Finding a moment of calm in the heart of Paris can feel like a challenge, especially in the bustling streets surrounding the Île de la Cité. The area around Notre-Dame is a whirlwind of history, architecture, and, understandably, crowds of travelers. Yet, tucked into the winding lanes of the Latin Quarter and the quieter edges of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a thriving specialty coffee scene offers the perfect refuge.
For the modern traveler, a café is more than just a place to grab an espresso; it is a cultural experience and a visual one. The rise of "aesthetic" cafés has transformed the Parisian coffee break into an art form. Whether you are looking for a sun-drenched terrace, a minimalist interior, or a patisserie display that looks like a jewelry counter, the vicinity of the cathedral has it all.
This guide is curated for those who appreciate the marriage of excellent coffee and beautiful design. We have moved beyond the standard tourist traps serving bitter espresso at inflated prices. Instead, we focus on spaces where the ambiance is as carefully crafted as the latte art, providing the ideal backdrop for your travel photos or a peaceful journaling session.
We understand that after climbing the towers or walking the length of the Seine, your feet need a rest and your soul needs a visual reset. These locations offer high-quality, specialty beans sourced from local roasters, paired with interiors that range from historic literary havens to sleek, contemporary design studios. You will find places to people-watch, places to work, and places to simply breathe.
The proximity to Notre-Dame means these spots are easily accessible, yet many remain hidden in plain sight on cobblestone side streets. We have prioritized venues known for their consistency in both service and atmosphere. It is not just about the color of the walls; it is about the light, the texture of the stone, and the hum of the neighborhood.
From the historic intellectual vibe of the Latin Quarter to the chic elegance of the left bank, each café on this list offers a distinct flavor of Parisian life. You will notice a focus on natural wines, organic brunches, and artisanal baking that defines the current Parisian café renaissance. This is where the locals go to see and be seen.
Before you set out, remember that Parisian café culture values lingering. Do not rush your coffee. Choose a seat by the window, order a second drink, and watch the city move past. Here are the most beautiful and satisfying cafés to visit just steps from the iconic Notre-Dame de Paris.
Kozy
| Address | 6 Rue du Petit Pont, 75005 Paris |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 01 85 09 45 19 |
Food was absolutely delicious! Service was great, staff asked our preferrer language before communicating w us throughout. Place is a bit smaller so can feel a little cramp / noisy during peak hours.
We arrived upon a Monday at around the second hour past noon, and were met with a short queue at the door, though we waited but ten minutes ere entry. The food was of excellent quality, and the service came with fair swiftness. Our waitress was most friendly and kind throughout our visit.
Great place for breakfast! You can’t make reservations but the line moves quickly. The space is small and quaint inside. The food is absolutely delicious and definitely worth the wait. The coffee is really good too. There is a QR code for the menu and then you can use it to pay your tab. Keep in mind that using this QR code to pay has a fee of 0.99€
I love, love, love this place! It's absolutely amazing. I first visited in April, and when I returned to Paris in June, coming back here was a non-negotiable part of my itinerary.
The portions are generous, the food is absolutely delicious, and the quality is consistently excellent. I can't recommend it enough!
Kozy truly lives up to its name. The café has a warm, inviting atmosphere, and even though it was busy, the service was quick.
We had the pancake stack with bacon and egg. The pancakes were wonderfully fluffy, with unique and delicious flavours. Be sure to ask for extra maple syrup, it’s the perfect finishing touch.
The beautiful blue and gold marble effect ceiling adds to the cozy yet elegant ambiance. A fantastic brunch spot with great food, lovely service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
JOZI café Notre Dame
| Address | 67 Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 07 45 50 82 57 |
Lovely coffee shop located near Notre-Dame de Paris. The coffee was okay, though a bit too acidic for my liking. However, the service was excellent,m and the pain au chocolat I had was really good. Overall, a nice spot for a quick coffee and pastry near Notre-Dame.
This is an adorable little cafe right next to the river. It is relaxing, the coffee is really good and the homemade banana bread is delicious.
We stayed for 45 minutes and never once felt the pressure to hurry up and leave.
The owner was so kind and patient with all of the tourists like myself that don’t speak French.
We all loved this cute coffee shop. The atmosphere is amazing. It’s just a few blocks away from Notre-Dame. The staff were very nice, friendly, and polite. It’s the perfect place to take a short break and enjoy their excellent coffee and delicious pastries. Highly recommended!
Basically, the latte is made with about half a shot of espresso, so it tastes almost entirely like milk with barely any coffee flavor. The croissant was also very ordinary. If you’re looking to enjoy a good cup of coffee in Paris, I wouldn’t recommend coming here.
Lovely independent coffee shop, proper specialty coffee with fair prices. It's my go-to spot when I'm in this neighborhood. The barista is warm and welcoming. You can also find beautiful handmade pottery by a local artist at fair prices too (@Soidisantepotiere on IG).
There are caffeine-free options too! I'm having a delicious chicory oat latte.
La Dame de Paris
| Address | 11 Rue d'Arcole, 75004 Paris |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 01 43 54 19 45 |
Venue: I loved the venue with the vintage decoration. It made the eating experience very parisien. The location can not be better. 5 minutes away (walking distance) from Notre-Dame and two metro stations.
Staff: super friendly lady. She could speak three languages. She was helpful and effective.
The food was better that expected, to be honest. The burger was delicious, the pizza, the fries and all. All homemade.
The only thing I would say that it was not super is the price. I fully understand it's Paris and next to le basilique du Notre-Dame. Still a bit high the price for the type of food, which is offered. For the rest, the place was absolutely 'tres magnifique'.
Simply deliciousness!!! Akhesa and Jerome provided phenomenal care as we dined with our selected dishes (fish and chips, omelette, and croque madam). We were delighted by Akhesa when we asked us it too late for hot chocolate and she proudly proclaimed “it’s never too late for chocolate. “.
Delicious food, cozy environment, and friendly staff. I had the specialty of the day, Pot au feu. On a cold winter evening, it will sort you out; a very comforting delight. Fair price for a Parisian restaurant.
La Dame de Paris is located down the street from Notre Dame Cathedral. This Brasserie offers classic French food and has indoor and outdoor seating. We choose indoor since it was raining on the 20 Sep when we visited. The food was great and the service was good. Our server was a little short with us when ordering drinks. She told us that meals needed to be ordered before drinks as if this was a French restaurant rule. Other than that, she was very efficient. The free range chicken with salad was very good and the Le Croque-monsieur was okay. There are lots of Cafes on the street and we chose this one randomly. Overall a great experience.
we liked the tasty pastries. We sat inside and therefore paid a bit more (for the service I guess) but we had to bring the pastry and coffee to our table by ourselves. This was not an issue at all. But what surprised me was that i basically had to ask for a knife, forks and small spoons for the cappuccino. The service wanted me to use the utensils out of wood. But the wooden knife simply couldn't cut the cake we ordered along with the macarons. Funny that we were two people but were given only one fork 🙂 and the woman also rolled her eyes when she gave the utensils to me. So I still didn't get why do we pay extra for being able to sit inside... just to beg for spoon and knives. What exactly was the service? I bring the food and coffee to the table myself, I take it back once I am done eating and I use the to-Go utensils...
So I would recommend just take the stuff with you and enjoy it in the park close by. But the deserts are very tasty.
Café Panis
| Address | 21 Quai de Montebello, 75005 Paris |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 01 43 54 19 71 |
This is a cute restaurant right in front of Notre Dame. Menu has a lot to select from but only wished there were more pasta dishes. The Gaspacho was very original and tasty….dont pass up if you like this soup. The rest the food was tasty as well.
We had a delightful and relaxing time at Cafe Panis. The best part was that we stayed there for a long time and they didn't rush us at all. That was much appreciated as we'd had a long day of walking.
The service was warm and tourist friendly as they spoke in English.
I ordered a leek starter (served cold) which was delicious and refreshing on a hot day. I had a Salada Dolce for my main and my wife had a Camembert Roti (roasted camembert).
The salad was more like an assorted plate with raw and cooked items. It had a tomato tart/galette (tomatoes baked on puff pastry) which was particularly nice.
The Camembert Roti took a long time to be made, although it was marked as popular. It was very nice but consisted mainly of bread, cheese and roasted potatoes. It was both heavy and not filling as it needed a lighter and not salty element.
**I seriously recommend getting the mango cheesecake.**
I wish I had time to come here again.
Had a lovely experience at Cafe Panis! The croissant was fresh, buttery, and perfectly flaky. The burgers were flavorful and satisfying, with juicy patties and fresh ingredients. The Caesar salad topped with grilled tandoori chicken was a delicious fusion twist—the chicken was well-seasoned, tender, and paired wonderfully with the crisp salad and creamy dressing.
The atmosphere was cozy, the service was friendly, and the food was fresh and well-prepared. A great spot for a casual meal or coffee break. Looking forward to visiting again!
This place is great. Amazing view of Notre Dame Cathedral. Service was outstanding. My wife and I visited when it was very very hot outside and a busy Paris weekend. I could tell the staff were working very hard and it was very hot, yet all the staff was extraordinarily friendly. Food was decent, good ingredients.
I liked the Pinsa very much because the cheese was perfectly done and the Pesto tasted amazingly good. The Fries also were pretty good but the Croissant Burger wasn’t the best. It was good but I’d rather give 4 stars than 5 out of 5 even though the Pinsa is the best Pizza like thing I’ve ever tasted 🤗❤️
Le Saint-Regis - Paris
| Address | 6 Rue Jean du Bellay, 75004 Paris |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | 01 43 54 59 41 |
Had dinner here while visiting, the server Camille (or Cami) was amazing. Very kind and gave great recommendations. We tried the bolognese pasta, foie gras, and charcuterie and everything was delicious. The drinks were also refreshing and the staff were very welcoming. We sat outside, but the inside of the restaurant was gorgeous and overall this is my favorite place I’ve eaten in Paris. They also have a signature recipe for their dessert that the waiter recommended which is an absolute must have.
Came here with three friends to have a late afternoon.Lunch appetizer where fantastic. We had the charcuterie and cheese board and fried calamari.The drinks were fantastic.I had the porn star martini with a champagne chaser..omg..so yummy. Are autumn trays were excellent to totally recommend this place. The views are great and in a great area.
Love this spot for cappuccino, small breakfast, light lunch. It was great for mornings and quick stop. The service was fast and friendly. We love the location for the morning sun and view of the bridge. We see Paris wakes and it's walking distance to the Notre dame.
Delicious French Onion Soup & Burrata/Tomatoes!! Highly recommend as we loved the meal and the service was super friendly. We went during the heatwave and the waiter was so nice and kept replacing our water and was just so friendly.
First time in Paris, first meal in Paris and SR was a hit. Camille was our waiter and made us feel welcome from the start. Great service, atmosphere and food. Another reviewer said the French Onion Soup was the best in Paris and I have to agree. I’m not a huge connoisseur of this soup but in our case, it was the best I’ve ever had.
My wife had the chicken, almost like a piccata without the capers etc. Very thin and tender. It too was wonderful.
Give them a go. You won’t regret it and ask for Camille! We will be going back.
A. Lacroix Pâtissier
| Address | 11 Quai de Montebello, 75005 Paris |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 01 74 64 14 86 |
This was a must-stop after Notre Dame. See it on Les Frenchies Facebook group and the hype was allllllll correct. The focaccia ham sandwich was splendid and the croissant with tomato and mozzarella was wonderful. But the star of this show is definitely the sweets. The Notre Dame pomme (Apple) and the peche (peach) were excellent. So very good. Highly recommend - 12 out of 10 for sure.
Incredible, the staff explained what each item had in it and described it, they answered all of our questions politely and clearly.
In a perfect location to sit and watch the city pass.
Views of Notre dame 😍
Clean bathroom
A lovely little kitchen for children to play
Inside eating space
Staff were absolutely fantastic, we only only manage a small amount of French but they could speak English and complimented my French ^^ The desserts were incredible, if you go here you need to try either Notre Dame (apple compote with cream and cake covered in white chocolate) or the Creme Brulee cake. The creme brulee one was the best ever!!!
These desserts are so delicious! Being right outside Notre Dame, I was skeptical that this was going to be a “touristy” spot…but I was wrong. SO GOOD! Our favorite was the Madagascar (if you like passion fruit). We purchased in the morning so we could guarantee having the ones we wanted for our nightly treat.
I will note that they are about 7€ each, so a little pricey…but DELICIOUS!
The best I've tried in 4 days in Paris.
The pain au chocolat aux amandres was soft, tasty and crunchy too. The Madagascar was well balanced, delicate and so exotic with coconut, mango passion fruit. Also the one with pistachio and rasperry is really well balanced in flavour. Nothing is improvised or left to chance!
Hightly recommended!
Cône - Coffee shop
| Address | 19 Quai des Grands Augustins, 75006 Paris |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
The experience is very gimmicky but cool. You are not here for a coffee to sip slowly. It is in a cone and it will spill. You are here for the experience and for the chocolate blended coffee. Is it a must try? No. Is it fun to try? Absolutely 💯!!
Very nice affogato served in a cone! It’s original and very nice for a summer afternoon break. Staff is very nice and friendly. Very few seats available in front of the small shop but perfect neighborhood to walk around like enjoying the cone.
Convenient, different, and also tasty!
A new coffee in the cone concept where tasty coffee is optimized with the Chocolate in the Cone!! The owner was present, caring and welcoming while explaining his concept and the way he started it… truly a stop on St Michel worth the time🍀
Hidden gem, it is a must visit place. They have to be expending out of this starter shop. It is an incredible experience to have coffee in the cone
As we arrived for our last few days in Paris, we had heard the hype of the Cone Coffee shop. This made our must visit list. We were able to make it one afternoon.
They had three different waffle cones - chocolate, chocolate with pistachios, and one other chocolate with topping. The concept is great, the coffee was good, and the waffle cone was very tasty.
The location is in a good spot because you can walk along the river. It is in a charming areas.
La Compagnie du Café
| Address | 19 Rue Notre Dame de Lorette, 75009 Paris |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 09 81 25 74 16 |
Had a fantastic experience here. Great vibe and excellent food: I had the scrambled eggs with avocado and toast, and an iced latte. It was all delicious. The service was superb, everyone is warm, friendly, and make you feel welcomed. This is the perfect place to start your day in a lovely neighborhood. Highly recommended 👌
We enjoyed a very nice breakfast here: scrambled eggs with crispy bacon, pancakes, a good soft tasting coffee and even an espresso-tonic.
The staff is friendly and the place is wheelchair friendly with ramps and a large toilet.
Such a nice coffee spot to work at or grab a treat with friends. Quickly becoming one of my fav places in Paris: coffee tastes amazing, sweet treats are perfect and the service is always welcoming and warm.
A very customer-friendly place! The staff speaks excellent English, and even as a tourist, you feel genuinely welcome. The food is incredibly tasty and priced very reasonably—our meals were around €15 each.
One unique feature is that they roast their own coffee beans on-site. It creates a bit of noise, but it’s also fascinating to watch the process up close.
From the photos, the place looked bigger, but we arrived at just the right time and managed to get a great table.
They have very pretty toilet too!
Highly recommended for both the food and the warm atmosphere!
Top class breakfast - well cooked and great portions.
Staff and people are so friendly and kind.
Café Crème
| Address | 4 Rue Dupetit-Thouars, 75003 Paris |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | 01 83 92 89 98 |
Great cafe and very cute ambiance. We needed an early morning breakfast - this opens at 8. Coffee was amazing - I had two cups!! Avocado toast with poached eggs was the highlight!
Omelette with ham was also perfectly cooked - so soft and fluffy. Obsessed with the mustard salad dressing ❤️
We had a lovely lunch !
We recommend, very popular with Parisians too which is a great sign !
Ordered brioche with avocado and pain perdu. Second one was ok. But brioche with avocado was like from yesterday!! Not fresh at all! Don’t
recommend at all
Great little cafe in a quiet spot. Nice outside seating that lets you soak in the sun, and a cozy interior.
The food was very good. I had Eggs Benedict with Salmon. The eggs were cooked perfectly, everything was super fresh and flavorful. Coffee is great, and fresh juices delicious.
The service is attentive, very friendly (even with my non-existing French language skills), and works with a smile.
Came back the same day for coffee and cake and did not regret it 🙂
Ooh la la. Its a wonderful café experience. packed at the right times but not so crazy packed you can't get in. The people watching, the small tables with the QR code menu's it all works. Oh yes and the food is quite tasty. Everything flows with abundance and there is no shortage of delightful choices on the menu. Its a stop I plan on making when I am in Paris.
Odette
| Address | 77 Rue Galande, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Phone | 01 43 26 13 06 |
What a great find. A lovely coffee and cake stop with a view of the Notre Dame in the distance. Staff are friendly and helpful. I took advantage of the outdoor seating to give my feet a rest and admired the view whilst people watching.
We ordered the Raspberry and Passionfruit Choux. The textures were nice, a lightly crisped exterior with soft interior. We preferred the raspberry over the passionfruit but wish the flavours in both were stronger.
Lovely place, and delicious pastries. Optimal location with le Notre Dame De Paris view.
Very expensive, and very tasty as expected.
One star less for not providing a glass of water when ordering espresso and pastries.
We tried their iconic cream puffs. I had never had a cream puff before so I expected them to be warm. Just a heads up that they aren't, but they were still delicious and hype worthy.
After going to NotreDame, I visited this cute yet ting store selling only choux. I asked the girl which was their best seller and they mentioned vanilla and pistachios. I decided to get the pistachio one, it’s €2.80 per piece. Yum, I finished it in 4 bites. I thought the “decoration” piece on top of the choux was chocolate but it wasn’t and I think it’s fondant sugar which was quite disappointing. They have few seats in front of store and few more upstairs. I’d recommend this place if you’re looking for something sweet and quick to get around Notre Dame.
Café de Flore
| Address | 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 1:30 AM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 1:30 AM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 1:30 AM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 1:30 AM Friday: 7:30 AM – 1:30 AM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 1:30 AM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 1:30 AM |
| Phone | 01 45 48 55 26 |
Visiting Paris for a few short days and my son saw this restaurant on TikTok or Instagram, and wanted us to try it.
What a fantastic experience.
The service was great, the food delicious and the ambiance perfect for a café breakfast!
We were worried we wouldn’t be able to get in, but we were able to but had to sit inside.
Don’t regret it!
The signature hot chocolate is a true masterpiece, tasting like pure 'liquid chocolate' in a cup. The French onion soup is equally impressive, offering the natural, clean sweetness of caramelized onions. The omelettes are expertly prepared with a perfect texture, while the croissants are exceptionally flaky on the outside, revealing buttery, well-defined layers within. Worthy to try them.
Café de Flore is worth visiting at least once for its iconic status and classic Paris café atmosphere. What we had was good and enjoyable, though not exceptional. The service was formal, professional, and high-level, but a little reserved rather than warm or lively. The place definitely has a Parisian vibe, but it also feels quite touristic and “viral” at this point. In my view, there are other cafés in Paris that feel more authentically Parisian, but Café de Flore is still a nice experience if you want to visit one of the city’s most famous spots. Be prepared for premium pricing.
What a sweet little Parisian experience at the famous Café de Flore! There was a line of people waiting to get in, which already told us this place was something special, and it absolutely lived up to the hype.
Of course, we had to try the legendary Special Flore dark chocolate with whipped cream. Oh my goodness… rich, creamy, and incredibly decadent. Definitely be careful not to burn yourself, it comes piping hot! 😄 We paired it with the classic French Napoleon pastry, and together they made the perfect combo.
The atmosphere felt timeless and authentic, like stepping into a classic Paris café scene. A must-visit spot whether you’re a traveler exploring Paris or simply looking for a memorable dessert and hot chocolate experience. Absolutely delicious!
🍽️
Food fell flat. The hype sets an impossibly high bar — and the kitchen doesn't clear it. Below expectation for the price and the reputation.
📍
Inside seating is a miss. The clatter of plates and the cramped interior strip away any of the legendary Left Bank romance. The terrace is where the magic lives.
🤵
Service was a genuine highlight — attentive, warm, and unhurried. A welcome contrast to the food.
🚻
The bathroom deserves its own mention. Genuinely impressive — a small, unexpected delight.
Shakespeare and Company Café
| Address | 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 01 43 25 95 95 |
The coffee was good, and the atmosphere was fairly quiet and relaxing. There was almost no queue when I visited, which was nice. However, the cinnamon roll didn’t seem fresh and was quite dry. There was also no fork or other cutlery provided for the cinnamon roll, so I had to eat it with my hands. It was pretty warm inside as well, which made it a little uncomfortable to sit for a long time. Overall, a nice spot for coffee, but the pastry and overall experience could be better.
It is a great place to stop by and rest for a while during your trip. There was a wait at the bookstore, but the cafe was uncrowded. I had coffee and dessert, and they were delicious. It was nice that it was close to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Delightful little cafe at the corner next to Shakespeare and Company with counter service for a few tables inside and outside. They have a creative list of drinks, little shop of items with their logo, and decor punctuated with thoughtfully chosen books. It's a restful place to discuss with your friends or journal how much you enjoyed the store.
Lovely. I had been really excited to check out the bookstore for the less than 24 hours I had in town, but sadly it didn't open until I had to leave. Instead I got to have a lovely breakfast here! They had fantastic service despite being super slammed. They were so helpful when it turned out some treats were out of stock and gave us replacements with no issue. Definitely stop by it was lovely with live music playing outside on the street.
Beautiful café with a souvenir boutique. The baristas are always busy and the waiting could take some time. Their coffee is delicious but not quiet the best in Paris. The match is not my favorite, a bit water diluted.
Insider Tips for Enjoying Aesthetic Cafés near Notre-Dame
While these venues are stunning, navigating the Parisian café scene requires a bit of local knowledge to ensure your experience is as smooth as the crème in your coffee. The flow of service, the timing of your visit, and the way you order can drastically change your experience. Here is how to make the most of your café hopping around the cathedral.
- Respect the "Service Continu" vs. Kitchen Hours: Many aesthetic cafés in Paris serve coffee all day, but their kitchens often close between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. If you are hoping for a full brunch or a pastry selection, arrive before 2:30 PM. If you only want drinks, the late afternoon is actually the quietest and most photogenic time to visit.
- Embrace the "Terrasse" but Sit Strategically: The outdoor terraces are perfect for people-watching but often come with a premium price for table service. If you want the aesthetic without the surcharge, sit at the counter or "comptoir" inside. It is also where you will get the best view of the barista’s craft and often the best lighting for photography.
- Look for Local Roasters: A truly great aesthetic café will proudly display the name of its coffee roaster. Look for names like Kawa, Café Lomi, or Brûlerie de Belleville. If you see these brands, you know the café prioritizes quality over just looks, ensuring your flat white tastes as good as the interior looks.
- Navigate the Crowds with Timing: Because this area is a tourist hub, these beautiful spaces get crowded quickly. The golden hours for photos are at opening time (usually 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM) or just after the lunch rush clears out around 3:00 PM. Avoid visiting immediately after Mass lets out at Notre-Dame or on Sunday afternoons.
- Carry Small Change and a Smile: While most places accept cards, a few traditional counters have minimums. More importantly, a polite "Bonjour" upon entering and a "Merci, au revoir" upon leaving is non-negotiable etiquette. Engaging with the staff will often unlock the best table recommendations and a warmer, more authentic experience.
As you step out of the shadow of the great cathedral, the scent of roasting beans and melted butter will guide you. These streets have long been the stomping grounds of writers, philosophers, and artists who found inspiration in the bottom of a coffee cup. By choosing one of these aesthetic havens, you are not just taking a break; you are participating in a century-old Parisian ritual.
Take your time exploring the side streets, and do not be afraid to wander into a place simply because the light hits the façade beautifully. Paris is a city meant to be savored slowly, and these cafés provide the perfect stage for your own memories. Whether you are seeking the perfect Instagram frame or simply a quiet corner to rest your feet, you will find your place here, just a stone’s throw from the heart of Paris.
