19 Of The Best Cafes In Paris (Updated August 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, whether 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

Stohrer

51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002

Image credit: Stohrer | Instagram

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

Image credit: Cafe de la Paix | Instagram

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

Image credit: Cafe Kisune | Instagram

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. 

Hollybelly

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

Image credit: O Coffee | Instagram

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). 

Lomi

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

Image credit: Cafe Mericourt | Instagram

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

Image credit: Le Peleton Cafe | Instagram

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

Image credit: Clove Coffee Shop | Instagram

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

Image credit: Angelina Cafe | Paris

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

Image credit: Strada Cafe Paris | Instagram

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.  

Partisan

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

Image credit: White Coffee | Instagram

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.