Stepping out of the shadow of the great cathedral, with its freshly cleaned limestone gleaming under the Parisian sky, often works up an appetite. The area surrounding Notre-Dame is not just a monument to history; it is a living, breathing neighborhood with a vibrant coffee culture. Finding the right spot to rest your feet and sip a perfect espresso is an essential part of the experience.
However, the streets immediately adjacent to major landmarks are often filled with overpriced tourist traps serving bitter coffee and stale pastries. As a visitor, you deserve better than a mediocre cup in a plastic cup. You want to experience the authentic rhythm of Parisian life, where locals linger over a noisette and students sketch in the corners of quiet rooms.
This guide cuts through the noise to bring you the highest quality coffee experiences within walking distance of the cathedral. Whether you are seeking a specialty single-origin pour-over, a decadent hot chocolate, or simply a quiet corner to read a map, the Left and Right Banks offer distinct atmospheres. We have evaluated these locations based on bean quality, barista skill, atmosphere, and proximity to the iconic landmark.
The Île de la Cité and the neighboring Latin Quarter are dense with history, but they are also dense with hidden gems. From tiny standing-room-only bars to cozy cellars with vaulted stone ceilings, the variety is staggering. You do not need to sacrifice quality for convenience when you are standing in the heart of Paris.
We understand that your time in the city is precious, and walking an extra ten minutes for a bad cup of coffee is a tragedy. That is why we have curated a list that balances geographic proximity with undeniable quality. You will find options for a quick caffeine fix before entering the towers, as well as spots for a leisurely brunch after your visit.
The definition of a "café" here ranges from modern specialty roasters to traditional Parisian institutions. We believe variety is the spice of life, and your palate might crave a modern flat white just as much as a classic café crème. All of these establishments welcome tourists but maintain the high standards demanded by the local clientele.
Without further ado, here is our curated selection of the finest places to get a coffee fix near the beating heart of Paris.
Café Panis
| Address | 21 Quai de Montebello, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| 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 🤗❤️
La Flânerie Notre-Dame
| Address | 4 Rue du Cloitre Notre Dame, 75004 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 09 87 15 53 33 |
This place is amazing. Must go. Extremely sweet and generous workers and owners, really delicious food. The quiche with side salad was incredible. Better than I can make at home. The pastries are also delicious. Lives up to the high ratings.
Very good service! Croissants and drinks are nice as well. The cafe located super close to Notre dame, very good choice for take a break here.
Great cafe next to Notre Dame. Special thanks to Archet’s services and making nice Sunday morning coffees for me and my family to enjoy.
Friendly staff, nice pastries, quiet spot - most tourists don’t bother to walk around ND…
Very welcoming and helpful. The food was delicious. I can't get enough chocolate pistachio pastries!
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 Crème de Paris Notre-Dame
| Address | 1 Quai Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:30 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:30 AM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 01 43 26 16 37 |
Quick and friendly service. Really cool interior. Great quality food and decent sizes which makes it good value for the price you pay. Only 4 stars because it‘s rather loud inside and because the salad that came with the waffle was not at all to my taste.
I didn’t have much time in Paris to try different crepes for comparison, but I found this one to be really good — and the portion was big!
Chilean Tourist 🙋🏽♀️We went on a Tuesday at 2 PM, and the place was full. There was a short line, but we only waited about ten minutes to get a table.
📍The Venue:
The place has the feel of a traditional French café — cute and on the smaller side. All the seating is indoors, mostly tables for two. You can definitely go with a group, but you might have to wait a bit longer for a larger table.
🥞What we ordered:
Nutella, Strawberry & Banana Crêpe: The batter was thicker than other crêpes I’ve had before, but it was delicious and not overly sweet. We added a scoop of ice cream, which was a nice touch!
They also offer a free jar of water, which is always appreciated.
🧑🍳The Service:
The staff was really friendly, and our order came out quickly.
🅿️Parking:
As far as I know, they don’t have dedicated parking.
💭Final Thoughts:
For my first time trying a crêpe in Paris, it was a great experience! The food was tasty, the service was good, and I’d definitely come back.
Great experience at La Crème de Paris Notre-Dame. I came back because I remembered how nice it was to sit here with a view of Notre-Dame, and it was just as enjoyable this time. The crêpes were delicious — I had the chicken crêpe and the honey crêpe — and the location is hard to beat. Beautiful atmosphere, friendly service, and a perfect place to relax while enjoying Paris. I’ll definitely come back again on another visit.
Highly recommend this incredible creperie! It’s situated on the corner facing the Notre Dame with beautiful views from the open windows. The crepes were incredible and the best gelato! So delicious we had to return the following day! Service was great with mint infused water provided and QR code with ability to pay with your phone after your meal to save time.
Although the place is near a very touristy spot, the prices are reasonable, except for the smoothy which seemed a bit expensive.
The sweet banana Nutella crêpe was nice, but the pastromy galette was just ok. Nice latte.
La Dame de Paris
| Address | 11 Rue d'Arcole, 75004 Paris |
|---|---|
| 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.
Kozy
| Address | 6 Rue du Petit Pont, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| 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.
Café Madame
| Address | 25 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 01 45 48 82 86 |
Our first meal in Paris.
What a lovely place, such a friendly staff and my roasted eggplant was absolutely delicious, so unique.
My husband had burger, very happy.
Thank you
Highly recommend!
On a quiet residential street near the Luxembourg Gardens. We sat down and our very friendly waitress brought us a bowl of popcorn, which she continually topped up during our stay. Her English was excellent. It has a nice terrace and we enjoyed the atmosphere. Menu was standard bistro fare but what we ordered (Avocado Toast and Bouef Bourguignon) were prepared and presented very well. You have lots of options close by but you’ll be happy if you choose here.
Food was delicious! The atmosphere was very rustic and Parisian. Sitting outside brought the food and the town to life. A very classic experience. The escargot and the French onion soup are to die for. The main Cuisine was ok. But the waiters made up for the steak that was not cooked to perfection.
We had breakfast here before heading out to explore Paris, and it was the perfect start to the day. The café has a quiet, authentic French atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and enjoy the moment. My favorite part was sitting by the open window with a cup of coffee, watching the city wake up. A lovely place for a peaceful breakfast before a day of walking around Paris. Highly recommended!
I had the pleasure of dining at this restaurant, which offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The dish was excellent, and the service was quick and efficient. The staff were friendly, attentive, and welcoming. I highly recommend this restaurant.
Le Soleil d'Or
| Address | 15 Bd du Palais, 75004 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 01 43 54 22 22 |
Food was wonderful and so good. Suzanne was our server and a so sweet and kind. My fave drink is served here … A French 75. Perfect ending to our last night in Paris.
abit tooo over rated.
The stars here dont match the food or ambience expected for the same price.
The food LOOKs quite ok but it was bland and needed much seasoning.
Beef was not as tender or soft as I would like. Potatos were ok.
Pizza was good but it was not as hot or chessy.
The escargots, small, bland. Needs salt.
At the price point. I would have expected ALOT better.
Overall a quick expensive bite near tourist area.
The outdoor area has a nice atmosphere, and the service is very good. There are restrooms available. However, the prices for tourists are high, and bottled water is very expensive. You should order wine or other beverages instead.
I visited this place and was extremely disappointed. It was the worst experience I’ve had in a long time. The cocoa was very bad — watery, with an unpleasant taste, clearly low quality.
I also want to mention the cleanliness: it was dirty, especially the floors and the restroom, which were in poor condition. This immediately ruined the impression and raised serious concerns about hygiene standards.
Superb and fast service. The onion soup was delicious-lots of yummy, gooey cheese. My server, Rosa, spoke fluent English, and was very polite and professional. Aperol Spritz was super-sized and REFRESHINGLY DELICIOUS. I loved Le Soleil d’Or. I wasn’t looking for it, but so glad that I found it. If you want a bite after visiting Notre Dame definitely stop by here, have a bite, a drink, and people watch seated at a sidewalk table.
A. Lacroix Pâtissier
| Address | 11 Quai de Montebello, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| 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!
Le Petit Café
| Address | 6 Rue Descartes, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | 01 44 07 35 69 |
Lovely little cafe just a few blocks from tourist trap hell. Service was excellent and extremely friendly and the food was excellent and a wonderful value. The canopy was perfect to keep us out of the short storm that rolled through while we were there and allowed us to enjoy the rain. Definitely worth the 5 minutes of walking to get there if you are visiting the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
I really liked everything about this place. The staff, the atmosphere, the food and the generous portions, the location and good prices as well. I had fish and chips there which was very good. Also the burger. The coffee is good too.
Frequented by young people but not only, the atmosphere is very lively.
I've been there a few times already and will definitely go again.
Visited here for dinner on our last day on a short break to Paris. Service was friendly and the food was freshly cooked, delicious and good value. Highly recommend.
Wonderful cafe in Paris, among the best food I tasted in the city. Strongly recommended if you want to taste great food. Near to Notre-Dame & Pantheon.
Had a beer and some fries. Nice place. Good and fast service. Good beer at decent prices. The fries were good and they came with some good mayo, although I suspect the ketchup in the Heinz bottle was not Heinz, just some other generic ketchup. 😄
Le Saint-Regis - Paris
| Address | 6 Rue Jean du Bellay, 75004 Paris |
|---|---|
| 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.
Notre dame Restaurant St Germain Paris 5
| Address | 18 Bd Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 01 42 03 53 56 |
This is a very nice restaurant. I enjoyed my food and the cocktail was so good. The service was great. I will definetly be back next time I visit Paris.
We visited this restaurant with our entire family, and we truly enjoyed our experience! Our waiter was excellent, and the food was delicious. We would definitely return!:)
We were a bit apprehensive going in as there was nobody which is usually not a good sign. But the food was delicious, portions generous and reasonably priced. The place was comfortable. The only thing was the service which was a bit slow as there was only 1 server for the whole place. And more people came in after us.
The burratina was very interesting with the poached pears and honey.
The food was amazing! They were accommodating for a large group of people(14). However some of the pizza came out very late, almost took an hour or two after the other food came out. We also asked for plates, however they took forever and we had to ask multiple times. We were lowkey enjoying the vibes and spending time together, so we didn’t notice the wait much. The place has great ambiance. The servers were also nice and understanding!
Sam was the best server! He made our dinner perfect. The dishes were excellent, I suggest the penne with champignons, SUPER GOOD! We will be back for sure ⭐️ use the fork for 50% 🤩
Tips for Enjoying Cafés near Notre-Dame
Navigating the café scene in a high-traffic tourist zone requires a bit of local knowledge. While the establishments listed above are renowned for their quality, understanding the unwritten rules of Parisian coffee culture will elevate your experience. Here is how to make the most of your coffee break near the cathedral.
- Know the difference between the counter and the terrace. In traditional cafés, prices vary depending on where you consume your drink. Standing at the bar (au comptoir) is almost always significantly cheaper than sitting at a table. If you are just stopping for a quick espresso and want to save a few euros, drink it standing at the counter like a true Parisian.
- Order the right drink for the time of day. While tourists often order cappuccinos after dinner, Parisians typically reserve milk-heavy drinks like café crème or cappuccino for the morning. After lunch or in the evening, order a straight espresso, a noisette (espresso with a dash of milk), or a café allongé (an Americano-style long black) to blend in.
- Be prepared for smaller spaces and slower service. Many of the best specialty cafés near the Seine are quite small. During peak hours (10 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 5 PM), you may need to wait for a table. Do not expect the fast-paced turnover of a chain coffee shop; the experience is meant to be savored.
- Pair your coffee with a pastry from the right source. If the café does not bake its own goods, ask the barista where the pastries come from. Most specialty shops source from high-end local bakers. A perfectly laminated croissant paired with a well-extracted espresso is one of the greatest joys of visiting Paris.
- Carry cash and small change. While most modern establishments accept credit cards, some of the older, more traditional counters have a minimum spend for card transactions. Having a few coins for a quick espresso ensures you won’t be caught off guard when you just need a quick caffeine boost.
- Be mindful of your belongings. The area around Notre-Dame is one of the most visited in the world, which unfortunately attracts pickpockets. When sitting on a terrace or placing your bag on the floor inside, keep your phone and wallet secure. Do not leave valuables hanging over the back of your chair.
The area around Notre-Dame has undergone a renaissance in recent years, with a new wave of artisans taking coffee as seriously as the vintners take wine. Whether you are watching the sun hit the rose window from a café terrace or hiding in a cool, stone-walled room on a hot summer day, the perfect cup is never far away. Take your time, watch the world go by, and enjoy the unique blend of history and modernity that defines this neighborhood.
