Most of the cafés in Paris serve everything from the expected coffee and croissants, to French classics like an omelette or croque monsieur/madame and even dinner by nightfall. During the day and night, the cafés are filled with Parisians (and visitors like me) relaxing with friends and grabbing a cappuccino or a bite to eat. There is so much this beautiful city has to offer, but I felt the need to dedicate an entire post to a few of my favorite cafés (plus some of my favorite restaurants + a bonus speakeasy at the end) that I feel cannot be missed when visiting the City of Lights.

Use this map of my café recommendations to help plan your trip!

1. La Maison Rose

The beautiful hilltop village of Montmartre is my favorite Parisian neighborhood in Paris, and the iconic La Maison Rose is a must when visiting this magical area (and possibly my favorite café due to its location and charming façade)! This insta-famous rose house has been serving coffee for over 100 years, and was a spot that Van Gogh and Picasso would visit while living here.

A little Montmartre History:

Before Montmartre became a part of Paris, it was a little village covered in farms, vineyards and windmills (some of which you can still find today.) During the late 1800’s-early 1900’s, it was a haven for artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec due to its more affordable costs of living and cheap wine. This is how the artistic community and cabaret culture (Moulin Rouge) in Montmartre began to form. Unfortunately, I’ve never been inside since it is closed and under construction quite a lot, but I’m determined to get a cappuccino from there one day! The history behind this must-visit café is captivating, as well.

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2. Le Consulat

This historic cafe in Montmartre is nestled on its own little island, and was also visiting by many acclaimed artists and writers that flocked in to the area in the 19th century (Picasso, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, Sisley and Monet.) The inside showcases the quintessential, charming vintage Parisian café, plus an extensive wine and beverage menu. I haven’t had the chance to eat here yet, but the French cuisine is said to be divine, so its definitely on my list next time! Isn’t this the perfect spot to sit and people watch in the lovely, Montmartre?

 

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3. Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole

I mean, can a storefront get any more beautiful than this? Wisteria adorn almost every corner of this magical café, and vibrant colors of aqua, purple and gold bring this charming café to life. The inside is something out of a fairy tale, embellished with so much history at every turn. You can even go upstairs and take a picture out of the balcony (like I shamelessly did, ha!) if you want to feel like a fairytale princess.

4. Shakespeare And Company Café

Shakespeare and Company has a new café attached to the legendary bookstore, that will give you all the feels! I love Shakespeare and Company so much, so I was super excited to see check out this new spot! As soon as you step into this historic bookstore, you will feel as though you have gone back in time to Paris in the 1920’s! Shakespeare and Company, arguably one of the most famous independent bookstores in the world (and my personal favorite), was a gathering place in the 20’s for several then-aspiring writers such as Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, James Joyce and Ford Maddox Ford.✎ Every room and corner of this bookstore (and café) will captivate you with its enchanting nature. I didn’t want to ever leave!

 

5. Odette

This charming cafe is right around the corner from Shakespeare and Company and has the cutest exterior!

6. Café Bohème Paris

If you know me, you know by these pictures that this boho chic café speaks to my bohemian soul! The ambiance and eclectic decor in this café is captivating! As with all the cafés we visited, it was hard to leave! The cappuccino and croissants were amazing, as well.

7. Café de Flore

The iconic Café de Flore is a spot that is definitely not to be missed while visiting Paris! It is one of the oldest coffeehouses in Paris, celebrated for its famous clientele (both past and present). High profile writers and philosophers were known to dally in this corner café. The menu is a little more pricey here, but SO worth it. I had one of the best cappuccinos I’ve ever had here, and could have sat in that bistro table all day and watched the world pass me by.

8. Les Deux Magots

Iconic Brasserie opened in 1885 serving traditional French fare. I mean, just look how stunning it is!

9. La Galette Des Moulins

Another favorite charming Montmartre café! Situated right around the corner from the famous Place du Tertre, which is a square in the center of the neighborhood where you can find several artists displaying and selling their work.

10. Pierre Hermé

Pierre Hermé is a French pastry chef and chocolatier, known as the “Picasso of Pastry.” Come here for the best macarons, as well as tarts, cakes, chocolates and ice cream.

11. Laduree

What Parisian café list would be complete without the famous Laduree? The first picture below is the Laduree Champs Elysées location, which isn’t too far from the Arc de Triomphe. The second photo is the shop located in Saint-Germain des Prés.

12. Le Malabar

I absolutely loved this little café/restaurant located not too far from the Eiffel Tower. It’s the perfect spot for amazing drinks (great organic wines and mojitos) and small bites, and we had one of the most amazing cheese boards I’ve ever had here (see drool worthy photo below)! Their truffle gouda cheese plate is amazing!

13. Le Café Plume

I stumbled upon this restaurant on my way to Palais-Royal, and had to stop in and check it out! It’s right down the street from the Louvre and Palais-Royal, so if you’re planning to visit these attractions its a perfect spot to grab a bite to eat! The gorgeous antique decor on the inside speaks to my old soul!

14. Sip Café Babylone

Another cute Café near the Louvre and Palais-Royal.

15. Boot Café

Adorable little boutique café in the Marais district that was formerly an old cobbler shop.

16. Le Vrais Paris

Stumbled upon this gem strolling through Montmartre (near Moulin Rouge), and I was captivated by its adorning façade covered in pink flowers and greenery!

17. Café des 2 Moulins

French for “Two Windmills.” Another café  in Montmartre right down the street from Moulin Rouge, that gets its name from the two historic windmills nearby (Moulin Rouge & Moulin de la Galette). This café has gained fame since it appeared in the 2001 film Amélie as the place where the main character works!

18. Le Boudoir Saint-Germain

Cozy restaurant in Saint-Germain des Prés. I loved the storefront and the food on their Instagram looks amazing!

 

19. Brasserie Cézanne

Cute traditional sidewalk café/Brasserie. Great spot for lunch.

20. Au Petit Fer à Cheval

This spot stands out among the several fashionable boutiques in Le Marais, one of my favorite Parisian neighborhoods. Au Petit Fer à Cheval means “horseshoe,” named after its horseshoe-shaped marble bar inside. Sit with the local regulars and travel back in time in this more than 100-year old “Retro Parisian” venue.

21. Société de Boulangerie de Rennes

Le Marais bakery with a picturesque Parisian boulangerie storefront. Amazing croissants and baguettes!

Restaurants to wind down, sip some wine, and watch the day turn to night…

Chez Julien

Chez Julien is a chic, yet relaxed restaurant (but aren’t they all?) in Le Marais that is the perfect spot to sit back, sip some wine, and enjoy the night with a fantastic meal after exploring this historic area!

Restaurant Le Basilic

This restaurant is in Montmartre, and I just loved its charming facade drenched in ivy and how its situated smack dab in the middle of the street.

Frenchie

“At Frenchie, down the narrow rue du Nil, not far from Les Halles, chef Gregory Marchand serves inventive dishes inspired by organic ingredients.” —“The French Culinary Scene Today”

Pink Mamma

And last but not least, allow me to introduce to you (if you haven’t already heard of it before) my new favorite restaurant in the millions of eateries in this great wide world! Not only is the food some of the best Italian I’ve had, but the eclectic and bohemian decor speaks to my soul! If only I could eat here all the time! I would plan ahead to make reservations, if you can, as it is a pretty popular restaurant (rightfully so) and does book up pretty easily. However, we actually missed our initial reservation on our first day in Paris due to some flight mishaps, but we walked in the restaurant while strolling through Montmartre right when they were closing at lunch time and ended up speaking to the manager to explained what happened with our reservation (because I was SO upset about potentially not getting to eat here). Well, the sweet manager ended up booking us a table for dinner THAT NIGHT (after it was showing they were completely booked for weeks) in the top floor restaurant room shown below (which is the coolest spot to eat–I mean just look at it)! We had such an amazing experience, and it was by far the best dinner experience we had during the trip! Our waiter, Dylan, was the BEST, too! Next time I go back to Paris, I will (without a doubt) be eating here again!

(Tip: If you want to get some pictures like this, go to the restaurant right after 2:00PM when they are closing after lunch so the restaurant will be almost empty!)

P.S…Did you know there is a hidden speakeasy at the bottom floor under Pink Mamma Restaurant? The name of the speakeasy is “No Entry” and its right down the hall from the bathrooms. It looks as though the hallway dead-ends after the restrooms due to a large metal door with the caution sign “No Entry” on the front, but don’t be fooled! You are about to enter this super cool funky hideaway (not the freezer!)

I hope this blog helps you when planning your next trip to the City of Lights! Au revoir, for now!

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