The BEST Parisian Cafés
Le Marais
The following cafés are great if exploring or staying in or around the Marais neighborhood. The northern part of the marais is known as the "haut marais" meaning high or top marais and is home of many great restaurants, cafés, and a famous covered market.
Coffee & croissants in an old perfumerie
At the top of this list is the tiniest café (more of an espresso bar) located in an old perfumerie. I love this place because it's charming and smells amazing! The combination of coffee and perfume is delightful. At the bar you can order coffee, pastries, desserts, and even ice cream! The flatware is so cute and you feel like you're in another era. Start here early morning when it's less busy and then go explore the Marais!
Drink tea out of vintage teacups
This woman owned tea house is small but so cute. With their homemade desserts, tea selection, and thrifted antique tea cups, you'll definitely love this spot as much as I do.
Tea & desserts in the oldest teahouse in Paris
In the heart of the marais on the famous Rue des Rosiers, you'll find the oldest teahouse in Paris (and probably the busiest too). This place isn't known for their decor or charm, but rather its history and simply delicious desserts to accompany the crazy amount of teas options.
Waffles & coffee at a bike shop
Le Peloton is named after the cycling community and fittingly is a café that doubles as a bike rental shop. It's popular for its delicious coffee and waffles (which are rare to comeby in Paris).
Montmartre
Up on the hill near Sacré Coeur you'll also find some great spots for a coffee fix.
Afternoon coffee in a garden terrace
One of my all time favorite places to go for a coffee and some reading is in the front garden of Hotel Particulier. Between lunch and dinner services, the garden is open and you can order a warm drink and read a book by the fountain, or stare up at the clouds. It's one of the most charming (cafés) in all of Paris!
Culture & caffeine in a secret garden
Mix culture with your caffeine at Café Renoir, hidden in the back of the Museum of Montmartre. Tickets to the museum are 15€ and give you access to all of the grounds and exhibits, or you can simply access the café for 5€. It's the perfect place to spend a long sunny afternoon.
Pigalle & Theatre District
Pigalle and the area around it known as the theatre district have so many great coffee spots and it's the area that I frequent the most.
The best vegan café
Women owned, vegan, and tasty.. what's not to love?! If you are a vegan, or just prefer plant based milks in your coffees, then you'll be able to stop at either location (or both) of Cloud Cakes on your visit to Paris. Their other location on Rue Mandar is more central near Chatelet.
The freshest coffee roast
If freshness is important to you when it comes to your coffee beans, then you must try this café! They roast all of their beans in-house, right there in the shop! I frequent here often for meetings or to get some work done and have also tried many of their desserts and brunch items. I highly recommend!
Café "en terrasse"
Another in-house roaster in the Pigalle area, but KB is much more known for the pavement terrace outside. Inside is very small, and outside is the bustling street of Rue des Martyrs. This is a great spot to people watch and enjoy a coffee at the same time.
For Middle Eastern coffee
If you are into middle-eastern (Ottoman) style coffee, or have never tried it, then you must go to Ibrik! It's also women owned so that's pretty awesome too.
Gare du Nord-Grands Boulevards
This area includes the 10th arrondissement and the covered passageways near the Grands Boulevards metro station.
Fluffy pancakes and tea time
Violetta et Alfredo is a teahouse that is very popular for their fluffy pancakes and brunch. The decor is cute, using vintage teacups and plates. They have different menus depending on which time of day you are there. Weekends are different than weekdays so I recommend checking their website. Overall it's a great spot for afternoon tea time.
The one in a covered passageway
One of my favorite "hacks" when it's ugly outside is to enjoy the cafés and restaurants inside the covered passageways. You get to people watch and stay warm and comfortable! This tea house is inside Passage Jouffroy and has great drinks and notable desserts.
For empanadas and family vibes
The owners at Léandrés are super friendly and welcoming. The decor and ambiance is nice and you feel like you could hang out there for hours. Don't be afraid to try their empanadas along with their delicious coffee. In the lunch hour they do a "formule" which in france is essentially a combo deal.
The humble new café
Humble and delicious are two reasons why this place is rated so high on Google. The chef is from New Zealand so you know the brunch is bangin. The staff is friendly and overall this place is pretty new but doing it right.
Belleville/Buttes-Chaumont
Belleville and the park Buttes-Chaumont are lively places to experience Paris the local way.
Vintage café meets art gallery
I love this café because it's not just a café. They also display art and double as a cultural center. They do brunch on Sundays and small plates during the week.
To take to the park for a view over Paris
I came here once in the early morning for breakfast to meet a friend who was just flying in. I loved it. The staff was super friendly and it's right in front of the park Buttes-Chaumont so you could even take your coffee to-go and walk through the park with it.
Central Paris
This area includes the 1st and 2nd arrondissements from Concorde, Palais Royale, Chatelet, and Sentier metro stations.
The fastest growing café in Paris
Noir is perhaps the fastest growing coffee "chain" in Paris with 13 locations in the city and 5 more opening this year!! I would guess that they are opening so many because of the high demand for their premium coffee. It's damn good. I've included only this location s specifically because it's no far from Angelina so you may already be nearby and it's worth a try!
Drink Marie Antoinette's tea
Over near Place Vendome where the Ritz and all of your favorite designer stores is a small tea room that serves up the same tea that was supplied to Versailles by Marie Antoinette. It's small but if you love tea, it's worth the try for its history.
For sipping in the Palais-Royal garden
Skip the overdone Kitsuné and try a coffee or tea from Baguette's instead. It's practically just next door and better, and it's next to the garden of Palais Royal so you can take it to go and sip it on the benches or take cute pictures by the striped pillars.
If you're not foolin around when it comes to coffee
These people really know their sh** when it comes to all things coffee. I think they are the most knowledgeable about not just coffee but also chocolate in all of Paris.
Arc de Triomphe/Champs-Elysées
When you go explore the Champs-Elysées do NOT make the mistake of going to anything on the avenue. I promise it won't be good or worth the ticket price. Instead, go to these lovely places which are super cute and delicious.
For the homemade marshmallow hot coco
I know hot chocolate is a thing in Paris, and all the top places for it serve theirs french style with whipped cream, but this place does it the American way with a giant homemade marshmallow that they torch on your drink. UM HELLO, yes please!
Qewt & Caffeinated
Okay so there are two locations both in the same area and each is nice and serves delicious warm drinks and brunch all day. What's not to love??
Eiffel Tower
You'll definitely be near the Eiffel Tower on your trip (especially if you're doing a picnic with me) and you're gonna want to check out some of these cafés too.
The "cliché but worth it" hot chocolate
I considered whether or not to include Carette because it's guaranteed that you already know about it, but it is really good and this location (though not the original) is great for the additional view of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero. Their food selection is okay and limited, but they really shine at desserts and drinks.
To take to the Champ de Mars park
This location of Terres (there are several in Paris) makes this list because of how close it is to the Eiffel Tower. It's tiny inside but you won't need to sit inside if you take your coffee to-go and enjoy it at the champ de mars park. The coffee is also super good btw.
Left-Bank
You'll commonly hear Paris divided into two main sides; right and left bank. The left bank is on the lower side of the Seine river that cuts through the middle of the city. It's typically "quieter" as in it's less built up as the right side. The left bank is usually home to families and students studying at the Sorbonne. The restaurants and cafés on the left bank are typically catering to these groups in their respected neighborhoods.
The one in a library
Maison Fleuret is a unique coffee shop because it is inside a library/bookstore. You can come for breakfast (early is best) or stop by for an afternoon coffee and sweet treat and enjoy some quiet time with a book (or two).
The one in a flower shop
If you love the smell of flowers then you better make sure you check out Lily of the Valley for a little pick-me-up. This flower shop doubles as a café and serves up some beautiful cakes and delicious drinks.
The one in a mosque
If you've seen Emily in Paris, then you might have already known there is a Grand Mosque of Paris and go to the hammam spa. However you might not yet know that there is a café/restaurant in the gardens there where you can drink moroccan tea (very sweet green tea) and try exotic desserts.
For Korean coffee & treats
One of the only Korean cafés that I know of is on the left bank. You can find bingsu here (shaved ice dessert) and other classics like vanilla or green tea lattes.
Good news on the left bank
For good coffee and a nice brunch menu, check out Good News in the 15th.
The BEST Parisian Cafés
Le Marais
The following cafés are great if exploring or staying in or around the Marais neighborhood. The northern part of the marais is known as the "haut marais" meaning high or top marais and is home of many great restaurants, cafés, and a famous covered market.
Coffee & croissants in an old perfumerie
At the top of this list is the tiniest café (more of an espresso bar) located in an old perfumerie. I love this place because it's charming and smells amazing! The combination of coffee and perfume is delightful. At the bar you can order coffee, pastries, desserts, and even ice cream! The flatware is so cute and you feel like you're in another era. Start here early morning when it's less busy and then go explore the Marais!
Drink tea out of vintage teacups
This woman owned tea house is small but so cute. With their homemade desserts, tea selection, and thrifted antique tea cups, you'll definitely love this spot as much as I do.
Tea & desserts in the oldest teahouse in Paris
In the heart of the marais on the famous Rue des Rosiers, you'll find the oldest teahouse in Paris (and probably the busiest too). This place isn't known for their decor or charm, but rather its history and simply delicious desserts to accompany the crazy amount of teas options.
Waffles & coffee at a bike shop
Le Peloton is named after the cycling community and fittingly is a café that doubles as a bike rental shop. It's popular for its delicious coffee and waffles (which are rare to comeby in Paris).
Montmartre
Up on the hill near Sacré Coeur you'll also find some great spots for a coffee fix.
Afternoon coffee in a garden terrace
One of my all time favorite places to go for a coffee and some reading is in the front garden of Hotel Particulier. Between lunch and dinner services, the garden is open and you can order a warm drink and read a book by the fountain, or stare up at the clouds. It's one of the most charming (cafés) in all of Paris!
Culture & caffeine in a secret garden
Mix culture with your caffeine at Café Renoir, hidden in the back of the Museum of Montmartre. Tickets to the museum are 15€ and give you access to all of the grounds and exhibits, or you can simply access the café for 5€. It's the perfect place to spend a long sunny afternoon.
Pigalle & Theatre District
Pigalle and the area around it known as the theatre district have so many great coffee spots and it's the area that I frequent the most.
The best vegan café
Women owned, vegan, and tasty.. what's not to love?! If you are a vegan, or just prefer plant based milks in your coffees, then you'll be able to stop at either location (or both) of Cloud Cakes on your visit to Paris. Their other location on Rue Mandar is more central near Chatelet.
The freshest coffee roast
If freshness is important to you when it comes to your coffee beans, then you must try this café! They roast all of their beans in-house, right there in the shop! I frequent here often for meetings or to get some work done and have also tried many of their desserts and brunch items. I highly recommend!
Café "en terrasse"
Another in-house roaster in the Pigalle area, but KB is much more known for the pavement terrace outside. Inside is very small, and outside is the bustling street of Rue des Martyrs. This is a great spot to people watch and enjoy a coffee at the same time.
For Middle Eastern coffee
If you are into middle-eastern (Ottoman) style coffee, or have never tried it, then you must go to Ibrik! It's also women owned so that's pretty awesome too.
Gare du Nord-Grands Boulevards
This area includes the 10th arrondissement and the covered passageways near the Grands Boulevards metro station.
Fluffy pancakes and tea time
Violetta et Alfredo is a teahouse that is very popular for their fluffy pancakes and brunch. The decor is cute, using vintage teacups and plates. They have different menus depending on which time of day you are there. Weekends are different than weekdays so I recommend checking their website. Overall it's a great spot for afternoon tea time.
The one in a covered passageway
One of my favorite "hacks" when it's ugly outside is to enjoy the cafés and restaurants inside the covered passageways. You get to people watch and stay warm and comfortable! This tea house is inside Passage Jouffroy and has great drinks and notable desserts.
For empanadas and family vibes
The owners at Léandrés are super friendly and welcoming. The decor and ambiance is nice and you feel like you could hang out there for hours. Don't be afraid to try their empanadas along with their delicious coffee. In the lunch hour they do a "formule" which in france is essentially a combo deal.
The humble new café
Humble and delicious are two reasons why this place is rated so high on Google. The chef is from New Zealand so you know the brunch is bangin. The staff is friendly and overall this place is pretty new but doing it right.
Belleville/Buttes-Chaumont
Belleville and the park Buttes-Chaumont are lively places to experience Paris the local way.
Vintage café meets art gallery
I love this café because it's not just a café. They also display art and double as a cultural center. They do brunch on Sundays and small plates during the week.
To take to the park for a view over Paris
I came here once in the early morning for breakfast to meet a friend who was just flying in. I loved it. The staff was super friendly and it's right in front of the park Buttes-Chaumont so you could even take your coffee to-go and walk through the park with it.
Central Paris
This area includes the 1st and 2nd arrondissements from Concorde, Palais Royale, Chatelet, and Sentier metro stations.
The fastest growing café in Paris
Noir is perhaps the fastest growing coffee "chain" in Paris with 13 locations in the city and 5 more opening this year!! I would guess that they are opening so many because of the high demand for their premium coffee. It's damn good. I've included only this location s specifically because it's no far from Angelina so you may already be nearby and it's worth a try!
Drink Marie Antoinette's tea
Over near Place Vendome where the Ritz and all of your favorite designer stores is a small tea room that serves up the same tea that was supplied to Versailles by Marie Antoinette. It's small but if you love tea, it's worth the try for its history.
For sipping in the Palais-Royal garden
Skip the overdone Kitsuné and try a coffee or tea from Baguette's instead. It's practically just next door and better, and it's next to the garden of Palais Royal so you can take it to go and sip it on the benches or take cute pictures by the striped pillars.
If you're not foolin around when it comes to coffee
These people really know their sh** when it comes to all things coffee. I think they are the most knowledgeable about not just coffee but also chocolate in all of Paris.
Arc de Triomphe/Champs-Elysées
When you go explore the Champs-Elysées do NOT make the mistake of going to anything on the avenue. I promise it won't be good or worth the ticket price. Instead, go to these lovely places which are super cute and delicious.
For the homemade marshmallow hot coco
I know hot chocolate is a thing in Paris, and all the top places for it serve theirs french style with whipped cream, but this place does it the American way with a giant homemade marshmallow that they torch on your drink. UM HELLO, yes please!
Qewt & Caffeinated
Okay so there are two locations both in the same area and each is nice and serves delicious warm drinks and brunch all day. What's not to love??
Eiffel Tower
You'll definitely be near the Eiffel Tower on your trip (especially if you're doing a picnic with me) and you're gonna want to check out some of these cafés too.
The "cliché but worth it" hot chocolate
I considered whether or not to include Carette because it's guaranteed that you already know about it, but it is really good and this location (though not the original) is great for the additional view of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero. Their food selection is okay and limited, but they really shine at desserts and drinks.
To take to the Champ de Mars park
This location of Terres (there are several in Paris) makes this list because of how close it is to the Eiffel Tower. It's tiny inside but you won't need to sit inside if you take your coffee to-go and enjoy it at the champ de mars park. The coffee is also super good btw.
Left-Bank
You'll commonly hear Paris divided into two main sides; right and left bank. The left bank is on the lower side of the Seine river that cuts through the middle of the city. It's typically "quieter" as in it's less built up as the right side. The left bank is usually home to families and students studying at the Sorbonne. The restaurants and cafés on the left bank are typically catering to these groups in their respected neighborhoods.
The one in a library
Maison Fleuret is a unique coffee shop because it is inside a library/bookstore. You can come for breakfast (early is best) or stop by for an afternoon coffee and sweet treat and enjoy some quiet time with a book (or two).
The one in a flower shop
If you love the smell of flowers then you better make sure you check out Lily of the Valley for a little pick-me-up. This flower shop doubles as a café and serves up some beautiful cakes and delicious drinks.
The one in a mosque
If you've seen Emily in Paris, then you might have already known there is a Grand Mosque of Paris and go to the hammam spa. However you might not yet know that there is a café/restaurant in the gardens there where you can drink moroccan tea (very sweet green tea) and try exotic desserts.
For Korean coffee & treats
One of the only Korean cafés that I know of is on the left bank. You can find bingsu here (shaved ice dessert) and other classics like vanilla or green tea lattes.
Good news on the left bank
For good coffee and a nice brunch menu, check out Good News in the 15th.