Now is a great time to be looking for the best cafés in Paris. Of course, there has always been coffee in the French capital—the unofficial national breakfast is a cup of filtered brew and a cigarette, très chic—but it’s only been within the last decade that there has been genuinely good coffee in Paris. That’s thanks to a robust specialty coffee movement that has turned the capital into a coffee lover’s dream. With local roasters and barista-led shops in nearly every arrondissement, Paris rivals all the best European destinations for espressos, pour-overs, flat whites, and crèmes. Depending on your mood, a stop at one of the cafés on this list can be just as rewarding as dinner at the best restaurants in Paris, or a cocktail at one of the best bars in Paris.
What’s more, both native Parisians and transplants are opening up shops that reward curious and more adventurous palates by sourcing beans from further afield, like the Philippines, and whipping up cuisine to match. (This speaks to the wider and fascinating impact of immigrant communities in Paris.) As such, the list below celebrates classic spots so you can get a touch of French flair with your café au lait, as well as the shops that tell the story of our global world in your cup of joe. The vibes will differ from place to place, but you can count on the menus to offer some stalwart favorites (espresso, filter coffee, mochas, cortados, noisettes, and even flat whites) alongside house specialties—black sesame latte, anyone? Below, find our recommendations for 28 of the best cafés in Paris.
Read our complete Paris travel guide here, which includes:
Every restaurant on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new restaurants open and existing ones evolve. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
