The 16 Top Cafés in Paris

After achieving success with Pâtisserie des Martyrs, acclaimed pastry chef Sébastien Gaudard opened this charming bakery and tea salon adjacent to the Tuileries Garden. While the drinks can be on the expensive side, ordering the brunch set menu includes your choice of beverage (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) along with an assortment of mini pastries, a baguette with butter and jam, eggs, a smoked salmon salad, and French toast. The tea salon opens at 10 a.m., so arrive early to secure a prime seat by the window or an outdoor table overlooking the plaza. Situated in the 1st arrondissement.

At Nuances, selecting a bag of traceable beans (all roasted on-site) or ordering a pour-over feels akin to shopping for an exquisite handbag. Each of the three locations is thoughtfully designed by local firm Uchronia. The inviting ambiance of the café in the 1st arrondissement will encourage you to linger on the terrace for a long chat over your drink. Located in the 1st arrondissement.

This Scandinavian-inspired café blends art with coffee, hosting rotating photography exhibitions alongside its single-origin espressos. The menu also features a selection of quality teas. Situated in the 3rd arrondissement.

With its soft blue facade and walls filled with vintage finds, this café located in a former cobbler's shop has likely graced Instagram more often than the Arc de Triomphe. A must-try is the signature flat white. Situated in the 3rd arrondissement.

If you're serious about your coffee but still want to soak up the Parisian ambiance, make your way to Carette. This café boasts three prime locations, including this favorite nestled under the charming arches of Place des Vosges in the Marais. Observe the servers elegantly navigating the space with shining silver trays, serving noisettes (espresso with a splash of milk) and delectable treats like millefeuilles and Montblancs topped with rich hazelnut cream. Located in the 3rd arrondissement.

For many years, George Whitman, the visionary behind the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore, sought permission to convert the derelict garage next door into his ideal café. Although Whitman passed away in 2011, his daughter Sylvia continued his quest, and in 2015, his dream finally came to life. The café offers a delightful array of literary-themed treats (like the Shakespeare Shake, Flapjack Kerouac, and The Bun Also Rises) alongside lemon pie and wholesome dishes from Bob’s Bake Shop. Tea is sourced from London’s Postcard Teas, while the coffee is locally roasted by Café Lomi (also featured in this guide). Situated in the 5th arrondissement.

Right in the heart of the lively Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this café is likely the most frequented in the city. Its fame largely stems from iconic patrons like Pablo Picasso and Simone de Beauvoir, and it experienced a resurgence after appearing in Emily in Paris. Nevertheless, the throngs of tourists cannot diminish its 1880s charm, best appreciated at a table indoors rather than on the terrace. The quality of coffee has significantly improved over the years, and the croque-monsieur smothered in melted cheese is quite enjoyable as well. Located in the 6th arrondissement.

As a trailblazer in Paris's specialty coffee scene, Coutume is dedicated to education, offering tasting seminars and encouraging visitors to sample its single-origin brews prepared in various styles. Monthly creations like raspberry-and-basil iced coffee and espresso topped with Parmesan and honey often arrive in unique glassware. With a dozen locations across the city, including one conveniently situated near the Musée Rodin, it's an ideal stop between the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. The food is excellent, and the Wi-Fi is reliable if you wish to stay a while. Another smaller venue at the Finnish Institute features Nordic French pastries like korvapuusti (cinnamon rolls), carrot cake, and vispipuuro (sweet semolina porridge) crafted by the duo Leivonen. Located in the 7th arrondissement.

Nestled on the outskirts of Pigalle, KB is a cozy spot that roasts its own coffee and attracts a lively crowd of expats looking to sip and socialize. Outdoor seating is available during the warmer months. Located in the 9th arrondissement.

Located just off Canal St.-Martin, this quaint shop serves delicious house-made pastries paired with local roasts from Belleville Brûlerie. As a prominent advocate for specialty coffee in Paris, Ten Belles fosters a relaxed atmosphere, showcasing a vibrant Parisian coffee culture across its three locations, where guests often choose conversation over screens. On sunny days, take your drink and pastry to enjoy outside; when the weather isn’t ideal, find a colorful spot by the window. The kitchen has crafted an impressive selection of breads, pastries, and savory dishes, inspired by recipes from San Francisco’s Tartine and London’s St. John. Located in the 10th arrondissement.

Drawing inspiration from Melbourne's lively coffee culture, Holybelly has become a hotspot for breakfast enthusiasts who crave a good pour-over or pancakes topped with crispy smoked bacon. This lively café features exposed brick walls and high tables, serving drip coffee in mugs—a rare find in Paris—alongside bold espressos crafted from the Mystic Mornings blend, specially roasted by Belleville Brûlerie in the 19th arrondissement. Located in the 10th arrondissement.

Locals rave about owner Yuichiro Sugiyama’s meticulously brewed coffees, crafted with beans roasted in Denmark, perfectly paired with Yui Matsuzaki’s exquisite pastries. This spot has become a favorite for artistic locals and curious visitors alike, so expect to wait in line or arrive early. With only two tables inside and a few outdoor seats available in the summer, you might find it easier to take your coffee to go. You can also grab a Dreamin’ Man coffee at the Broken Arm fashion boutique in the Marais. Located in the 11th arrondissement.

Nestled on a quiet street just below the Sacré-Coeur, this Australian-run Mytoury offers a diverse brunch menu, featuring everything from pulled pork buns to classic French pastries. However, you’d be perfectly justified in coming solely for their coffee, brewed using Market Lane coffee beans from Melbourne. Located in the 18th arrondissement.

As one of the pioneering craft roasters in Paris, Lomi has earned accolades and become a staple for coffee in hotels and restaurants throughout the city. However, you don’t need to book a hotel stay or dine out to enjoy their coffee. Instead, head directly to the Lomi coffee shop near Montmartre. The passionate team hosts tastings, runs a coffee school for aspiring aficionados, and collaborates closely with coffee farms in South America. All three coffee varieties are exceptional, but the 100-percent Arabica blend is particularly beloved by Parisians, who appreciate its crisp and robust espresso flavor. Located in the 18th arrondissement.

Today, many of Paris's artisanal coffee shops embody a Brooklyn-meets-Scandi aesthetic, and Bokbar is no exception. Featuring waxed concrete floors and shelves filled with books (some authored by writers who have performed readings here), this Swedish-inspired bookshop serves as a sanctuary for dedicated coffee enthusiasts. Patrons can enjoy delicious cakes baked daily by owner Natalie Magnusson. The tranquil ambiance makes it an ideal spot to relax while exploring Belleville's vibrant artist studios, Chinese noodle shops, and eclectic Mytouries. Located in the 20th arrondissement.

Beloved by coffee enthusiasts, Noir features a striking design across its 12 locations scattered throughout the arrondissements, serving exceptional coffee made from ethically sourced arabicas from Guatemala, Brazil, and Mexico. If you can choose, visit the shop near the Saint-Ouen flea market, where the decor showcases a playful blend of styles—wavy midcentury wall cutouts, Brutalist ceilings, and high wooden stools reminiscent of classic bistros—creating a lively atmosphere.