8 Best Coffee Shops in Paris
I have often been asked by my friends and relatives to write a list of the best coffee shops in Paris, in my opinion. I figured, now’s the time!
Some of you may not know that, but I was a specialty coffee barista before being a photographer and I have always been addicted to good coffee. Not coffee from Parisian cafés which could be compared to cat pee, not Starbucks coffee (even though it happens I go quite often when I am not around great coffee shops…), or not even homemade filter coffee that doesn’t taste like coffee but tea…
I mean real coffee. The kind that, in one sip, wakes you up immediately!
I have my favorite spots in the city, and as I am super lazy, lots of them are close to where I live! But even if I would be the most motivated person in the world and would be ready to walk 20km just for a coffee, I happen to be very lucky as my favorite one is 5min away from where I live, in Montmartre.
Soul Kitchen // CLOSED
This one is at the top of my list ; because of its fantastic coffee, its great location & the amazing people who work there. Bonus : their food is truly incredible. They serve organic and mostly vegetarian comfy food for lunch that will make you want to come back the next day.
Actually, you can find me there almost everyday. To go, or to have in, I usually get my coffee there everyday.
Soul Kitchen, 33 Rue Lamarck 75018 Paris
La Caféothèque
I did my barista training here and was taught all about coffee by the best coffee specialist in France : Gloria, the owner of the place. I owe her a lot and especially my love for coffee. She built the Caféothèque, hoping to gather as many people as possible around the love for coffee. She's not only an expert, but she is the sweetest person around. Spending her whole life in Guatemala, she had her first taste of coffee as a baby, and she was hooked. The Caféothèque is the embodiment of who she is. Welcoming, authentic & colorful. There, you can taste coffee from all around the world and be served by the best baristas in Europe. Absolutely must-do while being in Paris to have the experience of drinking a real coffee from the country of your choice.
La Caféothèque de Paris, 52 Rue de l'Hôtel de ville, 75004 Paris
Nuage Café
One of my favorite (and it's not even close to where I live, so I must really like it!). The concept is absolutely amazing : you pay by the hour (4€) and you can drink as many coffee as you want and eat some sweet snacks as well. It is a coworking space so it's the perfect place if you are a coffee addict and in need to work on a few emails. The staff is welcoming and friendly. If you're not a coffee fan, you can still prepare your own tea as they have many different choices. An absolute must-see in Paris as the place is incredibly well decorated and cozy.
Nuage Café, 14 Rue des Carmes, 75005 Paris
Café Coutume
This place is definitely at the top of the list of great specialty coffee spots in the city. The owners, a French guy and an Australian, founded the perfect place for coffee lovers. Needless to say that the staff is incredibly nice and their reputation for serving excellent coffee, roasted by themselves, doesn't disappoint. They are true coffee specialists and they work on creating the best coffee, from the plantation to the cup that is served to you. Little tip : buy the Coutume beans and try them at home! I bet you won't be disappointed either.
Café Coutume, 47 Rue de Babylone, 75007 Paris
Café Kitsuné
I cannot really be objective on this one, as I worked there, but I will try! You probably know Kitsuné from the clothing brand, pretty famous around the world. Well, the owners created the cutest coffee shop located at the Palais Royal Gardens. It might be extremely small but that's what makes it so unique. The beans are from Brazil and roasted in London, to finally be sent to Café Kitsuné, in Paris. That's what makes it so singular. The baristas working there speak mostly English but they certainly understand you if you speak French! Little tip : enjoy their delicious sorbet in the summer! Nothing better than to wander around the Gardens with a Kitsuné coffee cup in one hand and a yummy caramel sorbet in the other hand!
Café Kitsuné, 51 Galerie de Montpensier, 75001 Paris
Hexagone Café
There are not so many coffee shops on the left bank, but if you are wandering in the south of Paris, around Montparnasse, you have to try this minimalist coffee shop that serves excellent coffee. A bit hidden and in a local neighborhood, the owners managed to create a place that welcomes coffee lovers, families and curious people who want to try a different coffee than the one they are used to drink. It's a quiet space, worth checking once you're in the area. Little bonus : the owners wrote a book that explains everything you need to know about coffee and roasting, well explained and easy to understand. Get it once you're there!
Hexagone Café, 121 Rue du Château, 75014 Paris
Shakespeare & Company Café
Quite recent and completely adjacent to the famous bookstore Shakespeare & Company, this café is truly one of my favorites. The location is dreamy, as you get the view of the Notre-Dame Cathedral while sipping your coffee. It's a bit small but you can sit on the terrace, whether it's wintertime or summer. The café serves excellent coffee from Café Lomi, based in the 18th arrondissement, and the baristas know what they're doing! They have a large choice of pastries, savory treats, and books if you want to read while taking your break there! So if you're doing the touristy walk around Notre-Dame, go buy some books in the bookshop next door & stop for coffee here!
Shakespeare & Co Café, 37 rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris
Cuillier // CLOSED
It's common knowledge for people who are used to often come to Montmartre (the Noooorth! little joke for Game of Thrones fans... ) that you have to climb up and climb down hundreds of stairs. And it can get tiring! Trust me, I live on the top of that hill! Taking a well-deserved break from all this climbing up and climbing down sounds like a great idea and if you're looking for a quiet spot down the hill, cozy and yet modern, Cuillier is the right place for you. Great coffee, delicious pastries & it's the best place to rest.
