Top 5 Paris Cafés

Top 5 Paris Cafés

Paris is known for it’s incredible café culture. Over the centuries, every famous Parisian artist and writer has found inspiration from their local café. These days, there’s a café on seemingly every corner. So now that you’re in Paris, where should your local café haunt be?  Welcome to my guide to the top 5 Paris cafés, where you can learn about all the best spots in the city!

1. Chic and Modern: Café Coutume

Located in the chic 7th arrondissement of Paris, this café has been a favorite with expats and locals since it opened. So naturally, Café Coutume was an easy choice for my top 5 Paris cafés. Founded by an Australian (Tom Clark) and a French guy (Antoine Nétien), Café Coutume is modeled after these two characters. The café’s atmosphere is relaxing and pleasant; combining a French vibe with the best in Australian coffee, Coutume is a win-win. Their flat whites are delicious and creamy, and the espresso bold and nutty without being bitter! No matter what you order, their coffee is a trip around the world.

This is the kind of place you can stay and chill all day, cozied up to a good book or simply working on your laptop. The atmosphere is definitely inviting and the coffee is seriously good. So if you’re a true coffee lover, you won’t want to miss Café Coutume.

café coutume – 47 rue de babylone 75007

2. Minimalist: Téléscope

Courtesy of Télescope. Sourced from their Instagram

The second stop on my list of Top 5 Paris Cafés is the Télescope. This simple and cozy café is the perfect place for an afternoon pick me up. And they take their espresso seriously!

This café mixes authenticity and originality in both decor and coffee. Staying true to their roots, the place has some authentic Parisian charm with its exposed beams, old parquet floors and splendid cushions. But in terms of coffee, originality is the name of the game. They import some of the best and most flavorful beans from Columbia, for a rich, full-bodied coffee. Plus, their snacks and pastries are delightful, the banana bread is one of the best I’ve tried!

But where is it?

Télescope is located in the central 1st arronidssement, which is also home to the Louvre! Just a short walk from the luxurious Place Vendôme and the lovely Palais-Royal gardens, there’s a lot to explore nearby.  If you’d like to join us on a free tour of this historic area, sign up here.

télescope – 5 rue Villedo 75001

3. Luxurious: Angelina’s

Courtesy of Angelina’s

This next spot on my top 5 Paris cafés is definitely the most famous. Around for over one hundred years, Angelina’s is a true French institution. It was founded in 1903 and quickly became popular for their exquisite desserts, chocolates and beverages. Over the years, nearly all the French celebrities have been here: Coco Chanel for instance!

Though there are now Anglina’s all over the world, the original location on Rue de Rivoli is by far the most glamorous. With its Belle-Epoque decoration and tempting window display, it’s hard to resist to treating yourself to Angelina’s. This café and tearoom serves typical Parisian café fare, and a full lunch and dinner menu are available too. Nowadays, the café is best known for their decadent hot chocolate and their Montblanc dessert. So if you do stop here, make sure to save room for dessert!

angelina’s – 246 rue de rivoli 75001

4. Authentic: La Palette

Courtesy of Author

Situated in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is one of the coolest and most authentic cafés in Paris. La Palette has been around for well over a century, and has always been a favorite with the city’s artists. The interior will take you back in time to when Picasso, Cézanne and even Braque used to hang out here. Today, the walls inside are still decorated with some of their original artworks.

Rockstar Jim Morrison used to frequent the terrasse at La Palette, during his time in Paris. It’s easy to see why the local charm and history of this place can entice all kinds of artists. The building was even classified as a historical monument by the city of Paris!

During the day, this is a pretty quiet spot to enjoy a meal or a drink, even while you work. But the terrasse fills up quickly with chic Parisians as soon as apéro hour hits.

If you want discover more about this historic, artsy neighborhood we have a free walking tour of Saint-Germain. Find out more here.

La palette – 43 rue de seine 75006

5. Traditional: Café Carette

Courtesy of Carette

Finally, last but not least on my list of top 5 Paris cafés, is Café Carette. Located just steps from the Place du Trocadéro, the entire café is true to the classic 16th arrondissement style. The waiters and waitresses even wear the traditional white aprons, popular when the café opened – back in 1927!

The French pâtisseries here are some of the best: fruit tartes, flakey millefeuilles and baba au rhum are the most popular desserts at Carette. If you’re feeling indulgent, why not try their other specialty, macarons? Everything is delicious, but being so close to the Eiffel Tower comes at a price. Up to you whether a stellar view is worth it! A coffee and pastry will cost somewhere in the neighborhood of €15 and their brunch menu is €30, though portions are generous.

café carette – 4 place du trocadéro 75016

So now you know all about the top 5 Paris Cafés. I hope this article has been helpful to you and that you’ll enjoy visiting some of these cafés! Let me know which one was your favorite.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to hear from our readers.

See you soon in Paris!