Eat like a local: the 10 Best Cafés in Paris
Slow it down during your visit to Paris and eat like a local with our guide to some of the best cafés in Paris. Embrace the leisurely pace of Parisian life and discover the city's culinary gems.
In a city where people-watching is an art form, finding the perfect spot to indulge in this delightful pastime is key. Our selection of the best cafés in Paris offers more than just a great cup of espresso; they provide a window into the soul of the city. Whether you're seeking a cozy corner for contemplation or a vibrant terrace for observing the bustling streets, our list ensures that you'll find the ideal café to sit back, relax, and watch the world drift by in true Parisian style.
Café des Deux Moulins
Made famous by the movie Amélie, this café is a popular spot with tourists and locals. With a good selection of food and drinks, a particular highlight is the Goûter d’Amélie, offering you a choice of coffee (black or with milk), hot chocolate or tea, with a crème brûlée. Because of its location in a non-touristy area of Montmartre, you can immerse yourself in French culture and, if you like, take a selfie next to a large poster of Amélie.
Moncoeur Belleville (formerly Ô Paris)
At the top of Parc de Belleville, this is the perfect place to relax on a sunny day. From the outdoor terrace, you can get a fantastic view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower. With affordable drinks and an excellent brunch, there are also regular live music events. The local area is full of boutiques and studios and is perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Le Caféothèque
A favorite for locals, this little café on the Rue de l’Hôtel de Ville is famous for its impressive selection of coffee from around the world. Grab a comfy seat, choose your coffee blend, and admire Notre Dame as the sun sets.
Angelina
Do you love hot chocolate? Then Angelina, on Rue de Rivoli, is the place to go. Serving delicious classic tea-room food and their famous chocolat chaud, it’s not hard to see why this is one of the most famous cafés in Paris.
Ob-La-Di Café
Nestled in the heart of Le Marais, this retro café is tiny. With only about 15 seats, it’s also always busy. If you manage to get a place to sit, then you’re in for a treat. The café is popular with bloggers, photographers, and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris. The avocado toast is highly recommended!
Les Deux Magots
One of the oldest cafés in Paris, Les Deux Magots has welcomed a host of literary figures and artists over the years, from Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre to James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, Bertolt Brecht, and Ernest Hemingway. Close to the Church of Saint-Germain des Près, this café has a traditional bistro ambiance.
Au Thé Gourmand
Away from the tourist areas, this café in the Latin Quarter is popular with a younger crowd. The homemade desserts make this place famous and, with exposed stonework, wooden beams, and huge windows, this is the perfect place to while away a few hours.
Berthillon
On the Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, Berthillon is the place to go for ice cream and sorbet. It's got some seating and also offers a to-go counter. Although relatively expensive, the quality of the ice cream is evident, as shown by the queues of people who wait outside every day.
Café Lignac
Café Lignac, nestled in the heart of Paris, offers a quintessential French dining experience. Known for its charming ambiance and exquisite cuisine, the café is a popular spot among both locals and tourists. Chef Cyril Lignac, renowned for his culinary expertise, brings a touch of modern flair to traditional French dishes, creating a menu that's both innovative and deeply rooted in French gastronomy.
The café's interior, with its cozy seating and elegant decor, provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely meal. Whether it's for a morning coffee, a leisurely lunch, or a sophisticated dinner, Café Lignac captures the essence of Parisian dining culture.
Café de Flore
Café de Flore, located in the vibrant Saint-Germain-des-Prés area of Paris, is more than just a café; it's a historic institution. Renowned for its rich history, this café has been a favorite haunt of intellectuals and artists since the 1920s. Its classic Parisian charm is reflected in its timeless decor, with red seating, mirrored walls, and a bustling terrace.
The menu offers a range of traditional French café fare, from simple breakfasts to hearty lunches, all served with the elegance and flair expected in such a legendary spot. Visiting Café de Flore is not just about enjoying a meal; it's about immersing yourself in a piece of Parisian history and experiencing the atmosphere that inspired many famous writers and thinkers.
Paris' café culture is as diverse as it is delightful
From the historic charm of Café de Flore to the modern elegance of Café Lignac, each spot offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Parisian life. These 10 cafés are not just about exquisite food and drink; they are about experiencing the essence of Paris itself.
Whether you're seeking a classic French croissant, a rich cup of coffee, or simply a spot to watch the world go by, these cafés provide the perfect setting. So, the next time you find yourself in Paris, remember to step off the beaten path and into one of these local favorites. You'll not only enjoy a great meal, but you'll also eat like a true Parisian. Bon appétit!
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