including here.

Address: Noir, 63 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île, 75004 Paris Website: noircoffeeshop.com

A corner shop in a lovely stretch of the hilly neighbourhood between the Buttes Chaumont Park and Belleville, this months-old speciality hot spot is faintly Scandi-inspired both in decor (blonde wood tables and stools, exposed stone walls and handmade ceramic dishware by Charline Robache) and in the cup. It's cosy, friendly, and full of neighbourhood locals on any given day. Expect beautifully executed coffees, from flat whites to pour-overs, and a menu that's a bit more sophisticated than the average coffee shop – the lunch selection is seasonal and has included latkes served with chive crème fraîche and a stracciatella tartine with honey-roasted carrots in a chimichurri sauce.

Address: Mardi, 29 Rue de la Villette, 75019 Paris Website: mardiparis.fr

Dreamin' Man

Japanese precision and a laid-back, Scandinavian sensibility blend seamlessly as the pour-overs and lattés at 11th arrondissement’s Dreamin’ Man. It’s the sort of espresso bar rarely associated with Paris, yet here it is, in all its upcycled, faded easygoing glory. Owner Yuichiro Sugiyama can often be found behind the blonde-wood counter, crafting cortado after cappuccino after latté with the precision of a watchmaker, swirling shapes into their frothy tops and bringing daily caffeinated joy to a fiercely loyal crowd. Aside from crafting exceptional coffee (working with beans roasted in Copenhagen), Yuichiro’s mission is to buck the digital trend and create a space where human connection is the focus (the pint-sized space lends itself well to such ambitions). Come here for excellent filtered coffee and café lattes, as well as an ever-changing selection of pastries (fig financiers, Japanese puddings, seasonal tarts) that are whipped up by Yuchiro’s partner, Yui Matsuzaki, using treasures from her local market jaunts.

Address: Dreamin' Man, 140 Rue Amelot, 75011 Paris Website: instagram.com

Motors Coffee

Set up in an old travel agency; the industrial-sleek space is VERY compact (there's outdoor seating, too). And while it could be in London or New York (the design plays up brick walls, white tiles, a simple black bench and cinder block tables), regulars come for the expert coffee. Each espresso shot is perfectly pulled. Each flat white is impeccably served. The shop works with the best roasters in the world to offer a regularly changing selection of coffees and special (higher-end, generally) pours for the most discerning. You'll also find cold brew, espresso tonics, and dirty chai. They also make their cakes and cookies (and an excellent Basque cheesecake ) but work with Boneshaker for doughnuts (the city's best).

Address: Motors Coffee, 7 Rue des Halles, 75001 Paris Website: motorscoffee.com

The crowd here is trendy and cosmopolitan – definitely on the younger side, definitely on the fashion-industry side. Locals know to come early in the morning because the rest of the day will see a steady stream of people; many visiting or crossing Paris to drink coffee here pack the space until closing. Partisan is the only speciality coffee in Paris to offer two methods (or approaches) on its menu: Italian and New Wave. New Wave refers to a lighter roast common to speciality coffee that brings out a coffee's aromatic profile, its terroir, and the drying technique that has been chosen. In general, there's more acidity in these coffees. Italian roasts are darker and more robust (and represent half of Partisan's orders among clients). Both are used for espressos, lattés, flat whites, and other coffee drinks. Also served: a much-loved matcha latte.

Address: Partisan Café Artisanal, 36 R. de Turbigo, 75003 Paris Website: parispartisancafe.com

Café Nuances

Without question, this is the city's most design-forward coffee shop (thanks to the talents of Uchronia). Set up in a former crèmerie, the aesthetic is all Art Deco in the front and contemporary (some might say a touch futuristic) in the back. There are counter seats toward the front, but this spot does brisk take-away business given its location in the centre of the city, not far from the Place Vendôme (and, notably, the Ritz Paris ). The owners, brothers Charles and Raphaël Corrot, adore coffee and wanted to offer a singular take on the espresso bar. They focus on five unique coffees, each with its own flavour profile, with beans they import from top producers. Slow Dance, for example, is a coffee with chocolate and nutty notes, while Coffee & Cigarettes has, you guessed it, clear notes of tobacco and spice.

Address: Multiple locations Website: cafenuances.com

The Dancing Goat

A five-minute walk from Père Lachaise cemetery, this is one of Paris's largest, most classically beautiful spaces among speciality coffee shops. Picture windows let in incredible light at all times of day. Other decorative features make it a warm and inviting place to linger over coffee: soft, rounded lines, varied floor tiles, massive mirrors, marble pedestal tables, Thonet bistro chairs, and well-placed plants. The menu covers all the heavy hitters, from filters to flat whites and golden lattes. The hot chocolate is worth ordering for anyone who keeps off caffeine. Food options are limited (but go well with the drinks!). The owner, Englishman Daniel Chapman, has wanted to serve light lunch fare and brunch but has yet to find the right chef. In the meantime, he serves granola, divine cookies (some of which are gluten-free), and a rotating selection of cakes.

Address: The Dancing Goats, 117 Av. Gambetta, 75020 Paris Website: instagram.com

Les Deux Magots

Yes, it’s a tourist honeypot, but it’s also a classic with its impressive Post-War literary history and write-home-about-it profiteroles. Once the drinking hole of Simone de Beauvoir, Ernest Hemingway and Albert Camus, the world-famous café took its name from a fabric and novelty shop on Rue de Buci’. Once fully ensconced in its red leather banquettes with brassy railings and chandeliered-and-pillared room, it’s easy to imagine the riveting conversation and debates in the cafés Post War heyday. While today, its traditional menu can but humour a writer’s salary, the morning pastry baskets, foie gras-on-toast lunches and extensive list of ice cream (that all typically arrive in tall glass bowls) are well worth waiting for. Or, for a savvy few needing an early caffeine fix, the morning sunlight, which Les Deux Magots claims to receive over its nearby rivals.

Address: Les Deux Magots, 6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris Website: lesdeuxmagots.fr

Mamie Gâteau

For the decaffeinated contingent, tea salon Mamie Gateau in the Latin Quarter recalls a quirky village cake shop with boiled sweets and colourful crockery lining the shelves. Locals pour in at all times of the day for a large selection of teas (try the Darjeeling and Orange Pekoe), tarts and homemade cakes. These are the deft work of Japanese pastry chef and hostess Minako – expect scones, cream puffs, impossibly light and fluffy chocolate cake, fruit pies and crumbles, and her speciality: cherry pistachio cake. At lunchtime, a mix of chic Parisian Mamans, office workers and digital nomads descend on this storybook establishment for soup or quiche-of-the-day with hearty salads and a tourist-free local pulse.

Address: Mamie Gâteau, 66 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris Website: mamie-gateaux.fr

Enter a search term or a page code from the guide.

A Guide to Café Culture in Paris: 20 Beautiful Cafés in Paris

In Paris you find a café at nearly every corner. On corners and sidewalks, colorful terraces bustle with vitality, as they have for centuries.

Related articles

• Best restaurants in Paris
• Best Bunch Spots in Paris
• Magical Rooftop Bars in Paris

The best cafés in Paris are a cornerstone of life for Parisians and an absorbing window into city life. We’ve picked some coffeehouse jewels to help you peel back the layers of Paris’s café culture. Among them are celebrated icons, third-wave creatives, and welcoming hideouts woven into a colorful café culture like no other.

table of content

Parisian café culture

Picture a Parisian café, and you might think of timeworn havens, rich in Belle Époque character, staff professionally sailing around tightly packed terraces. It’s partly accurate, yet there is a depth and breadth to satisfy curious minds and explorers keen to discover the real Paris. Table service is the norm unless you’re in a modern coffee shop.

It can seem like a linguistic minefield at first. But master ordering your preferred brew with a “s’il vous plait,” and you’ll be part Parisian instantly.

• Order un café , and you’ll get a shot of espresso to gulp down.
• If you seek a taller brew , order a café allongé , or café Americain (and Americano).
• Want milk? A café crème is a cappuccino by another name.
• If you want more milk than coffee , go with a café au lait .
• If you want a mere slash of cream, macchiato style , choose café noisette (named for the nutty color).
• Decaf is available, un deca .
• As are countless other drinks, including thé (tea) of various varieties and, a must-have on cold days, chocolat chaud , AKA hot chocolate .

English menus are commonly offered to help visitors explore options. A relief for many, as hot beverages merely occupy a corner of sprawling menus. In Paris, cafés are more than mere coffeeshops. Residents retreat into them when hungry, craving a pick-me-up, or want to pause and watch the world go by. Food is a big part of that. Some Parisian cafés come with something extra. From cultural lessons to extraordinary views, exquisite coffee, and exceptional cooking. Here are 20 cafés in Paris that truly stand out.

Atmospheric traditional cafés in Paris

Café de flore.

Travelers flock to world-famous Parisian cafés with history etched into their smoke and coffee-stained walls. Café de Flore is unmistakably Parisian and immersed in local folklore. A souvenir of the Third Republic and emblem of Left Bank intellectualism, the Café de Flore has welcomed a Who’s Who of artistic and literary figures. Most famously, Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir held court there, espousing existentialist and feminist philosophies that made them household names.

Wrapped around a corner of the elegant Boulevard Saint-Germain and minutes from other noted cafés, the café still sparkles. The prices might suggest a tourist trap, yet Flore retains a unique place in Parisian history. A postcard from a bygone age and still a delightful spot to pause for coffee.

• Prices: €€€
• Address: 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
• Nearest Métro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (4)

Café Les Deux Magots

Stylish Saint-Germain-des-Prés is home to several of the best-known coffee haunts in Paris. Mere meters from Café de Flore is the legendary Les Deux Magots. Like its illustrious neighbor, this alternative intellectual hangout opened in the 1880s. Former patrons include surrealist giants and literary legends. Rimbaud, Hemingway, Picasso, Sartre, and Beauvoir are among the luminaries once on firstname terms with the staff.

Its distinctive green trimmings and photogenic terraces overlooking the capital’s oldest church, Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, distill the essence of 19thcentury Parisian cafés. A heritage destination steeped in history, where you can ever-so-slowly sip an expensive, yet decent, coffee and drink in the atmosphere. If you can, stop for a photo at the 17th-century Le Procope nearby, probably the oldest café in Paris but now a brasserie only.

• Address: 6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)

Over the Seine in the vibrant Marais is Le Charlot. Faded wooden floors and gleaming brickwork set the quintessentially Parisian café tone. The terrace steals the eye. Claustrophobically packed seats and tiny tables face a street thrumming with energy, moments from the historic Enfants Rouge market.

The menu delivers all the classics and a few greatest hits from outside France. Think snails and entrecote steak or homemade guacamole and mango curry. It’s traditional but with a palpable Le Marais personality. Grab a glass of whatever tickles your fancy. Observing the cosmopolitan neighborhood go about its business is included at no extra cost.

• Address: 38 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 (Le Marais)
• Nearest Métro: Filles du Calvaire (8)

Café de la Rotonde

Ask an AI bot to draw a Parisian café, and you might end up with an image of La Rotonde. It’s bold red design and neon signage is an Instagram staple. Hugging a corner on the ever-busy Boulevard Montparnasse, Rotonde bubbles with life from morning to midnight. The tempting array of French culinary favorites leaves a positive impression too.

Seafood is king. But you can rock up for a coffee or un verre de vin and laze on the sidewalk terrace or bathe in the plush redness indoors. Aspiring artists once traded paintings for dinner here. Artists like Modigliani and Jean Cocteau hung out there. Picasso went one better and painted diners (In the café de la Rotonde, 1901). Never one to knowingly avoid cultural hotspots, Hemingway wrote about his visits. Today, the flourishing café-restaurant is adorned with prints of its celebrated patrons and still winning admirers as it did in the Roaring Twenties.

• Address: 105 Bd du Montparnasse, 75006 (Montparnasse)
• Nearest Métro: Vavin (4)

Café Shakespeare & Company

The Shakespeare and Company bookshop attached to the café is the big draw for visitors to the historic Latin Quarter. The eccentric Anglophone bookstore has been a magnet for writers in Paris since opening in 1951. William Burroughs was said to have researched sections of Naked Lunch in the atmospheric store. The café next door is a modern addition, strikingly different in layout but serving a mean coffee and cake. In tune with the setting, a concise chalkboard of drinks is in English. And the cherry on your gleefully chosen cake is a slimline terrace overlooking Notre Dame Cathedral. Soon to reopen and reclaim its place as the best sight in Paris.

• Prices: €-€
• Address: 35 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 (Latin Quarter)
• Nearest Métro: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (4) / RER (B/C)

Montmartre brims with bobo (Bourgeois Bohemian, if you’re not up on Parisian slang) cafés. Café Tabac is a pleasing sight. A neighborhood corner café with a façade frozen in time. Inside is entirely more modern. The welcome is consistently warm, and the food and coffee are on point. There’s a tiny terrace outside, but indoors is a snug and animated space to decamp on cold mornings and watch the world go by. If you’re wondering, the tobacconist is next door.

• Address: 1bis Rue Ravignan, 75018 (Montmartre)
• Nearest Métro: Abbesses (12)

Café Montorgueil

Occupying a space along the lively market street Rue Montorgueil, Café Montorgueil is another camera-friendly sanctuary perfect for people-watching. The exterior is an eye-catching picture of Parisian charisma. The terrace is superinviting; behind sits an agreeable interior with a touch of sparkle. Out front, the pedestrianized street teems with shoppers filling bags from gourmet purveyors stretching as far as the eye can see.

Closing for just a few hours daily, this café has a community vibe and refreshments for all moments. For shoppers, the terrace is a charming breakpoint to refresh and refuel. For night owls, cocktails await. A long brasserie menu is on hand should your appetite overtake you.

• Prices: €€-€€€
• Address: 55 Rue Montorgueil, 75002
• Nearest Métro: Sentier (3)

Odette & Aimé

You must step away from the tourist hubs to reach Odette & Aimé. Exuding Belle Époque charm, this busy neighborhood meeting point is known for its great food and cozy terrace. A snappy red and black design extends from the canopy to neatly arranged chairs on the slim terrace. Through the doors is a welcoming but no-frills café-bar, but the sidewalk is where the seats disappear first.

All appetites are looked after by the friendly staff, whether you’re in for breakfast or ending a jam-packed day with a nightcap. The menu is ever-changing, prices competitive, and quality is up there with the best cafés in Paris. When the sun is out, locals come and go. At night, the terrace fills up with Parisians out for a good time, one of many lively evening venues around Montmartre and Rochechouart.

• Prices: €-€€
• Address: 46 Rue de Maubeuge, 75009 (Rochechouart)
• Nearest Métro: Poissonnière or Cadet (7)

Beautiful Parisian cafés to linger in

Salon de thé (rose bakery) at the musée de la vie romantique.

Traditional Parisian cafés might hog the limelight, but there’s a compelling undercard of stunningly beautiful pretty locations for coffee in Paris. The salon de thé at the evocative Musée de la Vie Romantique is an unsung example.

Operated by the Anglo-French couple behind Rose Bakery and several Parisian cafés, the menu reads like a tourist attraction café. The winning ingredient is the picturesque courtyard overlooked by the museum, a delightful oasis where the city seems far away.

Once the home of Dutch painter Ary Scheffer, the house was a hangout for the great and good of Romantic art and literature. George Sand was a regular and is now honored with a permanent exhibition at the free city museum. Her lover Chopin, Franz Lizt, Eugène Delacroix, and Charles Dickens visited. The magic is all in the location; the coffee and cake are merely a bonus.

• Address: 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 (Pigalle)
• Nearest Métro: Blanche (2)

Sitting on Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest public square, Carette also benefits from a stellar location. But this patisserie-café also boasts an elegant interior and cakes to die for. Luxuriate under the 17th-century arches or savor sitting on the terrace and looking out over the formal royal square, once home to Victor Hugo. You can visit his home for free, which might offset the sting of the check. The pastries and views are mouthwatering grade, which always come at a price in Paris.

You can grab a more substantial dinner here. Although nearly everybody appears to be feasting on sugar and cream confections that would have widened Marie Antoinette’s eyes.

• Address: 25 Pl. des Vosges, 75003 (Le Marais)
• Nearest Métro: Chemin Vert (8)

Café Le Jardin Du Petit Palais

Some of the prettiest cafés in Paris are hidden away in museums. The one at the Jacquemart-André Museum is a knockout. But for peacefulness, the café and garden terrace at the Petit Palais fine art museum can’t be topped.

Although occupying a lush central courtyard dripping in beaux-arts magnificence, the Sodexo operated concession won’t be winning any culinary awards. But the permanent Beaux-arts collection inside the Exposition Universelle (1900) landmark is free. And the enclosed courtyard is an enchanting spot to momentarily turn the tempo down.

• Prices: (€€)
• Address: 1 Av. Dutuit Petit Palais, 75008 (Champs-Élysées)
• Nearest Métro: Champs-Élysées . Clemenceau

Café Bohème

Minutes from the intriguing Montparnasse Cemetery (Sartre and de Beauvoir are buried there), Café Bohème is an altogether lighter, brighter affair. The quirky café is decked with hanging lights and rustic charm; the ambiance is typically animated by wall-to-wall diners who spill onto a terrace nestled between neighboring eateries.

Aside from the imaginative décor, food hits the mark. Their Sunday brunch is exceptional. They open early and close late all week, dishing out breakfasts and dinners with a distinctly contemporary profile. The only catch is that Café Bohème is a victim of its success and can get uber-busy. Not an issue for an early morning coffee. Otherwise, reserve ahead if you don’t want to make do with one of their lesser neighbors.

• Address: 19 Bd Edgar Quinet, 75014 (Montparnasse)
• Nearest Métro: Edgar Quinet (6)

Le Recrutement

No. It’s not an employment agency. Le Recrutement is a solid café with an exceptional view of the Eiffel Tower. You’ll need to bag one of the few terrace seats if you plan to settle down with a chocolat chaud and fill your vacation album with artful Tour Eiffel shots. Although you probably won’t mind relaxing inside either. Spacious and homely, it’s every inch a typical Parisian café.

Prices and online quality complaints suggest they know they’re in a prime location. But if you can secure a sidewalk seat as the Eiffel Tower lights switch on, you might happily pay more. Anyway, a glass of wine and assiette de fromage is always a hit, wherever you are in France. In the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, it’s priceless.

• Address: 36 Bd de la Tour-Maubourg, 75007 (Invalides)
• Nearest Métro: La Tour-Maubourg (8)

Le Flore en l'Île

Perched on the tip of dainty Île Saint-Louis, Le Flore en l’Île enjoys partial views of Notre Dame Cathedral. The cute terrace and wood-panel interior reflects the old-time charm of the area. The menu is all modern brasseries, finished with French elan. But the star attraction is indulgent ice cream sundaes and scoops from the famous Berthillon store just around the corner.

You could visit Berthillon original (in fact should if you love ice cream). But at Le Flore en l’Île, the toppings include teasing views of a Parisian icon.

• Address: 42 Quai d’Orléans, 75004 (Île Saint-Louis)
• Nearest Métro: Pont Marie (7)

Le Café Lapérouse Concorde

If views and evocative settings are what you seek from a café in Paris, you’ll love Le Café Lapérouse. The refined and sophisticated café-restaurant occupies a spot on Place de la Concorde, where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were consigned to history. In the background are incredible panoramic views over Paris, the Eiffel Tower starkly visible.

As magnificent as the gastronomic culinary mastery on display is the gorgeous restaurant. Part of the national monument Hôtel de la Marine opened in 1774, its chandelier and gilded extravagance somehow survived the French Revolution. It’s almost as jaw-dropping a sight as the terrace views. Almost. More upscale restaurant than café, dining here isn’t for the budget-conscious. But it feels like a secret nirvana for lovers of Paris. Go for breakfast if you want to eat light survey Paris stirring into life.

• Prices: €€€-€€€€
• Address: 2 Pl. de la Concorde, 75001 (Louvre – Tuileries)
• Nearest Métro: Concorde (1, 8, 12)

Modern coffee shop gems in Paris

Café kitsuné.

The inventive fashion and music label Kitsuné has been steadily earning coffee credibility with its boutique cafés in Paris, Japan, and a few other global cities. Their slick, contemporary approach and devotion to coffee excellence can be savored at three outlets in the heart of the 1st arrondissement, near some of the capital’s top sights.

Like many third-wave purveyors, their crisp and trim coffee shops are all about barista skills and bean quality. Space is limited, except in the 2-floor Louvre branch. The other two boast terraces in enviable locations. Over in Le Marais, a fourth Café Kitsuné blends into the hip neighborhood with a more elegant and spacious set-up, where you can pick up beans and merchandise. If you find yourself in the capital’s tourist heartland and crave a decent flat white and craft coffee, Kitsuné delivers.

• Address: 2 Pl. André Malraux, 75001 ()

You’ll have to travel to the relative wildlands of the 18th to sample Lomi’s brews. But detour or happen to be in the area, a stop will delight coffee lovers. Since 2010, Lomi has been roasting their beans and supplying discerning hotels and cafés in Paris. Their store near Gare du Nord brings that excellence to the coffee machine.

The rustic-industrial setting is a delightful space to unwind in, with street art to entertain the eye if you grab one of the few seats outside. The coffee is top-tier, with plenty of reviews proclaiming it the best in Paris. A solid reason for bean enthusiasts to take a turn down the back streets of the 18th.

• Address: 3 ter Rue Marcadet, 75018
• Nearest Métro: Marx Dormoy (12)

Partisan Café Artisanal

Amid the gourmet pleasures of Le Marais sits Partisan Café Artisanal, a third-wave coffee roaster and cozy refuge from the bustling neighborhood. Bright and contemporary with baristas who smile, there’s plenty to like. Escpailly the carrot cake. It’s all machine-made coffee with skilled barista flourishes.

You can grab some house beans to take home, with darker Italian roasts and lighter third-wave flavors. Seating is limited, but if you crave a proper coffee while poking around the myriad delights of Le Marais, it’s a pleasing stop that’ll look after your caffeine needs with panache.

• Address: 36 R. de Turbigo, 75003 (Le Marais)
• Nearest Métro: Arts et Métiers (3, 11) / Réaumur – Sébastopol (3 ,4)

One of the most indulgent cafés in Paris is operated by Lindt, the fine Swiss chocolatier. A temple of sweet wonders, this is the place to rejoice in a Parisian favorite, chocolate chaud (hot chocolate), and grab some delectable souvenirs made with another delicious bean. You should probably buy extra, the risk of eating your souvenirs before finishing your vacation of probably high.

Their modern tea room is the place to load up on sugary highs, with desserts masquerading as drinks like Chocolate Dome and Brownie Delight. Opposite is the opulent Palais Garnier. A terrace is sadly absent, and the store is stacked from floor to ceiling with chocolate. It’s far from a typical Parisian café. But if you have a sweet tooth, the Lindt Salon is a tiny slice of nirvana.

• Address: 11 bis Rue Scribe, 75009 (Opéra)
• Nearest Métro: Opéra (3, 7, 8)

Coutume Café

Refreshed and recharged, we reach number 20 in our pick of the best cafés in Paris with an elegant and refined coffee marvel, Coutume. Coutume means “custom” and indicates you’ll get coffee precisely how you like it. Coutume currently has 11 outlets dotted around prime addresses and upmarket stores in Paris.

Their new-wave approach is passionate about sourcing, roasting, and brewing. Every store has a different look, all sparkling contemporary affairs. The star venue is in the 7th arrondissement, where you can enjoy egg and pancake breakfast moments from the stately Hôtel des Invalides. The beans can be shipped home. One less vacation gift to worry about. The coffees (and delicious pastries) are made for savoring in the moment. Another marvelous place to pause while losing yourself in the magic and sparkle of the French capital’s most-visited arrondissements.

• Address: Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010 ()
• Nearest Métro: Château d’Eau

How much does a cup of coffee cost in Paris?

You could pick up a simple black coffee for as little as €1.50 and as much as €10 in Parisian cafés. Attention to quality and especially location affects prices markedly. Expect to pay between €2.50 and €4 for a good coffee at many cafés and coffee shops.

How much does a macaron with a coffee cost in Paris?

The dainty discs of sugary joy can cost €1-4 in a patisserie, depending on quality (and reputation). Cafés in Paris typically charge between €2 and €4 for a macaron to go with your coffee.

hen are cafés in Paris open?

Many traditional cafés in Paris close for just a few hours daily. Opening at 7 am and closing at 2 am. Other more modern coffee shops that don’t survive off food sales might open from 9 am and close early evening.

Do you need reservations for Parisian cafés?

Most cafés in Paris welcome people stopping by for a coffee and other drinks. Some are focused on their restaurant offering and may require reservations, but they are usually listed as restaurants. In most cases, seat yourself and wait for the serving staff to reach you.

A Guide to the Best Restaurants in Paris

Where to brunch in Paris: the best brunch spots in the french capital

Magical rooftop bars in Paris – the best drinks and view over Paris

I love traveling! Whether it's the Australian outback, the fjords of Norway or city trips to the most beautiful cities in the world like Paris, Singapore, Barcelona or New York - I'll write down my best tips so that your trip will be a very special highlight.

Get exclusive content, real insider info and the best travel deals completely FREE!

Your trip start: We’ll provide you with little reminders to prepare for your trip and up-to-the-minute events when you’re traveling!

You have disabled JavaScript

JavaScript is required to use this website. Therefore, please enable JavaScript in your browser to visit this website.

Best Coffee Shops in Paris, Ile-de-France

Cafés in paris, establishment type, online options & offers, traveler rating, dietary restrictions, restaurant features, neighborhood.

Cafes in Paris

Explore top cafes in paris.

Paris is known for its vibrant cafe culture, and for good reason - the city is home to some of the world's most iconic and historic cafes, as well as trendy newcomers that are constantly pushing the boundaries of what a cafe can be. Whether you're looking for a classic brasserie experience, a cozy tea room, or a hipster hangout, there's a cafe in Paris that's perfect for you.

One of the joys of visiting cafes in Paris is simply soaking up the atmosphere. Many of the city's cafes have been around for decades or even centuries, and stepping inside feels like stepping back in time. From the Art Nouveau decor of Angelina to the cozy rustic charm of Holybelly, each cafe in Paris has its own unique ambiance that adds to the experience of enjoying a coffee or a meal. And of course, there's the people-watching - Parisians love to linger over their cafe au lait or their croissant, and watching the world go by from a sidewalk table is a quintessential Parisian experience.

But cafes in Paris are more than just a place to sit and sip - they're also an important part of the city's cultural and intellectual history. From the literary salons of the 18th century to the existentialist cafes of the 20th century, cafes in Paris have long been a gathering place for artists, writers, and thinkers. Even today, cafes like Cafe de Flore and La Palette continue to attract a creative crowd. So whether you're looking for a taste of history, a dose of culture, or simply a delicious coffee and a pastry, be sure to explore the cafes in Paris.

Also Checkout:

• Eiffel Tower Tickets Price
• Palace of Versailles Skip the Line Tickets

Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Cafe de Flore is a historic Parisian cafe that has been a favorite haunt of intellectuals and artists since the early 20th century. The decor is classic Parisian, with red leather banquettes, mirrored walls, and black-and-white checkered floors. The menu features traditional brasserie fare, including escargots and steak frites, as well as a variety of pastries and desserts. Cafe de Flore is also known for its excellent coffee and hot chocolate, making it the perfect spot for a cozy afternoon break or a late-night rendezvous.

You Can Also Checkout: Cafes Near Eiffel Tower

It turns out to be one of the best cafes in Paris. IIf you're looking for an elegant tea room in Paris, look no further than Angelina. Located on Rue de Rivoli, just steps away from the Tuileries Gardens, this iconic tea room has been serving up its famous hot chocolate since 1903. The Belle Epoque decor is opulent, with chandeliers and mirrors adorning the walls, and the menu features a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and salads. But it's the rich hot chocolate, served with a dollop of whipped cream, that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

Do Checkout: Restaurants in Paris

If you're looking for an artsy cafe in the heart of Saint-Germain, La Palette is the place to be. The outdoor terrace is perfect for people-watching, and the decor is funky and eclectic, with vintage posters and art adorning the walls. The menu offers classic bistro dishes like quiche and croque-monsieur, as well as a variety of salads and sandwiches. La Palette is also known for its extensive wine list, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon or evening meal. 

This trendy cafe in the Marais neighborhood is a favorite among Parisian hipsters and fashionistas. The minimalist decor is Instagram-worthy, with sleek wooden tables and chairs, and there's a small outdoor seating area for sunny days. But it's the coffee that really shines at Cafe Kitsuné, with beans sourced from the best roasters in Paris and beyond. The pastries and sandwiches are also excellent, and the cafe also sells a variety of stylish clothing and accessories. This is always one of the best cafes in Paris.

Read More: Marais Paris

Located in the Bastille neighborhood, Cafe de l'Industrie is a lively spot for brunch, lunch, or an after-work drink. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, with dishes like hummus, falafel, and grilled vegetables, as well as classic French dishes like steak frites and onion soup. There's often live music in the evenings, making Cafe de l'Industrie the perfect spot for a night out with friends.

This cozy cafe in the 10th arrondissement is known for its excellent breakfasts, which include pancakes, eggs, and bacon. The decor is rustic-chic, with exposed brick walls and vintage decor, and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. Holybelly also serves excellent coffee, and there's often a line out the door on weekend mornings.

This charming tea room in the 1st arrondissement serves a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and salads, as well as an extensive tea menu. The decor is bright and colorful, with a vintage vibe, and there's often a line out.

This grand cafe is located just steps away from the Paris Opera, making it a popular spot for pre- or post-show drinks and meals. The opulent decor features marble columns, chandeliers, and gilded mirrors, and the menu offers a variety of classic French dishes, including foie gras, escargots, and lobster bisque. But it's the view that really sets Cafe de la Paix apart, with large windows overlooking the bustling Place de l'Opéra. It's a perfect spot for a special occasion or a luxurious afternoon break.

Café des Deux Moulins is a charming café located in the vibrant Montmartre neighborhood of Paris. It rose to fame after appearing in the popular movie "Amélie," in which the main character works at the café. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee and a croissant in the same spot where the iconic movie scenes were shot. The café has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with its warm lighting, vintage decor, and comfortable seating. It also offers a selection of classic French dishes, including escargots and onion soup. Café des Deux Moulins is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the authentic charm of Parisian café culture.

FAQ's for Cafes in Paris

What is the signature drink of angelina.

The signature drink of Angelina is its rich hot chocolate, served with a dollop of whipped cream.

What type of cuisine does Cafe de l'Industrie offer?

Cafe de l'Industrie offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, as well as classic French dishes like steak frites and onion soup.

What type of atmosphere does Cafe de la Paix have?

Cafe de la Paix has an opulent decor, with marble columns, chandeliers, and gilded mirrors.

Is there outdoor seating available at Cafe Kitsuné?

Yes, there is a small outdoor seating area available at Cafe Kitsuné.

Does Cafe de l'Industrie have live music?

Yes, Cafe de l'Industrie often has live music in the evenings.

What is the best time to visit Holybelly?

It's best to visit Holybelly in the morning for breakfast.

Is Cafe de la Paix a good spot for a special occasion?

Yes, Cafe de la Paix is a perfect spot for a special occasion or a luxurious afternoon break.

What are the best cafes in Paris to visit with friends?

Here is the list of best cafes in Paris:

• Cafe de Flore
• Les Deux Magots
• Cafe Kitsuné
• Cafe de l'Industrie
• Cafe Oberkampf
• Cafe de la Paix
• Cafe Beaubourg

Kid's Attractions

Tours/activity, visitor's guide, attraction tickets.

CITY PASS | GUIDED TOURS | ATTRACTION TICKETS

Contact Number: +33 1 47 27 91 35

Contact Email: [email protected]

Address: 18 Rue de la Paix, 75002 Paris, France

The content and images used on this site are copyright protected and copyrights vests with the respective owners.

© 2024 www.myparispass.com All rights reserved.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

The 7 Iconic Paris Cafés You Cannot Miss

Vicki Denig is a freelance wine and travel journalist who divides her time between New York and Paris. She is a certified wine specialist who has worked in the wine trade since 2013.

Ellen Rooney / Alamy Stock Photo

Few other cities can match the café culture of Paris . Synonymous with ornate interiors and sprawling terraces, the city’s rich café history blossomed in the late-19th century, when writers, philosophers, and creatives would spend hours discussing any and all topics in Paris’ largest coffee shops. Years later, the city remains fueled by its strong café identity. Although new coffee shops continue to make their way onto the scene, the classics remain the classics for a reason, and they most certainly merit a visit during your trip to Paris . Fair warning, they may not offer you the best coffee of your life — and you’ll certainly pay a hefty price for it — but for the sake of connecting with the city’s rich creative past, it’s absolutely worth it. Check out these iconic Parisian cafés to visit on your next trip to the City of Lights.

Eye Ubiquitous / Alamy Stock Photo

For classic Parisian café vibes with good food and excellent people watching, look no further than La Palette. Situated in the Saint-Germain area of Paris, this historic café was a regular favorite of Picasso himself, as well as a number of A-list celebrities today. Despite its fame, La Palette has lost zero of its old-school charm. Expect solid bistro food and ample outdoor seating with a whole lot of character to boot. Even Anthony Bourdain was known to love a jaunt to this long-standing Left Bank gem.  43 Rue de Seine, 75006

Les Deux Magots

Petr Kovalenkov / Alamy Stock Photo

When searching for iconic Parisian cafés, Les Deux Magots may just be the most famous of them all. Located in the Saint-Germain area of the city, this historic café first opened its doors in 1885 and welcomed the likes of philosophers Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, as well as James Joyce, Albert Camus, and other talented creatives — so much so, that the café even created its own literary prize, which has been awarded to new French writers for nearly 100 years. Expect massive coffees (at an equally massive price) and an unforgettable ambiance. We recommended sticking to classic espresso or allongé to keep the bill at bay.  6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006

Directphoto Collection / Alamy Stock Photo

Deemed Paris’ oldest café, Le Precope’s impressive roots date back to 1686, when Sicilian chef Procopio Cutò first founded the establishment. While other classic cafés are best known for hosting the likes of Fitzgerald and Hemingway, this epic institution’s seats have been occupied by Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin, and even Thomas Jefferson. The café’s set lunch menu still clocks in at just around 20 euros, which for a tourist-forward establishment, is quite the steal in the City of Lights. Grab a banquet seat alongside one of the joint’s bright red-hued walls and enjoy a blast to the past.  13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, 75006

Le Consulat

Carlo Bollo / Alamy Stock Photo

Out of all of Paris’ classic cafés, Le Consulat may just be the most charming. Contrary to the sprawling terraces and neon lights of those found on Boulevard Montparnasse, Le Consulat’s cozy, pocket-sized interior can cram a handful of tables in at a time, and its small-yet-charming terrace holds not many more. Beloved by Van Gogh, Monet, and other artists alike, this Insta-worthy spot is perfect for grabbing a cup of coffee and fulfilling all of your cobblestoned street, people-watching dreams — though we recommend going early on weekdays for the most comfortable experience. (Bonus: It’s also been said that Le Consulat is home to one of the city’s best steak frites; we’ll let you be the judge of that.) 18 Rue Norvins, 75018

Along with neighboring Le Dôme, La Rotonde, and La Coupole, Le Select is one of a number of iconic cafés located on Boulevard Montparnasse. Known for its neon-lit sign and massive outdoor terrace, this long-standing institution (along with its neighbors) was once a haven of intellectual conversation for F. Scott Fitzgerland, Picasso, Simone de Beauvoir, and Ernest Hemingway, the latter of whom lived around the corner and dubbed the café the “soul of Montparnasse.” Expect mediocre bites and overpriced coffees, but for the history and people watching, it’s totally worth the expense. 99 Bd du Montparnasse, 75006

Café de Flore

Situated directly across the street from Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore has equally deep roots in the Saint-Germain neighborhood. Established in 1887, this famous meeting spot was equally adored by Sartre and de Beauvoir, as well as other philosophers, existentialists, and surrealists alike. However, story has it that it was actually the café’s interior heater — not the tasty coffee — that kept de Beauvoir coming back for more; even Sartre deemed the Café de Flore to be where the couple felt most at home away from home. This legendary spot is still considered to be a rival of Les Deux Magots. 1 72 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006

La Fontaine de Belleville

Getty Images

While La Fontaine de Belleville may not have the history of the cafés listed above, its 1920s-inspired ambiance and show-stopping brews promise to captivate any coffee lover’s heart. Located in Paris’ 10th arrondissement, this locally beloved café boasts large mirrors, gorgeous artwork, and ample rattan chairs — both indoors and outdoors — as well as live jazz on the weekends and great food. All products at La Fontaine de Belleville are locally sourced, with the spot’s excellent coffee coming from the nearby Belleville Brûlerie. While perhaps not a classic yet, this café definitely has a long, history-making future ahead of itself. 31-33 Rue Juliette Dodu, 75010

Related Articles

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.

A Guide to the Most Iconic Cafés in Paris

By Lynn Yaeger

We all have our own highly personal Parisian obsessions. For some, it’s spending seven hours exploring the Louvre, for others it’s strolling along the Seine at daybreak, for still others it’s the address of a secret boite that only gets going in the wee hours.

For me, seven hours in the Louvre does not hold a candle to seven hours at the marche aux puces ; the thrum of midnight in Paris is nothing as compared to the delight of sitting in a café—on the terrasse!—in the middle of the afternoon, sipping an espresso, pulling a beret over my Juliet Greco bangs, with an actually book in my lap, no laptops or iPhones in sight!

Here, a highly personal compilation of the city’s most iconic cafes—including one that can only be visited in dreams.

Café de Flore

A legendary clientele of wild surrealists and gloomy existentialists, not to mention my friend Peter, who has every meal here—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—when he is Paris, even though the menu has a distinct lack of cooked food. Legend has it that Simone De Beauvoir was first attracted to the café when the owner installed a powerful heater on the ground floor to warm up the gray Paris winters. She brought Sartre with her, but they were just two of the famous Parisians who have made this their second home. Sonia Rykiel , the wonderful French designer, ate here often—her flagship was across the street—and has a sandwich named in her honor. Even if there is no food with your moniker, a trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to the Flore.

Les Deux Magots 

The magical Café de Flore has a rival, the equally iconic Les Deux Magots, located across the street. Apparently, Simone and Sartre hung out at this place too, along with Ernest Hemingway, James Baldwin, and other soon-to-be-famous Americans who arrived decades ago in search of inspiration and cheap rents. Once upon a time, this was a center of left-wing activity, while the Flore was a gathering place for the right. But that was then. The origins of the spat with the Flore are shrouded in the mists of time, but all we can say is—even if you are only in Paris for one day, patronize both places.

Le Procope 

So many things in Paris are so much older than their counterparts in America—we are such a young country!—but Le Procope is ancient even by French standards. The plaque outside reads 1686, and that is true, sort of—it closed in 1872, and reopened in the 1920s. The original café was a haunt of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Napoleon (no women allowed back then…). One patron described the atmosphere in 1772 thusly, "There is an ebb and flow of all conditions of men, nobles and cooks, wits and sots, pell mell, all chattering in full chorus to their heart's content.” Now everyone is welcome, and it is fine to raise your voice.

Le Nemours 

This quintessential café, just across from the Louvre, is on my list because it is in my ‘hood. When I was a young girl first visiting Paris, I gazed with wonder at the lit-up grand dames of the 1 st arrondissement—the Regina, the Hotel du Louvre, the Lotti—so distant in every way from the dump with the bathroom down the hall where I was staying. Now I book the Regina whenever I am in Paris and spend my afternoons at the Place Colette, under the Roman columns of Le Nemours.

By Marie Bladt

By Emma Specter

By Christina Pérez

Chez Louisette 

My favorite place on earth might just be the Marche de Clignancourt , that vast flea market expanse in northern Paris. And my favorite marche of all the marches strung along the Rue de Roisiers might just be Vernaison. Wander the twisted alleyways and you will inevitably end up at Chez Louisette, which looks at first blush like a cheesy Hollywood director’s idea of a Paris café. There is an Edith Piaf wannabe warbling, the staff is sassy, and they have been seducing tourists for almost a century. A few years ago, Ladyfag and her wife Skin convinced me that I should put aside my misgivings, take a break from flea-ing, and join them here. They were right. I never had a better time.

Café de La Rotonde 

It seems that Picasso, Hemingway, and the rest of that crowd didn’t spend much time at home. When they weren’t killing hours at the Flore or the Deux Magots, they were at the Rotunde in Montparnasse. The café, which retains much of its original charm, opened in 1911, and, as the story goes, the proprietor let starving artists nurse a coffee all day, looked the other way when they snapped off the end of a baguette and shoved it in a hungry mouth, and best of all, allowed them pay with paintings when they had no cash. The payment policy has changed (anyway, face it, you’re no Picasso) but you should go anyway.

The Cabaret of Hell (Cabaret de L'Enfer) and The Cabaret of Heaven (Cabaret du Ciel) 

You could consider it the first theme restaurant. The Cabaret de L’Enfer, and its sister club the Caberet du Ciel, were opened by a literature professor the late 19th century. The Victorians loved scary-fun—here is how a visitor described the experience: “We passed through a large, hideous, fanged, open mouth in an enormous face from which shone eyes of blazing crimson. Curiously enough, it adjoined [The Cabaret of Heaven], whose cool blue lights contrasted strikingly with the fierce ruddiness of hell. Red-hot bars and gratings through which flaming coals gleamed appeared in the walls within the red mouth. … Red imps were everywhere, darting about noiselessly, some carrying beverages for the thirsty lost souls, others stirring the fires or turning somersaults. … Presently Satan himself strode into the cavern, gorgeous in his imperial robe of red, decked with blazing jewels…” Alas Satan strides no more—this incredible place was demolished to make room for a Monoprix.

• The  Best Celebrity Wedding Moments  in  Vogue
• Vogue  Editors Share the  Best Bedding for a Better Night’s Sleep
• Gabriella de Givenchy Wore Her Family’s Haute Couture to  Wed on the Cliffs of Capri
• Dreamy Airbnb Cabins to Fantasize About , From Finland to the Catskills
• Sign up for  Vogue ’s shopping  newsletter The Get  to receive the insider’s guide to what to shop and how to wear it

Where should you travel next? Take the free quiz!

8 Best Cafes in Paris, France You Can’t Miss

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read  full disclosure  for more information.

Are you looking for the best cafes in Paris ? You’re in luck! I’ve teamed up with many other amazing travelers who have visited Paris firsthand to share the ones you can’t miss in the city.

Paris, France is known for its excellent cafes. From the small, intimate cafes to the grand, towering ones, there is a cafe for everyone in Paris. They’re located all over the city, making them reasonably easy to find and come across without much planning.

So where should you go if you want to experience the best cafes that Paris has to offer? Read on to learn!

🚗 Don’t forget to book your Paris rental car! Click here to check rates. 🚗

Table of Contents

Best Cafes in Paris

Baguett’café.

If you are searching for a cute and cozy spot in Paris for breakfast or brunch, the Baguett’Café is where you should be heading to. It is located right by the Louvre, so it’s perfect to build up some strength before hitting the museum. 

The café is a very popular spot, and you might find yourself queuing a bit. But let this not stop you; their breakfast items are so delicious that they are well worth the wait. 

You can enjoy fresh Avocado Toast or Granola Bowls. But also delicious French toast – which is, a  fun fact about French food , not French.

However, the absolute most mouthwatering dish that I tried at Baguett’Café was the sweet pancakes with pastrami, a fried egg, and maple syrup. The combination of sweet and salty is just the best. This, with a fresh juice and a coffee, you are all set up for a day sightseeing in Paris. 

Recommended by Lena from Salut from Paris

FREE TRAVEL QUIZ

La Diva des Pres

La Diva des Pres is an incredibly chic cafe located on Rue de Seine in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area. This trendy pink-themed cafe is adorned with beautiful Bougainvillea flowers and makes for the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine.

They have an expansive drink list, with several options for wine, cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks. They are open from 9 am to 2 am and offer a number of food options, including delicious brunch options.

Lunch and dinner reservations can be made online in advance, but it is also possible to do a walk-in, especially during the weekdays. There is indoor and outdoor seating available, and the outdoor area is especially lovely in the spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom.

La Diva des Pres is a chic, Instagram-worthy cafe in Paris, and definitely worth a visit if you are in the 6th arrondissement.

Recommended by Amber from Get Lost in Wanderlust

Chez Suzette

For a sweet tooth, no culinary scene is more welcoming than that of Paris. My first order of business when visiting the city is to seek out patisseries, boulangeries, and crêperies that offer unique flavors.

One such café is Chez Suzette, a crêperie with three locations in the Marais and Latin Quarter featuring something on the menu for everyone.

For instance, if you enjoy Nutella, choose from eight different Nutella-based crêpe options. If you’re keen to try something you can’t get anywhere else, peruse their list of specialties for ingredients like chestnut cream or pear. To keep things classic, you can’t go wrong with a flambéed crêpe suzette. For those blessed not to crave the sweet stuff, there is also an entire menu of savory galettes.

They even have vegetarian and gluten-free options, which are a rarity at most cafés throughout Paris. Unlike the numerous street vendors selling crêpes, this sit-down café also offers “formules déjeuner”, a fixed-price menu with multiple courses if you need a heartier lunch. Whatever your poison – bon appétit!

Recommended by Claire from The Detour Effect

Cafe de Flore

If you’re thinking of visiting Paris and participating in the famed café culture, then one spot you won’t want to miss is Café de Flore. This charming café is located on the corner of Boulevard Saint-Germain and Rue Saint-Benoît and has been around since the 1880s!

And while there are plenty of old cafés in a city like Paris, what sets Café de Flore apart from the rest is its famous patrons throughout history. For example, some of the well-known regulars used to include Pablo Picasso, Remy de Gourmont, and many other writers, philosophers, and painters.

Thus, if you want to connect with the past and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or hot chocolate, Café de Flore is the place to go. Just make sure to get there early. The café is a hotspot amongst tourists and locals alike, and the lines to get a table can become excessively long!

Recommended by Kristin Lee of Global Travel Escapades

Breizh Cafe

Breizh Cafe in Paris is a cozy spot with incredible sweet crepes and savory galettes , made with buckwheat flour. There are a few locations throughout Paris, including a spot with a nice patio on Rue de l’Odéon near the Jardin du Luxembourg.

However, if you’re visiting Paris for a weekend and can only try one location, go to the Breizh on Rue Ville-du-Temple. 

For a perfect meal, order a savory buckwheat crepe, a fresh side salad, and a smokey or sweet glass of cider. For dessert, opt for an elegantly simple sugar and butter sweet crepe. You can sometimes order naturally flavored butter for your sweet crepe, like raspberry or orange. 

There are wonderful creperies and cafes throughout Paris, but the cider and sweet crepes at Breizh are in a league of their own. Breizh even carries a bottled cider that is said to be the French President’s favorite (and it’s surprisingly affordable).

Recommended by Amber from Amber Everywhere

Odette is a very Instagram-friendly café in Paris: it’s a small place with a gorgeously quaint facade of art deco lettering, flower boxes, and green paneling. It is located on a cobbled street in the Latin Quarter, a short way from the Seine.

The bad news is it really is tiny: there are only five small tables with 2-3 stools for each – and they’re all outside. You might have to wait for seats if you’re in a group, but couples and those  travelling Paris solo  should find a seat quickly.

But the good news is the drinks are great, and the pastries are delicious. Odette specialises in choux buns: little buns filled with cream and topped with icing. This is all the food they serve, but there are lots of different flavours – and they are really delightful.

And the  even better  news is that the prettiness and the tasty treats aren’t all that is appealing at Odette: from the outdoor seating, you also have a nice view of the towers of Notre Dame!

Recommended by Martha from MayCauseWanderlust.com

Les Deux Magots

Opened in 1885, Les Deux Magots is one of the must-visit cafes in Paris. Steeped in history, this cafe is as lively today as it was in its heyday. Then it catered to the most well-known names in the art and literary world.

Picasso, Hemingway, Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, and many other historic celebrities would spend hours here discussing their philosophies and sipping coffee. 

Today, this Saint Germain des Pres cafe is very popular and bustles with locals and tourists alike. To get a table, it’s best to come in the off hours or early for breakfast. An outside table near the front entrance will provide the best people-watching opportunities.

Their Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame are available any time of day and are always a good choice. Or try some of the other  famous French foods  like foie gras or escargot and wash it down with a glass of wine. 

Recommended by Denise from Chef Denise

One of the most iconic cafes in Paris is Laduree on the Champs-Elysees. While they have locations all across the world, this is one of the few full-service cafes they run.

Not only do they sell their signature macarons on the main floor, but they actually have a full breakfast/brunch menu in a gorgeous dining area. And you can finish your meal with some of the best macarons in Paris!

Because this is a popular spot, it’s a smart idea to snag reservations online before you go. You can also request to sit near a window, which is extra helpful if you want to take photos with natural lighting.

You’ll definitely want to stop by Laduree if you’re visiting  Paris with kids , going on a honeymoon, or doing a girl’s getaway! The food is tasty and totally Instagrammable! And be sure to grab a box of macarons to go!

Recommended by Marcie from Marcie in Mommyland

Final Thoughts: Best Paris Cafes

Paris is known for its incredible food, and no meal is complete without a cup of coffee or tea. In this blog post, we’ve highlighted some of the best cafes in Paris that are sure to please any coffee lover.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional French cafe with delicious pastries or an American-style cafe with all your favorite breakfast foods, we’ve got you covered.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Paris today, and be sure to visit some of these amazing cafes!

Watch our Paris travel vlog!

Visit Paris

If you’re planning a trip to France, you’re in luck. Explore our other posts on this country to plan your France itinerary!

• Paris Bucket List: Best Things to do in Paris
• 10 Romantic Things to do in Paris, France
• 11 Most Famous Streets in Paris, France
• How to Spend One Day in Paris
• 12 Great Places to Get Brunch in Paris

KP is the head blogger and founder behind Volumes & Voyages. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, KP got bitten by the travel bug. Now, she writes articles to help other travelers in between trips where she chases her wanderlust. KP has lived in many different places, including Boston MA, Denver CO, Las Vegas NV, southern VT, and Dublin IE.

Similar Posts

The Best Paris Travel Guide for an Unforgettable Trip

20 Dominican Republic Foods You Must Try + 4 You Can Skip

What to Eat in Vienna: 11 Best Local Dishes & Where to Eat Them

20 Coolest Boston Restaurants That You Can’t Miss

12 Scenic Day Trips from Paris by Train

Spring in Paris: 12 Best Things to do During Springtime in Paris

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

Unlock Exclusive Content and Receive a Free Fashion and Beauty EBook

Chic Style Collectivé

Fashion | Beauty | Lifestyle

The best 9 cafés in Paris for your next coffee date

Cafés à paris.

Immerse yourself in the rich coffee culture of Paris with our curated list of nine of the must-visit cafés in Paris. Discover the ultimate list of the best cafes in Paris that every coffee lover must visit. From classic French cafeés to trendy coffee shops, experience the true essence of Parisian café culture in these iconic establishments.

Picture yourself strolling down the charming streets of Paris, the smell of freshly brewed coffee lingering in the air as you pass by bustling cafés. We have curated a list of nine must-visit cafés in Paris of love, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience in the vibrant coffee culture.

From timeless classics to hidden gems, get ready to embark on a journey through the best cafés in Paris that will satisfy both your caffeine cravings and wanderlust. Get your passports ready, because we’re taking you on a coffee-filled adventure through the enchanting streets of the French capital.

Read – 5 Luxury Shopping Spots in St Tropez, France

Café de Flore

A timeless classic that has been a staple in the heart of Paris for decades. Known for its rich history and famous clientele, this café exudes an air of sophistication and elegance that transports you back to a bygone era. As you sip on a perfectly crafted espresso or indulge in a decadent croissant, you can’t help but feel like you’re part of a Parisian love story unfolding right before your eyes. Café de Flore is not just a café; it’s an experience that captures the essence of Parisian charm and culture in every sip and bite.

Coutume Café

Coutume Café, with its sleek and modern design, brings a fresh take on the traditional French cafe experience. This café seamlessly blends contemporary style with classic French flair, creating a unique ambience that appeals to locals and tourists alike. From its expertly roasted coffee to its innovative menu offerings, Coutume Café offers a delightful twist on Parisian café culture that is sure to impress even the most discerning coffee connoisseurs.

As you enjoy your latte art masterpiece or savour a freshly baked pastry, you’ll be transported to a world where old-world charm meets modern sophistication. Get ready to indulge in a truly memorable coffee experience at Coutume Café before exploring the next must-visit cafe on our list: La Cafeotheque, a Coffee Lover’s Paradise.

La Cafeotheque

La Cafeotheque, tucked away in the heart of Paris, is a haven for coffee enthusiasts seeking a truly exceptional brew. This charming cafe is known for its wide selection of coffee beans sourced from around the world, each carefully roasted to perfection by skilled baristas. The cosy atmosphere of La Cafeotheque invites patrons to linger over their cups of coffee, savouring the rich flavours and aromas that fill the air.

Whether you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur or simply looking to enjoy a well-crafted espresso, La Cafeotheque is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates the art of brewing. After savoring the exquisite coffee offerings at La Cafeotheque, make your way to Telescope, a hidden gem in the Marais that promises another delightful coffee experience.,

Telescope, located in the trendy Marais district of Paris, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by coffee aficionados. This intimate café may be small in size, but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to serving up top-notch coffee. With a focus on quality and attention to detail, Telescope offers a curated selection of speciality coffee blends that are sure to impress even the most discerning palate. The minimalist décor and laid-back ambience make it the perfect spot to unwind and savour a meticulously crafted cup of joe. Once you’ve experienced the unique charm of Telescope, continue your café-hopping adventure at Boot Café: Charming and Cozy.

Read – 5 Magical Places in France You Need to Visit

Boot Cafe, tucked away in a charming corner of the Marais neighbourhood, is a cosy spot that exudes Parisian charm. Despite its small size, this café is big on character, with its quirky décor and friendly atmosphere drawing in locals and visitors alike. The carefully crafted coffee menu features a variety of blends that will satisfy any caffeine craving. After you’ve enjoyed the warm ambiance and delicious coffee at Boot Café, head over to Holybelly: Brunch and Coffee Perfection for a culinary experience that will leave you craving more.,

At Holybelly, located in the vibrant 10th arrondissement, you’ll find the perfect combination of delicious brunch dishes and expertly brewed coffee. This bustling café has a reputation for serving up some of the best breakfast plates in Paris, from fluffy pancakes to hearty avocado toast. And let’s not forget about the coffee – Holybelly takes its espresso seriously, with a smooth and flavorful brew that pairs perfectly with its mouthwatering meals. After indulging in a delightful brunch experience at Holybelly, make your way to Bistro Marguerite for a taste of classic French bistro fare with a modern twist.

Bistro Marguerite

Nestled in the heart of Paris, Bistro Marguerite offers a charming setting where you can savour classic French dishes with a contemporary flair. From traditional coq au vin to delicate bouillabaisse, each dish at Marguerite is crafted with care and attention to detail. The warm ambience and attentive service make dining here an unforgettable experience. After enjoying a meal at Bistro Marguerite, head over to La Favorite Saint Paul for a taste of Parisian elegance with a modern touch.,

La Favorite Saint Paul

La Favorite Saint Paul epitomizes the essence of Parisian elegance, combining traditional charm with a modern twist. This hidden gem invites you to indulge in a selection of delectable pastries, freshly brewed coffee, and artisanal teas. The cosy atmosphere and friendly staff create a welcoming environment perfect for enjoying a leisurely afternoon break. After you visit La Favorite Saint Paul, make sure to stop by Les Petites Mains for a delightful treat handmade with love and precision.

Les Petites Mains

Les Petites Mains is a quaint bakery tucked away on a charming Parisian street, known for its exquisite pastries and confections that are crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail. Every treat at Les Petites Mains is a work of art, showcasing the skill and dedication of the pastry chefs who pour their hearts into each creation. From delicate macarons to decadent éclairs, every bite is a delightful experience that will leave you craving more.

As you savour the flavours of these exquisite delicacies, you’ll truly appreciate the passion and craftsmanship that goes into every sweet masterpiece. After indulging in the delightful treats at Les Petites Mains, you’ll find yourself yearning to explore even more of the culinary wonders that Paris has to offer.

Read – Trip to Paris: 5 Tips for an Unforgettable Holiday

Experience the vibrant coffee scene in Paris by exploring these iconic cafes. Whether you prefer a classic French ambience or a trendy modern vibe, there’s a cafe on this list that will surely capture your heart. Each of these cafes offers a unique and unforgettable experience, so why not embark on a coffee tour of Paris and discover your favourite spot? Bon appétit! “Paris is a city of coffee, and the coffee is a representation of its people.”

Experience the vibrant coffee scene in Paris by exploring these iconic cafes. Whether you prefer a classic French ambience or a trendy modern vibe, there’s a cafe on this list that will surely capture your heart. Bon appétit!

Chic Style Collectivé – Love this article and want to read more about fashion , beauty and lifestyle from Chic Style Collective why not join our weekly newsletter? You can subscribe for all the latest fashion news and the latest trends here – Chic Style Collective Newsletter .

Chic Style Collective

You may also like, 5 luxury hotels to stay in london, trip to paris: 5 tips for an unforgettable holiday, how to make travelling abroad with children easy in 6 steps, 5 luxury shopping spots in st tropez, france.

14 Best Must-Visit Cafes All Around Paris

14 Best Cafes All Around Paris.

With a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, street markets and  food trucks in Paris, it is sometimes hard to narrow down to the few restaurants that you should without a doubt taste and see while in the City of Light.

So..where are you heading to? Let’s check out the following neighbourhoods. 😉

Bastille, formally known as Bastille Saint-Antoine, a neighbourhood that played an undeniable role in the history of France. It has been used, for most of its existence, as a prison by the King of France. Though the original prison is now long gone, it still serves as a historical landmark, imbued with political symbolism for Parisians. Despite its dark past, Bastille has evolved into a neighbourhood lined with small private galleries for art lovers, grungy record stores for music lovers, and mouthwatering restaurants for foodies! Here are a few you have to try:

La Fée Verte

La Fée Verte (which means the Green Fairy) is a fascinating absinthe bar and café near the Bastille. In the day, it is a great place for a cup of coffee and lunch (think: burgers and beef bourguignon), at night it is the place to hang out and unwind with a drink. They have a great range of absinthe and it is still served in the traditional way, with a special absinthe spoon and cubes of sugar. Definitely a place to add to your list of must-visits.

La Cantine Merci

La Cantine Merci, located in the trendy fairtrade concept store Merci , is all about healthy, balanced and nutritious lunches. Take your pick from their fresh and colourful salads, soup, risotto, vegetable tarts and much more. There is also a selection of vitamin-packed fruit cocktails – Merci does strike a good balance between plate and cup. Homemade deserts here are also delightful: “light” cheesecake and gluten-free chocolate sponge cake anyone? The dining space opens up into a garden, and the greens just brightens up the day, making it is a wonderful place to while the afternoon away.

Used Books Cafe

An ideal place for a spot of coffee or afternoon tea (Darjeeling, sencha, herbal teas, you names it) where you will find yummy bites such as organic soft-boiled eggs and rosemary scones. You may also choose a book from the 10,000 books in their library collection. The chance of discovering a new story is part of the thrill of the hunt in this unique bookstore-themed cafe. The cafe is also connected to La Cantine Merci.

Montmartre, otherwise known as The Mountain of Martyrs, is a culturally rich neighbourhood with picturesque bohemian architect lining the streets. Being 130 metres high, Montmartre is known as the 2nd highest point in Paris besides the Eiffel tower. Primarily known for the white-dome Basilica of the Sacre- Coeur and as a nightclub district, there are several highly-acclaimed restaurants that you should add to your must-visit list when going to Montmartre.

Le Coq Rico

Le Coq Rico , also called the bistro of beautiful birds, as perhaps you can tell, known for its flavour infused and succulent roasted chicken. Antoine Westermann serves his gourmet poultry dishes in an elegant and polished white-walled space with sleek black marble-top banquettes. There are different birds to choose from on the menu — chickens of different breeds from the various provinces of France, duck and guinea fowl. It generally takes about 45 minutes of waiting time if you order the chicken, and it arrives sizzling and roasted to perfection. There are very tasty appetisers to fill the time until the main event (the roasted chicken) arrives, which includes the soft boiled egg served with salmon egg & sea weed butter finger bread, and duck liver roasted with poppy seeds crumb and served with arugula salad, green apple & chicken jus vinaigrette.

Soul Kitchen

Tucked away on the corner of a street, upon entering Soul Kitchen , you are greeted with warm smiles and the whimsical interior design. You can tell almost immediately that there is good hospitality and food here just by looking at how so much attention is being paid to the decor of the cafe, such as the installation of paper butterflies, the vintage touch with old wine crates, a big bay window, trays overflowing with food, pretty coloured furniture and a huge chalkboard menu at the counter, giving the place a real homely atmosphere. It is helmed by three affable lady chefs who presents a selection of wholesome dishes from their ever-changing menu of homemade recipes prepared with organic local produce. A charming cafe with even more delicious food, Soul Kitchen is one place you would not want to miss.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is one of the four administrative quarters and the quarter has a large number of bookstores, publishing houses and several famous cafes that you have to visit.

Les Deux Magots

The name of the restaurant is actually dervied from two chinese figurines. Founded in 1812 and later expanded to its current location, the two statues that adorn the cafe now stand as witnesses to that era. In 1885, the cafe started serving alcohol and acted as a hotspot for many intellectual elites such as Earnest Hemmingway, Arthur Rimbaud, and Paul Verlaine. Then in 1933 with creation of the Prix des Deux Magots, the cafe asserted its literacy vocation that lead to many famed artists to visit such, as Elsa Triolet, Louis Aragon, André Gide, Jean Giraudoux, Pablo Picasso, and others. As one of the oldest cafes in Paris, it attracts people from different background from the world of politics to the world of fashion, arts and literature and not forgetting you travelers as well.

City Crepes Cafe

If you come to Paris and do not eat a crepe, it will have been a wasted trip. At the City Crepes Cafe, you can build your own crepe or order one straight off the menu! If you are interested to find out where you can go to learn how to make other french pastries, you can check out this crepe making class with locals in their homes in Paris!

Boulangeries Paul

Looking for bite in Paris? Paul is the place to go! Serving your everyday Parisian pastries, baguettes and cakes that are price friendly and waiting for tourists like yourself to snap them up! After collecting your snack, head over to the banks of Seine or the Luxembourg Gardens and enjoy your breakfast or lunch with a view 😉

Pere Lachaise & Menilmontant

There are countless of ways in which you could possibly soak up the Parisian culture. One of them would be visiting the Pere Lachaise cemetery. This neighborhood is tucked away in a little-known stretch of Paris, protected from the hullabaloo of the city but at the same time close enough to all the major attractions, this is where you can get a taste of the real Paris.

Decorated with soft orange light, bright, clean wooden floors and tables with cushioned chairs, this cafe is designed to promote an intimate and cosy dining experience, as well as absolutely sublime brewed coffee. Your Parisian coffee-break should indeed be spent here. Clint is also known for its excellent service, where you will witness baristas and waiters coming up to you, talking to you and at the same time allowing for visitors to have their own private time, making tourists feel like a local in a foreign land.

Walking along the pavements of the 11th arrondissement and you will come across a restaurant that has colourful beach umbrellas and rattan chairs fanned out inviting you to come in to enjoy a cup of coffee. L’ Artiste offers a myraid of options at their brunch buffet, from croissants to chicken drumsticks! Everything that you could possibly hope for to eat during brunch. For tourists that cannot speak French, have no fear for the staff here at L’Artiste are fluent in english and service is fast and efficient.

La Bellevilloise

Imagine a huge warehouse, air-conditoned, with a transparent roof that allows light to pour in at any time of the day- now you should be picturing la Bellevilloise! There are huge trees planted around the warehouse, with their leaves out on display and the scent filling the warehouse mixed with the delicious mix of sweet and savoury food cooking in the kitchen. This unique place, the la Bellevilloise, used to be a building to house the capital’s first workers, but has since turned into a bar, restaurant, club, exhibition space and a place to host regular film and music festivals. Food, service, atmosphere and people, La Bellevilloise has got it all right.

Champ Elysses

Champ Elysses  is known for its theatres, cafés and luxury shops, and for the military parade that takes place each year on the avenue on 14 July to celebrate Bastille Day.

Cafe Kousmichoff

Cafe Kousmichoff is the famous house of tea that sells Kusmi tea, which are Russian-styled teas and tea blends. You can come here for an afternoon tea or coffee as they offer a wide range of Kusmi aromatic teas along with a selection of cakes. The design of the cafe invokes a sense of serenity and freshness, a good place for lunch, afternoon tea as well as dinner. When you eat you will be on the upper level and you can eat and sip your tea whilst peering out of the window and looking at people go by on the Champs Elysees!

11 Carpaccio – La Royal Monceau

A one Michelin-star Italian restaurant in Paris. Its design of beige curtains, tall glass windows and soothing coloured furniture gives off a Silician baroque style that opens onto a lovely glass conservatory drenched in light. The II Carpaccio celebrates the intricate flavours of mouth-watering and sophisticated dishes crafted from the freshest seasonal products, and the chef gives a very personal interpretation of traditional family recipes from many of Italy’s regions. Here tourists and travelers alike can eat and enjoy the Italian flavours.

A French luxury bakery established in 1862. Laduree is known for its double decker macarons, of which fifteen thousand of them are sold everyday. You can also head down to the cafe and enjoy some snacks and afternoon high tea! Its light blue painted walls and classic design will take you back to that era, including all their cutlery and plates!

In addition to eating macarons and other lovely treats, you may also want to experience  macaron making  and learn about other French pastries with local home chefs, and take the Paris experience home with you.

Know of any other cafes in Paris that are unique and have great food? Leave a comment below! 🙂

Image Credits:  1  /  2  /  3  /  4  /  5  /  6  /  7  /  8  /  9  /  10  /  11  /  12  /  13  /  14  /  15  /  16  /  17  /  18  /  19

Taste the World

Discover amazing food experiences.

You Might Also Like:

17 Cutest Cafes In Paris You Have to See

Looking for the cutest cafes in Paris to take Insta-worthy photos while enjoying delicious treats? This post will give you all the must-see Parisian cafes!

The whiff of fresh cappuccino in the early hours of the day, breakfast delights paired with fresh fruits that rejuvenate the soul, the charming interiors complete with fresh bouquets of peonies, the outside seating set on the quintessential Parisian cobblestoned streets perfect for people-watching, there’s nothing that feels more magical than the cafes of Paris!

With a variety of coffees, hot chocolates, and other beverages accompanied by delicious French delicacies like croissants, pain au chocolats, crêpes, and so much more, a morning or evening spent at one of the best cafes in Paris is sure to be one the highlights of your trip to the city.

Disclaimer:  This post might contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) should you choose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using one of our links. It’s okay – We love all of the products we recommend anyway, and you will too! Also, that commission helps us keep this awesome free blog up to date! You can read our  full disclosure here  for more details!

While there are many cafes in Paris, some are so incredibly beautiful to miss! Whether you’re looking for Instagrammable places in Paris , want to taste some of the best pastries in Paris , or want to enjoy both, this article will show you the cutest cafes in Paris.

So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading to learn more about the pretty cafes in Paris, where to find them, and what to expect.

Be sure to take your camera as these cute cafes are screaming Instagram-worthy on top of the delicious delicacies they serve!

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

WHERE TO STAY Best Eiffel Tower Views:  Hôtel Le Walt  (9.0) Luxury stay:  Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel  (8.2) Mid-range stay:  Hôtel Eiffel  (8.7) Budget Stay:  People – Paris Bercy  (8.9) Apartment Rental:  Résidence Charles Floquet  (9.1)  

BEST GUIDED TOURS Louvre Museum guided tour : (4.5/5) Seine River Dinner Cruise : (4.7/5) Montmartre Walking Tour : (4.8/5) Le Marais Walking Food Tour : (4.5/5) Versailles Guided Tour : (4.8/5) Eiffel Tower Guided Tour : (4.4/5) 

• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
• Prepare your trip extensively with this Paris Travel guidebook .
• Don’t forget a universal travel adapter , a travel neck pouch , and comfortable walking shoes .
• Consider getting either the museum pass or the Paris city pass if you plan to visit many attractions. The city pass comes with free transportation and access to the hop-on-hop-off bus. You can read my Paris museum pass review to see if it’s right for you.
• Book this private transfer from CDG airport to Paris to avoid the hustle of figuring out how to get to Paris.

Psst… Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads .

Cutest Cafes in Paris You Have to Visit

1. le choupinet [$$].

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Le Choupinet (@baron_paris)

Location: 58 Bd Saint-Michel, 75006 Paris, France | Contact: +33 142030993

Have you ever wanted to have a latte accompanied by giant teddy bears? If yes, this is your chance! Le Choupinet is a classy Paris cafe that’s sure to make you fall in love with it.

Known for serving the best Croque monsieur around town, its white-flower-clad awning and aesthetic dark green, creme, and black interior make it one of the chicest cafes in Paris.

Previously an old brewery, the creator of this restaurant transformed it into a place where you can enjoy an extensive lunch with your friends or get drinks with your partner and truly have an unforgettable time, surrounded by love, laughter, and teddy bears!

2. Le Vrai Paris [$$]

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Le Vrai Paris (@levraiparisbistrot)

Location: 33 Rue des Abbesses, 75018 Paris, France | Contact: +33 146060242

Located in the heart of Montmartre, a stone’s throw from the Sacre-Cœur Basilica , is one of the prettiest cafes in Paris, Le Vrai Paris !

With typical French seating, elements of Haussmanian architecture, and gorgeous flowers adorned over the cafe’s awning, this place is a true Instagrammer’s dream.

It celebrates the city’s roots with its interior and food being authentic and traditional French cuisine, paired with signature wines, which are all served in style.

The cafe’s decor uses a lot of wood, making it feel super cozy and warm. You can take a bunch of photos here because your backdrop — with beautiful interiors, quintessential Parisian cafe feels, and terrific food — sums up the experience at an adorable bistro in the city!

It also stays open later than other places in the area, so it’s perfect if you want to grab a late dinner.

3. Odette [$$]

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Odette Paris (@chouxodette)

Location: 77 Rue Galande, 75005 Paris, France | Contact: +33 1 43261306

If you’re looking for a quaint cafe after a short visit to the iconic Notre Damé Cathedral, look no further than Odette !

A patisserie in the heartland of the city, its pastries and desserts are genuinely to die for.

A favorite amongst locals and tourists alike, this gem serves the best cream puffs (paired with a tasty cup of coffee/hot chocolate) in the entire city.

The building is sandwiched between other tall buildings and has pops of color that make it stand out as truly one of the most famous cafes in Paris!

And for a fun afternoon, you can also get a glass of bubbly and people-watch or pick up their famous and colorful cream puffs box.

4. Pink Mamma [$$]

View this post on Instagram A post shared by PINK MAMMA (@pinkmamma_paris)

Location: 20 bis Rue de Douai, 75009 Paris, France | Contact: +33 983559452

One of the most modern and chic-looking, Pink Mamma is one of the Parisian cafes with the most stunning interior decor!

It is a magnificent four-storeyed restaurant with very particular ways of prepping and serving its food.

They have their own cow pasture for genuinely organic and fresh corn-fed beef and take great care to select the best wine pairings for their food from all ancient cellars across the country.

With a contemporary take on Italian food, you’ll be able to enjoy your meal with a view or among the lush greenery that gives the restaurant a quirky touch.

For a reasonable cost, you’ll get a chance to devour top-quality delicacies only at Pink Mamma!

5.  Le Consulat Restaurant [$$]

L ocation: 18 Rue Norvins, 75018 Paris, France | Contact: +33 146065063

By far one of the most famous and cutest cafes in Paris and indeed an icon of Rue Norvins, Le Consulat is a must-visit restaurant in the city.

With an extensive menu of authentic French dishes , signature wines, and a charming vintage ambiance with vibrant colors, you’re sure to enjoy your meal here.

Besides the food, the cafe is a historical landmark since its earliest days! It’s believed to have been frequented by greats like Claude Monet , Vincent van Gogh , Picasso, and many more, whose energy you’ll feel around you as you enter this gorgeous Parisian cafe that has become an iconic Instagram spot in Paris.

Be sure to try the duck and finish your meal off with the restaurant’s signature Crème Brûlée!

6. La Flamme [$$]

View this post on Instagram A post shared by La Flamme (@laflammeparis8)

Location: 6 Av. de Wagram, 75008 Paris, France | Contact: +33 1 42278525

Located within walking distance of the beautiful Arc de Triomphe, La Flamme is another bistro in the city that you should check out!

It’s a super modern spot while still preserving its Parisian magic and is a mix of trendy neon lights and a gorgeous flower-adorned exterior that makes you want to take countless photos.

La Flamme is a great spot to have lunch; perhaps some shrimp risotto paired with Prosseco or drinks before dinner. Its impeccable service and top-notch dishes will leave you satisfied.

Whether you choose to sit inside or outside, you’ll be surrounded by charm so be sure to carry your camera or phone to take lots of photos.

7. Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole [$$]

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole (@au_vieux_paris)

Location: 24 Rue Chanoinesse, 75004 Paris, France | Contact: +33 1 40 51 78 52

Located on the unique street of Rue Chanoinesse, Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole is one of the cutest cafes in Paris.

It is an ancient cafe dating back to the 16th century known by locals and tourists for its loud decor and stained glass windows that symbolize its colorful history.

Though the cafe is stunning all year round with greenery in summer , it becomes even more outstanding during Paris spring when its exterior is beautifully covered in colorful purple wisteria vines and complemented by bright purple chairs and tables at the storefront!

It’s located very close to Notre Dame, so it’s a great place to grab a bite and a glass of rosé on a hot summer day after visiting the nearby attractions!

8.  Angelina Paris [$$$]

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Angelina Paris (@angelina_paris)

Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France |​​ Contact: +33 1 42608200

If you’re looking for a luxurious cafe with a Parisian charm that makes you feel like the main character of a romantic comedy, then there’s no place better than Angelina Paris .

It is an elegant and glamorous restaurant; it has a stall parked outside for the old-timey charm and a store window with the most scrumptious desserts that you won’t be able to pass the window without looking inside.

Besides being extremely Instagrammable due to its 1930s glam tea room aesthetic, it’s also famous for its delicious, over-the-top chic desserts and its thick hot chocolate.

Pro tip* There are various Angelina locations in Paris , which are all beautiful but for this article, we’re highlighting the original one on Rue de Rivoli.

9. Café de Flore [$$$]

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Café de Flore Paris official (@lecafedeflore)

Location: 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France | Contact: +33 145485526

One of the oldest coffeehouses in the city, the vibrant history and charming Parisian atmosphere of Café de Flore is unbeatable!

Located on the corner of the street, its chic exterior with beautiful flowers and its name feel like they’re genuinely calling out to you.

Known for being a frequented spot back in the 1930s, with icons like Albert Camus, ​​Pablo Picasso, and Raymond Queneau being regulars, it is one of the most adorable cafes in the city.

With tables with the Paris map, cappuccinos with the cafe’s name as latte art, and several minute details genuinely make it a delight to visit!

Not sure what to order? The profiteroles here are incredibly delicious!

10. La Maison Rose [$$]

Location: ​​2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir, 75018 Paris, France | Contact: +33 142644962

If you’re looking for pretty cafes in Paris, look no further than La Maison Rose , an iconic restaurant located on the corner of Rue de l’Abreuvoir , which is one of the cute streets in Paris !

Its pastel rose-hued exterior with charming green shutters make it one of the most Instagrammable spots in the Montmarte area.

You can head to the restaurant for a lovely lunch or even grab a croissant and coffee on its terrace.

Though popular today, it also used to be popular back in the day receiving famous painters and artists. In fact, painters liked it so much that it inspired Maurice Utrillo to immortalize it in his beautiful painting “The Little Pink House.”

11. Shakespeare and Company Cafe [$$]

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shakespeare and Company, Paris (@shakespeareandcoparis)

Location: 35 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France | Contact: +33 143259595

One of the unique cafes on this list is Shakespeare and Company , a cafe and bookshop combination set on the left bank of the Seine that will charm you!

The bookstore has existed as a haven for book lovers since the 1950s, and in 2015, the joint tied up with Bob’s Bakery shop to give birth to the café beside the bookshop!

It’s a super cute establishment with an exterior that celebrates its old-time charm and interiors that look like they’re a set for a Parisian romance novel.

Their pecan pie is delightful if you’re not sure what to try. 

12. Ladurée [$$$]

View this post on Instagram A post shared by JS (@jcs_travelgram)

Location: 75 Avenue des Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris, France | Contact: +33 140750875

If you’re looking for a picturesque, Instagrammable, and cute cafe in Paris that will take your breath away with its delicate French pastries and desserts, Ladurée is the place for you.

Though it has several locations around the city and the world due to its extreme popularity, the one on Champs Elysées is hard to beat.

With pastel green decor accompanied by golden text, the cafe’s atmosphere is exquisite and glamorous.

While it has a variety of tasty bakery items, the macarons at Ladurée will exceed your expectations!

13. Le Café Crème [$$]

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sarah Fano 🌻 (@sarah_fano)

Location: ​​4 Rue Dupetit-Thouars, 75003 Paris, France | Contact: +33 142720406

With a delightful entrance covered in pink, orange, red, and purple flowers, Le Cafee Crème is a must-visit spot if you’re looking for cute cafes in Paris.

The brunch place of your dreams, this cafe has everything from avocado toast, acai bowls, to churros and offers a variety of French and Anglo-Saxon dishes that will fulfill your stomach and your heart.

Located near Carreau du Temple, it’s also a brilliant dinner spot to grab a cocktail with your partner or even for a quick business meeting!

14. Le Recrutement Café [$$]

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Le Recrutement Café (@lerecrutementparis)

Location: ​​36 Bd de la Tour-Maubourg, 75007 Paris, France | Contact: +33 147054685

Located near the famous Rue de la Universite, one of the best spots to take photos with the glorious Eiffel Tower , Le Recrutement Café is another great spot in the city for a quick meal!

This cafe is commonly known for its accommodating and kind staff that’ll treat you like family and make your experience ten times better with their service.

A mix of modern and traditional, you’ll be able to find a hearty meal of burger and fries here, which you can enjoy before or after you visit the Eiffel Tower since it’s close by.

15. Café du Trocadéro [$$$]

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Λ N T O N E L Λ D E L I Λ (@antoouchable)

Location: 8 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75116 Paris, France | Contact: +33 144053700

If you’re looking for a chic cafe in the heart of the city with stunning unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower , that too at a bargain, Café du Trocadéro is the ideal place for you!

A lovely joint in the Trocadero square, you’ll be welcomed by kind staff and have a chance to take in one of the most scenic views of the city , being quite literally in the shadow of the Tower.

It’s an excellent option for a coffee with a friend in the morning or even a romantic dinner with your partner as you can sip on fine champagne while the Eiffel Tower sparkles in the thick of the night.

Be sure to taste their scrumptious chocolate lava cake if you can’t decide among the many options on the menu.

From the cute interior to delicious meals, this is truly one of the best restaurants with Eiffel Tower views .

16. Maison Sauvage [$$]

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maison Sauvage 🌿 (@maisonsauvageparis)

Location: 5 Rue de Buci, 75006 Paris, France | Contact: +33 146342626

With an awe-inspiring storefront that changes every season, Maison Sauvage is one of the must-visit cute cafes in Paris if you’re looking for an aesthetic restaurant!

With lamps, flowers scrawled all over the door frame, and complimentary green outdoor furniture, it’s a picturesque spot that is great for all meals of the day or even to grab a drink with friends during sunset.

It’s well known for its honey latte paired with a classic croissant, so be sure to taste those if you happen to visit!

17. Treize au Jardin [$$]

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Treize au Jardin (@treize_au_jardin)

Location: 5 Rue de Médicis, 75006 Paris, France | Contact: +33 173772789

As the name suggests, this gorgeous cafe is located near the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg and boasts scenic views.

This charming petit joint was opened by a South Carolina resident who hoped to bring some Southern food to the French capital, and while it sounds like it may feel out of place, that’s entirely the opposite.

It is a hearty warm bistro with pastel green exteriors and cute plants serving delicious blueberry peach pancakes, biscuit bread, and cappuccinos that you’ll not want to stop drinking.

Since it’s a popular cafe, make a reservation or arrive early to avoid crowds!

Final Thoughts on the Cutest Cafes in Paris

With the never-ending list of things Paris is known for, its bistros and quaint eateries are genuinely some of the best spots for a hearty meal, a delicious coffee, and meaningful conversation!

Whether you choose to get brunch at one of the cafes in Montmarte or dinner with your loved one as the Eiffel Tower twinkles in the distance, these cutest cafes in Paris will charm you and make you fall in love with the city even more!

NEVER TRAVEL TO PARIS WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE One of the biggest mistakes you’ll ever make when planning a trip to Paris is to forego Travel Insurance ! You might think that it’s expensive, but when you think of how much it will save you when you lose your valuables or even get sick, then you’ll know that it’s NOT that expensive! Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads .

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• Weird French foods in France
• What to do in Paris at night
• Best things to do in Paris in January
• Best Paris quotes
• Fun facts about Paris
• Best things to do in Paris in Spring
• Where to find the best views of Paris
• Big mistakes to avoid in Paris
• What to Pack for Paris
• Skip the line tickets for Paris’ popular attractions
• Interesting jokes about Paris
• Paris captions for Instagram
• Famous quotes on Paris

Was this post on the cute cafes of Paris helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others.

Sharing is caring!

Esther is the face and voice behind Dreams in Paris! She has always been obsessed with Paris even before she moved there. She has lived in Paris for a couple of years, and that obsession has not changed! That love for Paris, plus her passion for writing led to the birth of Dreams in Paris! She now shares all the practical tips and guides she’s picked along the way to help you plan a memorable trip to the city of love! You can learn more about her here !

Similar Posts

19 Best Restaurants In Le Marais, Paris

Are you looking for where to eat while in the Le Marais neighborhood? This post will show you all the best restaurants in Le Marais, Paris. Le Marais, a chic neighborhood in Paris never runs out of intrigued visitors who…

17 Best Cocktail Bars In Paris That Serve Creative Drinks

Planning a night out filled with tasty and creative cocktails but not sure where to go? This article will show the best cocktail bars in Paris to opt for! When you think of Paris, you probably automatically imagine the cafés,…

17 Best Restaurants In St Germain Des Pres, Paris

Are you looking for where to eat in Saint-Germain-des-Prés? This article will show you all the best Restaurants In St Germain, Paris not to miss. If you’re planning a trip to Paris and want to sample some of the city’s…

17 Weird French Foods You Must Try While in France

Want to enjoy the delicacies of French cuisine while in the country? Check out these weird French foods you should try to fully understand France’s food! France is known for many things, including gastronomy, but weird food isn’t one of…

4 Best Wine Tasting Tours in Paris in 2024

Want to go wine tasting in Paris but not sure which experience to opt for? Then check out my list of the best wine tasting tours in Paris to help you choose one that suits your needs! One of the…

15 Best Desserts in Paris You Must Try

Looking for the best desserts in Paris? You’ve come to the right place as I’ve tasted a number of Parisian desserts and I am here to show you the ones I liked the most. No doubt Paris is a city…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

20 Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris from Colorful to Cute

By: Author Ana Bras

Posted on Published: February 3, 2023  - Last updated: March 15, 2024

There may be affiliate links throughout the content you're about to read. When you purchase from my links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) which helps me provide even more awesome content for you :)

Let’s talk a little bit about all the most instagrammable cafes in Paris today. The city is after all one of the most romantic cities in Europe , and probably the whole world – so coming across super cute, secret pink cafes in Paris really adds up to a trip to France.

That’s why today, we’re going to talk about the most beautiful cafes in Paris , from Cafe de Flore and the worldwide famous La Maison Rose to Pinky Bloom Cafe and Republique Coffee.

That way, you’ll really know which are the must-visit Instagram cafes to visit when you’re in town – a lot of them are some of the best hidden gems in Paris too, so make sure you mark them down on your bucket list!

And if you’d like to learn about other instagrammable and colorful places in the world, check out the following guides:

• The Most Colorful Streets in Notting Hill London
• The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
• The Best Colorful Places in London
• The Best Pink Cafes in London
• The Most Colorful Houses in Camden London

When you think of Paris, what are the things that first pop into your mind?

The cutest floral and pink secret cafes , gardens, the iconic Eiffel tower, the grand landmarks & those fashionable flower walls you find in the most peculiar of places. 

I am a complete lover of Paris, of France – of love .

I guess at some point in our lives, we pictured ourselves seated in a Parisian secret cafe , drinking a marvelous and well-composed drink whilst hearing the beautiful harmonies of street musicians echoing in the air.

Yes, basically the intro for a European romantic movie.

I suppose I am biased, however, even you have to admit how dreamy and tempting this sounds. 

So let’s pop the question – are you booking your flight to Paris, France, already? No, then let us dive into the world of all the most secret, colorful, and instagrammable cafes in Paris. That’ll probably change your mind!

Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris: Café de Flore

One of the most famous and most beautiful cafes in Paris, Cafe de Flore was home to some of the most important figures of arts.

A cute gem with elegant aesthetics, Cafe de Flore is known for being the centre stage for many iconic identities back in the day.

Grand artists to philosophers and writers like Pablo Picasso, Georges Bataille, Robert Desnos, Léon-Paul Fargue, and Raymond Queneau, among others, were regulars at this prestigious cafe.

Between its fame and elegant aesthetics, you can’t miss Cafe de Flore, visited daily by many a local and tourists , and it’s honestly impossible to visit Paris without taking an Instagram picture in this cafe.

Even though it really just boasts a natural beauty that you’d find in many Parisian cafes, I still want to give this heads up: this cute delight is usually overcrowded with tourists, so make sure to get there early so you can save a spot and still enjoy your Parisian reality.

Just remember to be persistent, and not be afraid to queue for a bit before going in, as Cafe de Flore is truly a must-see in your Paris travel plans. 

It’s a rather expensive cafe, but between the good-looking food and the phenomenal location, it’s a ‘treat-yourself’ delight one could save when visiting the French capital.

Café de Flore is located near the iconic Saint-Germain Boulevard and the Rue Saint-Benoît and it’s truly one the most Instagrammable cafes in Paris if you really want that Parisian vibe.

Read: The Best Breakfast in Rome

Most Colorful Cafes in Paris: La Maison Rose

Every time I open Instagram, there is always someone who went on a trip to Paris and, somewhere along the way, took a picture of La Maison Rose. Honestly, I won’t argue with that. I would most likely do the same.

Can you deny its majestic and picturesque looks? I certainly can’t.

La Maison Rose might be popular amongst tourists, but it also attracts plenty of locals – really one of your go-to instagrammable cafes in Paris when you’re around the Sacré Coeur and Montmartre .

With a highly detailed, rustic décor & a rich heritage, the famous ‘pink house’ oozes chic and color. It was founded back in 1905, and when you’re in the surroundings, it’s impossible to miss this vibrant and floral coffee shop.

This cute cafe in Paris is identified as a woman-owned business and LGBTQ+ -friendly café. Make sure to take a look at their Instagram and check how beautiful this restaurant/ cafe with french cuisine is located in a picturesque pink maisonette.

This magical venue offers different options for french cuisine, such as artichoke hummus with preserved lemon & salsa verde with homemade seed crackers, and smoked trouts, amongst many other delicious dishes.

Also, their brunch options are an absolute temptation. They have so many things to choose from for all tastes, but honestly, if you’re here to find the most colorful cafes in Paris, it’s probably for a snapshot in front of La Maison Rose that you’ll make the trip to Montmartre.

Read: The Best Brunch in King’s Cross

Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris: Shakespeare and Company

Now, Shakespeare and Company is probably the coolest and most instagrammable cafe in all of Paris! Am I exaggerating? Perhaps, but if you love anything books/ literary related, then this will be a heaven on Earth – the concept of paradise itself, for you.

You have books and quotes everywhere, not to mention that this little corner of the world was featured in movies such as Julie & Julia (2009 Romance/Comedy movie) and Midnight in Paris (2011 Romance/Fantasy movie).

I must tell you, this place might make everyone frivolously snoop around your Instagram after checking your photos. That’s how great it is – if you’re a book lover, you’re definitely in the right place!

Shakespeare and Company is very well located since you can spot Notre Dame and the Seine river itself, and you’re just a few minutes away from the overly famous Rue de Rivoli.

A romantic spot to finish your afternoon with a little treat and a cozy warmth feeling inside your heart.

Until today, Shakespeare and Company continues to serve as a purveyor of new & second-hand books , as an antiquarian bookseller, and, of course, as a free reading library open to everyone.

Definitely one of the most instagrammable cafes in Paris, and the perfect spot to get yourself a new title.

Read: The Best Breakfast in Notting Hill

Cute Cafes in Paris: Merci Used Book Cafe

Merci Used Book Cafe is a bookshop cafe located in the Marais neighborhood. One of the best cafes in Paris , for starters, and definitely a beautiful, super instagrammable place in Paris.

Merci is also a less expensive cafe compared to most coffee shops you’ll find around central Paris. With pastries at 6 euros and a simple coffee at 3 euros, you can get comfortable at this cute instagrammable venue that is Merci Used Book Cafe.

Merci has more than 10.000 books for you to enjoy over a coffee. Get lost hours in a row reading a good book and enjoying their freshly-brewed coffee and maybe a scone in this petit café located in the heart of Paris.

With a tranquil atmosphere, you can easily enjoy the afternoon alone at Merci, or gather a few friends for a relaxing & delicious day out in the city.

Read: The Best Free Views in London

Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris: Odette

Situated behind the famous Shakespeare and Company, there is yet another hidden gem that conquers the hearts of locals and tourists all around the world: Odette.

This cute little Parisian café is located just a few streets away from the Seine river, in one of the oldest arrondissements of Paris, the Latin Quarter.

This was the place where Romans made a mark on Paris many millennia ago, and today, you can find lots of used bookshops around, as well as Aromazone, a stunning shop to get natural beauty products.

The famous Odette tea rooms are well known to be the number one in the heart of many travelers , and I wouldn’t be the one to disagree. 

This cute spot is probably one of the most instagrammable cafes in Paris, not only because of its special location near grand landmarks like Notre Dame but also because of the magnificent and tasty choux they bake fresh every day .

It’s impossible not to picture yourself enjoying a cup of tea whilst writing your thoughts in a journal, watching the sunset approach, and bathing in the possibilities of a new day.

Odette specializes in Choux Pastries, which are very light pastries made with eggs, typically used for eclairs and profiteroles. The café was named after the creator Frederic Berthy’s Grandma, Odette.

Read: The Best Stationery Shops in London

Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris: Le Consulat

Le Consulat is a book-friendly local restaurant and cafe that might also hit the spot of the most photographed, therefore, most instagrammable places in Paris . 

Although it attracts many tourists daily, it is impossible not to feel drawn to this elegant bistro, and relax over a coffee, letting your thoughts and worries go by whilst enjoying the day.

While it has super rustic and cute aesthetics on the inside, make sure to also pay attention to its outdoors as soon as the sunset takes place and the lights are on in the streets. 

I personally think the café and the streets around it look magical at golden hour. Also, Le Consulat is close to the oldest street in Montmartre, which offers a beautiful viewpoint over the Sacré-Coeur, in Paris, so make sure you check out the surroundings too.

Read: The Best Nontouristy Things to Do in London

Secret Cafes in Paris: Les Marronniers

Les Marronniers is located in Rue des Archives, two steps away from Chatelet, Hotel de Ville, and St Paul stations, which all host lots of cute makeup shops and artisan-made souvenirs from clothes to candles .

While this one might not be the most instagrammable cafe in Paris or the more colorful, it is a true hidden gem , a secret café in Paris that will make everyone try once they see your photos. 

Every instagrammable place had to start being photographed and shared somewhere, am I right? Then this one is no exception.

This super cute Parisian cafe offers everything from beautiful Parisian breakfast to vegetarian options, and it’s also open for lunch and dinner.

When you find such a cute cafe that prides itself on preparing fresh food for a very reasonable price, you get caught by its charm and intrigued to try out this novelty.

Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Rome

Most Beautiful Cafes in Paris: Les Deux Magots

Just as famous as the astonishing Cafe de Flore, Les Deux Magots is a stunningly cute cafe located in the heart of Paris, and has been around since the 19th century.

It rose to fame as it was also home to great minds, artists, and philosophers back in the day. Today, it continues to be a very instagrammable place in Paris for its good-looking historical architecture.

You look at this beautiful cafe and immediately think how it screams romantic french vibes all over its walls. It was opened in 1885, and it continues to be the iconic brasserie that serves traditional French fare in an airy, charming space.

Read: The Best Coworking Spaces in Paris

Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris: La Favorite

La Favorite, near St Paul station, is not a coffee shop per se, but a mix of a cafe, a brasserie, and a restaurant. Whatever the case, it’s still one of the most instagrammable cafes in Paris if you’re in love with anything flower-related.

You’ve got the Carnavalet Museum located just a few minutes away, as well as Kryolan and Saga Cosmetics, two of the most popular makeup shops in Paris.

Plus, walk just five minutes, and you arrive in the Jewish area of Le Marais, filled with small restaurants and L’As du Falafel, for which people come from all over the world.

If the sun is out, the beautiful terrace of La Favorite is a great spot to have breakfast in Paris, especially in such a central area of the city. Bastille is not too far, and you’re literally right in the heart of the action – in one of the utterly most instagrammable cafes in Paris.

Read: The Best Restaurants in Trastevere Rome

Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris: Republique of Coffee

Republique of Coffee? A must-be on your list of instagrammable cafes in Paris. Period. Why is that?

Because there are actually very few neon coffee shops in Paris, and Republique of Coffee has a bright pink one that’s enough to make you take your phone out and snap a picture.

I am not lying here, this cafe is considered to be an Instagram favorite due to its interiors.

Along with authentic Parisian furnishings, you have huge mirrors on the ceiling and grand glass windows all over the place – not to mention the flowers. They have these cute floral arrangements on each table.

The food looks extra pretty and just a perfect composition away from those cute café pictures we all love and adore. The menu offers a lot of variety, make sure to leave extra space to try their lovely pumpkin bread.

Read: The Best Candle Shops in London

Cutest Cafes in Paris: La Main Noire

La Main Noire is a gorgeous Parisian café/restaurant known to be the first brand that specializes in 100% natural wellness lattes. Kind of makes you think of cute London cafes with their colorful blue, black, and pink lattes, to be honest.

La Main Noire is a super aesthetic Instagrammable café in Paris where you can enjoy the benefits and nutrients of their products (candied at low temperatures in natural sugar).

Think chic, elegant, healthy, and tasty – that is La Main Noire. An innovative place with artisanal products made in Paris, France.

You will absolutely love to visit and photograph this rustic beauty for your Instagram feed. One of the coolest cafes in Paris, albeit not the most colorful – but one you really feel at home with.

A hidden gem and a very friendly laptop cafe; perfect if you’re ever looking for cool cafes to work in Paris.

Read: The Best Makeup Shops in Rome

Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris: Boot Cafe

The Boot Cafe is situated in a former shoe repair shop. Now, this cute coffee shop is known to be one of the smallest cafes in Paris. While the original structure was kept the same, the décor was changed and renovated.

From their cute fresh flowers to the only three available tables on the inside, this café tends to be extremely difficult to just grab a spot and sit there.

It’s more of a grab-and-go place where you can get affordable homebrew coffee and don’t forget to buy a pastry or two. 

However, you can always try to find a place on the inside. It certainly is one of the coolest cafés in Paris not just due to its charm but also for its very reasonable prices. 

These café experiences are usually rare in Paris, where you tend to have some huge coffee shops, French-style, with lots of seats and small tables.

I say it makes it extra special, and that makes it one of the most instagrammable cafes in Paris if not just for its beautiful lattes.

Read: The Best Things to Do on Solo Travel to Rome

Most Beautiful Cafes in Paris: Treize au Jardin

Treize au Jardin is another really beautiful cafe in Paris, located in a charming spot you might have already seen on Instagram. 

This cute cafe is spotted right next to the Jardin du Luxembourg, making it a great and rather convenient location to grab coffee and breakfast on the terrace.

The outdoors are decorated with beautiful flowers that make it so pleasant to look at (making it impossible for some of us to not photograph it).

It’s the cutest café I always think of when planning to visit Paris. You got to love their marvelous outdoors and cute furniture on the inside.

They offer a lovely variety of American & French food combined such as organic sweet and savory fare. It’s those wonderful details that make this quaint tea parlor with a terrace & garden views a joy to visit.

Read: The Best Places to Study in Rome

Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris: Le Bonaparte

Le Bonaparte Café is located in a small village hidden in plain sight, in central Paris. And honestly, it’s just as famous as cafes like Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots thanks to the iconic celebrities who once visited the place .

A lot of people love to visit this café and photograph its interiors due to the marvelous paintings on the walls, from Napolean Bonaparte, among others – which Le Bonaparte is named after.

While it’s not one of the most instagrammable cafes in Paris in the sense you wouldn’t check it out if you were looking for colorful pink cafes, the paintings and old-school Frenchness have an air of uppity chic you will love.

If you love art, or you’re simply intrigued with this café, make sure to check out their terrace. It’s a cute place in Paris that offers phenomenal views of this village and its surroundings.

Read: The Best Cafes to Work in London

Most Colorful Cafes in Paris: The Broken Arm, Le Marais

The Broken Arm in Le Marais is a half-café half-clothing shop, that kind of concept store where minimalism is king. It is a brilliant spot to get you entertained, when you don’t really know where to spend the afternoon in Paris.

Between their tasty coffee and pastries, you have all you need at The Broken Arm to fill up that stomach of yours, and you will find yourself drooling over their marvelous interior essentials and clothes once you get inside.

Make sure to visit this cool coffee shop in Paris, near Rue de Bretagne. This concept store offers a lovely variety of coffees and pastries, such as their tasty Pain au chocolat – very French, very delicious.

With a different taste in interior design from the rest of our top 20, this beautiful retail space showcases magnificent Scandinavian interiors making it extra elegant and chic with a touch of class.

Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Barcelona

Cute Cafes in Paris: Pinky Bloom Paris

Then, you have Pinky Bloom Paris, which is definitely in line with La Favorite, one of the most instagrammable cafes in Paris. You’ve got a space that opens at 11.30 am, so if you’re coming for breakfast, think again.

What you’ll want to order at Pinky Bloom Paris is actually their beautiful specialty coffee and colorful brunch plates – a vibe that you’d definitely only find in places like London and New York.

Pinky Bloom Paris is located on Avenue de New York, which hosts plenty of posh buildings and apartments, and is home to the upper class of Paris – and you’ll get exactly what I mean when you take a stroll around.

Read: The Best Cafes in London Bridge

Cute Cafes in Paris: Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole, Île de la Cité

I wish I could constantly visit this café situated right next to Notre Dame, this cute café in Paris is highly Instagrammable due to its vibrant colors and location. 

With its lovely aesthetics, you are literally located in the middle of the most romantic city in the world.

Why not create some new memories at Vieux Paris d’Arcole?

Grab your camera, write in your journal, talk to a stranger at the opposite table, think of your dream trip, make memories, and fall in love – right there, close to the astonishing Notre Dame.

One of the most instagrammable cafes in Paris if you like being surrounded with greenery, as you would in the cute cafes in Lisbon, and perfect for a breath of fresh air.

Read: The Best Restaurants in Knightsbridge

Most Beautiful Cafes in Paris: Le Procope

Le Procope is the oldest café in all of Paris and a must on your ‘must photograph Instagram cafés in Paris’ list. It is common knowledge that this peculiar café was opened around the 17th century.

It was a very famous place, making it more and more prestigious over the decades. It even used to be frequented by Benjamin Franklin and Voltaire himself!

In this café/French restaurant, you can find traditional coq au vin, snails & steaks at a 1600s brasserie with vintage decor & street tables.

And it’s not just the famous French food that will attract you to Le Procope – it’s also one of the most instagrammable cafes in Paris to order a black coffee and croissant in the morning.

The café has high ceilings covered by chandeliers and lovely paintings all over the place. It is a must on your Instagram feed and also your travel plans when visiting Paris. 

Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Manhattan

Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris: Angelina

If you’re looking for the best hot chocolate in Paris, one place you really cannot miss is Angelina, in Rue de Rivoli.

The Jardin du Luxembourg is located just a few minutes away, and the huge tea room is a sight – and one of the most instagrammable cafes in Paris, if you want that posh atmosphere.

Opened in 1903, Angelina is one of the oldest cafes in Paris, and it oozes luxury, with a dash of hot chocolate in the air.

The perfect place to get breakfast in Paris close to the Champs-Elysées, since Angelina opens at 8.30 am, but also a stunning coffee shop to get a snack in between all the walking you’ll do when visiting the romantic city.

Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Brooklyn

Secret Cafes in Paris: Le petit Moulin

One of the best hidden gems in Paris, and an utterly cute cafe… Le Petit Moulin, located just a few minutes from the Sacré Coeur and Montmartre.

This is probably one of the only cafes in Paris that screams street art so loudly, and again, one of the cutest to get breakfast or just a coffee on your way to the Sacré Coeur.

Due to its location and obviously – its food (which covers French cuisine but especially cheese dishes), this café is an Instagram-worthy gem, and perfect to catch up with a friend or two.

Read: The Best Cafes in Brixton

There you have them, all the most instagrammable cafes in Paris, from super cute and secret coffee shops to bright pink cafes!

And that leaves us with the remaining question – are you convinced yet? Are you booking your tickets to Paris? Make sure to find which of these (or any other) cafés make your heart content and share it all over Instagram!

Don’t forget to charge your camera and get ready to share the magic of the most beautiful, coolest, and of course, the best cafes in Paris! Bon voyage!

Other Cafes Posts

• The Best Cafes to Work in Tottenham Court Road
• The Best Cafes to Work in West London
• The Best Cafes to Work in East London
• The Best Cafes to Work in North London
• The Best Cafes to Work in South London
• The Best Cafes to Work in King’s Cross
• The Best Cafes to Work in Central London

Other Travel Posts

• The Best Restaurants in the Jewish Ghetto Rome
• The Best Vegan Restaurants in Rome
• The Best Vegan Bakeries in London
• The Best Gluten Free Bakeries in London
• The Best Halal Restaurants in Rome

Ana, also known as Travel with anA is a moody photographer, writer & videographer. A Portuguese lass with a genuine and profound love for Scotland, she is a storyteller & a content creator: ‘I aim to create memories and seek stories waiting to be told’.

• Ana Bras #molongui-disabled-link 18 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands & More
• Ana Bras #molongui-disabled-link 20 Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona from Palau Güell to Beaches
• Ana Bras #molongui-disabled-link 22 Most Instagrammable Places in Edinburgh & Colorful Spots
• Ana Bras #molongui-disabled-link 18 Most Instagrammable Places in Lisbon Portugal + Colorful

Passing Thru

Culinary Adventures: 15 Must-Visit Destinations for Food Enthusiasts

Posted: June 6, 2024 | Last updated: June 6, 2024

Calling all foodies! Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey around the world. From the vibrant streets of Bangkok to the charming cafes of Paris, these 15 destinations are a paradise for those who love to indulge in delicious cuisine. So grab your fork and join us as we explore the flavors, aromas, and culinary delights that make these cities a must-visit for any food enthusiast.

Barcelona, Spain: Tapas Galore in Gaudí’s Wonderland

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Konstantin Kopachinsky

Known for its tapas, fresh seafood, and whimsical architecture by Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on trying authentic paella and exploring the bustling La Boqueria market.

Tokyo, Japan: Sushi and Ramen Paradise

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Shinari

Renowned for its sushi, sashimi, and ramen, Tokyo offers a culinary adventure like no other. Visit Tsukiji Fish Market and indulge in traditional Japanese dishes.

Rome, Italy: Pizza, Pasta, and Gelato Delights

Image Credit: Shutterstock / DavideAngelini

The birthplace of pizza and pasta, Rome boasts a rich food culture. Try classic dishes like carbonara, cacio e pepe, and gelato.

Bangkok, Thailand: Flavor Explosion in the Land of Smiles

Image Credit: Pexels / Augustinus Martinus Noppé

Bursting with flavors and aromas, Bangkok is a paradise for food lovers. Dive into the world of Thai cuisine with dishes like Pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. Don’t forget to explore the vibrant street food scene for authentic local bites.

Lyon, France: Gastronomic Capital of France

Image Credit: Shutterstock / PHIL LENOIR

Known as the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is a haven for food connoisseurs. Indulge in traditional Lyonnaise dishes such as coq au vin, quenelles de brochet, and tarte aux pralines. Take a stroll through Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse, a renowned indoor food market offering a tempting array of gourmet delights.

Istanbul, Turkey: A Melting Pot of Culinary Delights

Image Credit: Pexels / Karl Solano

A melting pot of cultures and flavors, Istanbul offers a tantalizing culinary journey. Savor the diverse range of Turkish delights, from juicy kebabs and savory mezes to sweet baklava and Turkish delight. Don’t miss exploring the bustling Spice Bazaar for a sensory overload of aromatic spices and exotic ingredients.

Mexico City, Mexico: Street Food Heaven

Image Credit: Pexels / Los Muertos Crew

Dive into the vibrant culinary scene of Mexico City, where street food reigns supreme. Feast on mouthwatering tacos al pastor, tamales, and chilaquiles while soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Explore local markets like Mercado de la Merced for an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine.

New Orleans, USA: Creole and Cajun Flavors

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Brent Hofacker

A melting pot of Creole and Cajun flavors, New Orleans is a foodie’s paradise. Indulge in iconic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets while soaking in the city’s rich musical heritage. Explore the bustling French Quarter for a taste of authentic NOLA cuisine and lively street performances.

Hong Kong, China: A Culinary Melting Pot

Image Credit: Pexels / Madison Inouye

With a blend of Cantonese, Western, and international influences, Hong Kong offers a diverse culinary experience. From dim sum and roast goose to street food stalls and Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Florence, Italy: Tuscan Cuisine and Renaissance Beauty

Image Credit: Shutterstock / hlphoto

Known for its Tuscan cuisine, Florence is a food lover’s dream destination. Indulge in hearty dishes like ribollita, bistecca alla fiorentina, and pappa al pomodoro while admiring the city’s Renaissance architecture.

Marrakech, Morocco: Exotic Flavors of the Medina

Explore the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine in the bustling streets of Marrakech. Sample tagines, couscous, and Moroccan pastries in the city’s bustling markets and traditional riads.

Seoul, South Korea: Dynamic Flavors of Korean Cuisine

Image Credit: Pexels / makafood

Experience the dynamic flavors of Korean cuisine in Seoul, from spicy kimchi and bibimbap to savory Korean barbecue. Don’t miss exploring the city’s lively food markets and trendy neighborhoods for a taste of modern Korean cuisine.

San Sebastian, Spain: Pintxos Paradise by the Beach

Image Credit: Shutterstock / barmalini

Nestled in the Basque Country, San Sebastian is renowned for its pintxos bars and Michelin-starred restaurants. Indulge in Basque specialties like pintxos, txuletas (grilled steak), and seafood while enjoying the city’s picturesque beaches and vibrant nightlife.

Hanoi, Vietnam: Street Food Extravaganza in the Old Quarter

Image Credit: Pexels / Quang Nguyen Vinh

Immerse yourself in the vibrant street food culture of Hanoi, where bustling markets and sidewalk stalls offer an array of Vietnamese delicacies. Sample pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls while exploring the city’s historic Old Quarter.

Copenhagen, Denmark: Nordic Cuisine and Modern Innovation

Image Credit: Shutterstock / AS Foodstudio

Experience Nordic cuisine at its finest in Copenhagen, known for its innovative culinary scene and Michelin-starred restaurants. Indulge in modern Danish dishes like smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), New Nordic cuisine, and decadent pastries while exploring the city’s charming neighborhoods and waterfront.

Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Carles Iturbe

Traveling solo as a woman? It’s an adventure with its own set of challenges. From street safety to discrimination, some spots are riskier than others. We’ve used the Women’s Danger Index and other resources to craft a guide that helps you choose your destinations wisely. Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs

Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops

Image Credit: Shutterstock / donvictorio

Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops

18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

Image Credit: Pexels / Adrian Newell

American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nicoleta Ionescu

Canadians often find American customs ranging from amusing to astonishing. From the quirky to the confounding, let’s explore the U.S. through a Canadian lens—maple syrup and poutine in hand. Get ready for a journey that’s both odd and insightful, seen from the Great White North. 20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept

22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nejdet Duzen

Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

The post Culinary Adventures: 15 Must-Visit Destinations for Food Enthusiasts republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / stockphoto mania.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

More for You

Stephen Hawking once gave a simple answer as to whether there was a God

18 Things That Will Happen if 70 Becomes the New Retirement Age in the US

Trey Gowdy says you can 'rule this out' in the Hunter Biden gun trial

Why Aren't More People Driving Electric Cars? An EV Expert Weighs In

Dolly Parton says it was ‘bold’ of Beyonce to change ‘Jolene’ lyrics without telling her

A Fifth Walt Disney World Theme Park Could Be Coming Soon — Here's What We Know

NBA commissioner Adam Silver calls flagrant foul on Caitlin Clark a ‘Welcome to the league’ moment

Here Are 5 Signs Your Skin Is Actually Aging Well

Florida Supreme Court sides with DeSantis, denies reinstating former state attorney

'Have a paper trail': This employment lawyer says these are the 3 things he would never do at work — and explains how they could permanently damage your career

Spy agency issues urgent warning to billions of smartphone users to avoid being spied on

8th Grade Teacher Shares the Wildest Things Students Have Ever Said to Her

BJ Thompson Unconscious Following Cardiac Arrest During Kansas City Chiefs Practice: Report

The Biden administration has finalized a controversial new retirement rule — here are 5 things you need to know now

Ancient artifacts uncovered in 10-foot well on outskirts of major city

‘Toothless’ Supreme Court ethics code let justices get ‘high on their own supply’: legal analyst

Wonder Woman's Lynda Carter, 72, wows in silver swimsuit to promote new music

Why Don't Trucks Have Dual Gas Tanks Anymore?

6 signs you're good at your job, according to an HR exec with over 35 years of experience

Donald Trump 'Faces Enforcement' for Failing to Pay Legal Costs