After spending a morning wandering through the masterpieces of Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir, the sensory overload can leave you craving a quiet corner and a strong espresso. The area immediately surrounding the Musée d’Orsay is a bustling nexus of Parisian culture, yet it is surprisingly well-equipped with intimate spaces to decompress.
However, finding a quality café in a high-traffic tourist zone requires a bit of local knowledge. You want to avoid the overpriced tourist traps that serve bitter coffee with a side of indifference.
This guide focuses on places that prioritize quality, atmosphere, and authentic Parisian hospitality. Whether you need a flaky croissant, a hearty lunch, or a glass of natural wine, these spots offer the perfect respite.
We have curated a list that balances historic institutions with modern specialty coffee shops. Each entry offers something unique, from architectural splendor to the perfect flat white.
Because the Musée d’Orsay sits on the border of the 6th and 7th arrondissements, you are ideally positioned to explore the chic streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. You do not need to walk far to find a gem.
Prepare to trade the crowds of the museum for the gentle clinking of porcelain and the hum of quiet conversation. Here are the best places to refuel before or after your cultural immersion.
Café d’Orsay

| Address | 73 Rue de Lille, 75007 Paris |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 01 45 48 80 79 |
Kuroisen★★★★★
This place is simply magical! The food was absolutely delicious — we had the onion soup, and it was the best onion soup both my mother and I have ever had! They also have an amazing crème brûlée 🙂
The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, and the waiters were wonderful! One of the waitresses even spoke our language — we are from Ukraine.
We came to Paris for vacation, so if you want to enjoy a delicious meal after a walk in a beautiful and cozy place, this is definitely the perfect spot for you!
Baratha Dodawatta★★★★☆
I tried their signature chicken dish and a ribeye steak. Both were well prepared and tasty.
However, do not buy water here, as it is very expensive. Other than that, I have no complaints. The staff were nice too.
Zongjin M★★★★★
I had a great experience dining here by myself. The juice was especially fresh and tasty. I would like to give special thanks to Mary for her excellent service. She was very friendly, attentive, and welcoming throughout my visit. Her positive attitude and professionalism made my dining experience even more enjoyable.
Melvin Low★★★★★
Great restaurant, great food and great service from our waiter, Tom! The foie gras is goose liver (not duck in most other restaurants). Duck confit was exquisite. Tom is a hardworking and very honest waiter that provides excellent service. I’ll give this a Michelin star if I get to recommend. Right next to Musee d’Orsay. Love it!!
Matthew de Monte★★★☆☆
Popped in for a quick bite to eat before visiting the museum.
Decent enough food. Tasty. However when asked ‘would you like fries or a salad with your Croque Monsieur?’ I made the assumption either came with it. You would, wouldn’t you, especially as it was €15.
However neither does. An extra €6 for a salad. When the bill came I queried it and was fobbed off saying it wasn’t meant like it. No apology. No refund.
Such a shame as the food was very good and the service, up until that point, friendly.
Of course the restaurant will say they didn’t mean it. That the extras were not referenced on the menu. To me, they did mean it and I fell for it, like a lot of tourists would.
If customer service and satisfaction was important they’d have taken off the €’s for the salads as this was obviously a mistake. They didn’t.
Go, as, although expensive it’s good, but beware of falling for the ‘language’ used. Don’t get ripped off.
Café des Muses

| Address | café, 19 Quai Voltaire, 75007 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 | — |
Angelyn Starr★★★★★
It's a lovely quiet cafe near the Louvre. The ice latte was very refreshing on a 90°F day. Our server, Nadim, was very kinda and funny. Highly recommend stopping by this charming cafe in Paris!
Kathleen Ta★★★★★
A relaxing coffee and cocktail experience. Nadim, the bar manager, gave our tired selves time to decompress and enjoy our not-too-sweet iced lattes, before striking up conversation. Because he was running out of basil, he offered a rosemary gin cocktail, instead. He even had us try some ginger taster, in case we preferred that. Attached to the hotel, it has air conditioning, beautiful decor, both street and attached entrances, and outdoor tables.
Gail M. Ferguson★★★★★
I visited this gem of a cafe twice recently. First, I stopped by the sidewalk patio for a cold mocktail on a hot afternoon of sightseeing (the basil + lime was crisp and refreshing). I noticed the classic and serene decor inside and was told there was a special “barman” who made custom cocktails only in the later afternoon/evenings, so I returned the following evening for reading with a cocktail. The Barman, Nadim, was, indeed, there and made me a fantastic cocktail featuring the sweetest, ripest oranges 🍊 I have ever had in a cocktail (but only after a good chat about my preferences and having me taste + approve the tequila he recommended for the cocktail before he made it). The cocktail 🍸 was quite memorable and the service was even better. We chatted about art and travel and, when I asked, he offered me a few specific recommendations for my remaining days in Paris based on what I wanted to do. I actually went to the restaurant and the Seine cruise he recommended and they were spot on! Unfortunately, the cruise ran long and I ran out of time to return and say thanks in person so a BIG virtual thanks to Nadim till next time. Stay classy Cafe Des Muses.
Anthony Felix★★★★★
I came for the croque monsieur and the review of inventive cocktails. The croque monsieur wasn’t the best I’ve had in Paris but it was solid. I really enjoyed talking with Nadim, the bartender who is able to make off-menu cocktails. Not only can he mix ideas of his own, he makes his own infusions. That was the highlight. The quiet setting so close to a busy street was delightful.
Megan CS★★★★★
Lovely cafe along the river bank. Nadim our server was so lovely and created some delicious cocktails and mocktails for us group of girls.
Café de l'Empire

| Address | 17 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 01 40 15 60 61 |
Trusha Shah★★★★★
You must visit this place when in Paris. Visited after leaving Musée d’Orsay.
- great location.
- even better atmosphere
- all staff especially Nola were exceptionally friendly and patient with us.
- my first French meal in Paris was everything I’d dreamt it would be.
- the food, wine and service were without fault.
- the prices were surprisingly very very reasonable especially as we had just considered a couple of other restaurants nearby and walked away.
What a fantastic experience of Paris and their lovely hospitality.
THANK YOU 🙏❤️
Terēze Putniņa★★★★★
Amazing place, super nice staff, delicious food!
Duck confit! Ahh! ❤️
Twe waiter was great, he even suggested a different wine to go with my food and brought some for me to taste. And suggestion really worked very well!
Highly recommend!
Very cozy also, and great music!
Rafał C★★★★☆
Café de l’Empire – a good lunch
We stopped here for lunch and overall, we were happy with it. Good food, friendly and efficient service, and a pleasant Parisian atmosphere. Nothing spectacular, but everything was just as it should be. A good place for lunch while sightseeing.
Nina V★★★☆☆
We selected this place to grab a fast and reasonably priced dinner after coming off a long train ride. Pros: typical bistro menu (reasonably priced), very professional head of waitstaff, seating possibilities near windows. Cons: quality was not very good (fish overcooked, salad with few greens that wilt under the warm meat), you ate dining within 6 inches of your neighbor. It fulfilled my expectation of being a quick dinner but would not come back again.
LEI★★★★★
I ordered duck and a dessert. Both were delicious. The portion of duck was really big. The service was great and the staff were very patient. The price is reasonable too. Highly recommend this place!
A little incident: I left my power bank on the chair. Luckily, a nearby customer and a waiter helped keep it safe. I’m so glad I got it back. Thanks again to both of you ❤️
Les Antiquaires

| Address | 13 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | 01 42 61 08 36 |
Davy Saputra★★★★★
Amazing service from Esteban, thank you very much for the great lunch together with my parents. He gave great hospitality and rapid service. Please allow tipping possibility by card.
Seabass, duck, and meat were all 10/10. Great authentic french dishes of the highest quality and great location.
Irina★★★★★
An unforgettable lunch experience! The atmosphere is absolutely wonderful, creating the perfect setting for a memorable meal. Every dish was of exceptional quality, showcasing outstanding French cuisine. The service was fast, friendly, and professional, making us feel truly welcome from start to finish. We left genuinely impressed and are already looking forward to coming back to try the rest of the menu. Highly recommended!
luna low★★★★★
Such a lovely meal! The atmosphere was really nice and relaxed, the food was delicious especially the Tortiglioni Serrano, definitely my favourite! 😋
A little shout-out to Goksel for looking after us so well too super friendly, attentive and genuinely lovely. He definitely made our evening even nicer. Merci beaucoup, Goksel! 🥂🫰
Jane Peh★★★★★
Enjoyed our time a lot, thanks for the wonderful food and experience!
My husband loved it so much that we came back again for his birthday. Seafood is amazing, linguine is awesome.
Everything is fantastic
Radosveta Ilieva★★★★★
An amazing restaurant! That’s the best way I can describe it.
It was only a five-minute walk from our hotel, which is why we chose it, and it also had excellent Google reviews. It absolutely lived up to the hype and was definitely worth visiting!
There were four of us, and each person ordered two dishes. Every single one was outstanding—there wasn’t a single thing we didn’t enjoy.
Our waitress was kind, friendly, and fun. She patiently answered all of our questions, and when we accidentally ordered two of the same dish, she happily changed one of them without any issue.
The food was simply incredible—I honestly wish I could be back there eating it again. The service was a perfect 10/10. We didn’t have to wait long, and we felt genuinely welcomed throughout the evening.
Even though the restaurant was completely full all night, they still managed to find a table for us, which we really appreciated.
I would absolutely come back again without hesitation!
Saint Pearl Musée d’Orsay

| Address | 86 Rue de l'Université, 75007 Paris |
| 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: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 01 45 01 20 53 |
Craig Carey★★★★★
Gorgeous little spot. We went for brunch. The menu isn’t exhaustive but it had enough savoury and sweet choice. The food was really well presented and very tasty! I had the very generous “English Toast” which had egg and avocado as well as deli meat. The staff here run a tight ship - efficient service, attention to detail and courteous. Perfect for small groups or a solo meal. Coffee was also good - some people even came in for takeaway.
Dao Tran★★★★★
A very nice, cozy, and warm place for a bite to eat near the Musée d'Orsay. We had lunch here on June 10, and the service was excellent. The staff was very friendly and incredibly helpful when I asked to have the Burrata cheese served separately for my mother's meal. A great experience overall!
Street Explorer★★★☆☆
The coffee was brought a bit too early, so we had to drink it cold. Aside from that, the staff were understanding. However, it’s a breakfast place with very limited seating space. Unfortunately, at our table for four, none of our dishes were served at the same time.
Μαρία Μαγκαφά★★★★★
We are visiting this beautiful and warm place 3 years now and we are really enjoying and loving. The quality of coffee, the food and the kind staff are the reason for 5 stars. We had visit a lot of coffee places but this won our hearts. Special thanks to Pasi and Sujina for a wonderful smiles.❤️
L K★★★★★
What a pleasant surprise!
Quaint, petit coffeshop.
The cappuccinos were the smoothest we have had while in Paris!
When ordering I asked our server to 'surprise' me.
She did not disappoint!
Café Nano

| Address | 109 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Phone | 01 40 62 98 64 |
Elena Ivanova★★★★★
The place is cozy, calm and beautiful. The food is delicious, the coffee is good and the girl on the bar ia amazing - she is friendly, smily, helpful, positive, adaptive and all alone doing everything by herself- serving, cleaning, making coffee, etc
I arrieved hungry but the kitchen was already closed, but she immediatly offered me a desert and a quiche Lorraine, which is delicious.
Maura★★★★★
Stopped in for a coffee break during a walk around Paris, it was delightful! The interior is cheerful and vibrant, the coffee was just what we needed.
Chrissy Hunnell★★★★☆
The Quiche Lorraine was so delicious, my husband went to thank the chef! A great breakfast spot to visit before stopping by Musée Rodin.
Elli V★★★★★
Stopped by for a quick lunch and it was amazing. The waitress was incredibly friendly and helpful. The food was unbelievable, I got the roast chicken and it fell right off the bone. One of our new favorite spots in Paris.
so so★★★★☆
Cute cafe with a nice environment! The atmosphere and service were great, but the food was just ok. So if you care more about the vibes than taste, this place is great. They literally haul the menu board over lol
The crème brûlée was good, but personally wasn’t a fan of the apple pie. It was sour? Maybe that’s the French way of making the pie though so I’m not too sure. Beef tartare was decent too.
Le Drop Café

| Address | 36 Rue de Bellechasse, 75007 Paris |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 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 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 01 45 51 54 09 |
Anna Petruk★★★★★
The food was very good. I got a salad with grilled chicken - the portion is large, it’s tasty and filling, definitely enough to get as a whole meal by itself. The plat du jour deal was also great. Very filling and tasty. The staff was friendly. Good place to have lunch, but beware that it’s jam-packed and very loud as every centimeter is full of talking people
Greg_and_Ricky★★★★★
I got chicken with mash, and it was great. I also got a chocolate mousse. Our server was excellent. The atmosphere was also great. Not a ton of tourists here either. Overall a great experience.
Steve Mousser★★★★★
Croque monsieur and croque campagnard madame for lunch. Soooo good and excellent fries. Great service. And a bunch of good looking and nice staff. Jeremie was the man today.
Jamie LaFevers★★★★★
Wonderful staff. They encouraged us to try new drinks, helped us explore new flavors and practice our French in a friendly atmosphere. This bar is also in a great location for sightseeing. They have a “French toast” dessert that is excellent and goes great with a coffee or cocktail.
Courtney Burgtorf★★★★☆
A great find in the Saint Germain neighborhood! We happened upon this place after another restaurant did suit our needs. We were seated right away and the staff were friendly and attentive. They were accommodating of my husband’s allergies to nuts and peanuts. We started with the eggs and mayonnaise then I ordered the onion soup while my husband had the steak and fries. Everything was very tasty! The atmosphere was laid back and enjoyable. Definitely recommend!
Galette Café

| Address | 2 Rue de l'Université, 75007 Paris |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | 01 42 60 22 04 |
Shermin A★★★★★
We dropped into Galette Café on a hot July afternoon to get out of the sun and treat ourselves to some ice cream. It wasn't crowded at all, and the ice cream exceeded all expectations, it was really, really good!
It’s a very cute, accessible little spot with friendly staff. Prices are a tad higher than average for Paris, but the quality, calm atmosphere, and great service made it totally worth it.
Caren Speier★★★★★
In a word…fabulous! The galettes were spectacular, the dessert options were delicious. I traveled with a picky eater and she loved it. The vibe is cool and comfortable. It was a 15 minute walk from the Louvre and the perfect spot for us.
mocha★★★★★
This Cafe was so good. All the crepes were delicious! All the staffs were so friendly. Highly recommend!
Alice Cappelli★★★★★
Fabulous. We came back twice for lunch, the galettes are amazing!
The restaurant is cozy and small, located in the city center, at only 5 mins from le musee d’Orsay.
The savoury galettes are delicious, crispy and tasteful, with many options offered. Portions are quite generous, and perfect for a savoury + sweet crepe.
I recommend trying the super complete to have a full experience. As a dessert, try the suzette to have a nice and fun flambé experience.
Prices are fair, and this is a perfect lunch spot to try something typical and quick.
Definitely a place I will come back to in my future trips to Paris!🥞🔥
Geraldo Duarte★★★★★
It is impressive that right in the middle of Paris's main tourist area, you can find service as friendly and welcoming as what Roman provides at Galette Café.
The atmosphere is incredibly cozy, and the galettes and crepes are among the best we’ve ever had in France. We tried the Super Complète, the 3-cheese galette (a new off-menu addition that was absolutely delicious), and the sweet crepes! Top-tier cuisine!
Proof that authentic French charm is still alive and well.
Café Campana

| Address | 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 4:45 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 4:45 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM – 8:45 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 4:45 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 4:45 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4:45 PM |
| Phone | 01 45 49 47 03 |
Baruck Tegegn★★★★☆
We had lunch at Café Campana inside the Musée d’Orsay and ordered the chicken cooked in curry sauce with almond rice, as well as the ricotta and spinach ravioli with ratatouille.
The food was tasty, and the restaurant has a beautiful, artistic atmosphere that fits perfectly with the museum. However, the portions were quite small, so I would not recommend it if you are very hungry. The café can also get quite busy, and the service was a little slow at times.
Overall, it is a nice place to take a break, enjoy a meal, and relax after walking around the museum.
Celia SO Paris private tours guide★★★★★
Not many Orsay museum consider to have lunch here but that is a mistake.
It is my second time to eat here and I do recommend. My curry rice with chicken was delicious. It is so good that I have not left a single grain of rice. I also follow the recommendation of our waitress, Magali for the dessert of the day, un éclaire aux passion fruit…, very good too.
The price is very reasonable: 21€ for the curry chicken rice and 11€ for the dessert of the day. It is not expensive in the area. The food is good thought not a lot of choices. Our waitress Magali was efficient and pleasant.
After the enjoyable lunch break, we are able to continue our walk in the fabulous Orsay museum.
Chinchu Jayaprakash★★★☆☆
Made a stop here after a lovely visit to the Musee d'Orsay. Staff seem overwhelmed as they are almost always full. Prices are steep! Also, remember to check cafe timings as they close early and do not seat you if you try to enter around closing time.
Gastronomía Europa★★★★★
What a beautiful room sitting bellow magical clock and hand cast brass bell lamps and contemporary wire art dividers . After being on your feet ticking off master piece after masterpiece it’s a perfect spot to kick back with a drink and some simple food . We went for a carafe of house red wine ( Languedoc) quiche and salad and whilst on the expensive side overall it’s worth the experience.
moon miri12★★★☆☆
I ordered the carrote cake and was quite disappointed by the presentation. For 7€ I expect a bit more than that.
The Cake was still good, but they could have put a bit more effort into it. I mean its in a museum.
The employees were very friendly and nice, they were in a good mood even when it was quite busy.
Happy Caffé

| Address | 214 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 09 53 52 96 91 |
Ziyan Luo★★★★★
Savory crêpes here are so good that we ended up ordering a second one after finishing the first. Highly recommend the kebab + cheese + egg combination — super flavorful and satisfying. We also tried the banana chocolate crêpe for dessert and it was delicious too. Definitely worth a visit!
gr8tfish gr8tfish★★★★★
You will be missing out if you don’t eat here. The 6 gentlemen work like clockwork, knowing what the other is thinking. Efficient, friendly, small establishment that’s big on taste, value, and team work. The New York sandwich is great sandwich that starts with a nice crunch of the French baguette. The crepes are exceptionally large and loaded, and packed with flavour and freshness. This is a bucket list restaurant for lunch that’s outstanding value. My kids loved the food. You guys are brilliant, thank you.
Joshua Whitby★★★★★
Happy Café was such a fun stop for us—definitely one we’ll remember!
We ordered two Nutella crepes, a Kinder Bueno crepe, a Nutella crepe with pistachio ice cream, and a marshmallow-topped donut, and everything was delicious. The crepes were warm, soft, and generously filled (we clearly couldn’t get enough of the Nutella 😄). The Kinder Bueno crepe was super indulgent and perfect for chocolate lovers, and the Nutella crepe with pistachio ice cream was a great combo—rich, creamy, and a little different. The donut topped with marshmallows was also a fun, sweet treat.
But by far, the highlight was the owner. He was absolutely hilarious and created such a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. He made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived, which really made the whole experience stand out.
Great desserts, amazing vibes, and an owner who truly makes the place special—we’d definitely come back!
J Cumlin★★★★★
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best Milkshakes and coffee in opposite big wheel. Paris – Bon Appétit!
If you’re looking for one of the best milkshakes in Paris, this place is a must-visit! The milkshakes are incredibly rich, creamy, and perfectly blended with high-quality ingredients. Every sip is packed with flavor, and the presentation is just as impressive as the taste.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff are friendly and attentive, making the whole experience even better. Whether you’re craving a classic chocolate shake or something more indulgent, you won’t be disappointed.
Highly recommended for anyone with a sweet tooth. Bon appétit!
Sim B★★★★★
Happy Café definitely lives up to its name. The people here are genuinely kind, friendly, and seem to enjoy what they do. The menu has plenty of great options, and everything we ordered was fresh and delicious. You can really see why it’s called Happy Café. It’s not just the food, it’s the people. We’d happily come back the next time we’re in Paris.
One small thing that really stood out: one of our orders was taking a little longer than expected, and since it was such a hot day, the staff brought us complimentary lemon drinks while we waited to make sure we stayed hydrated. It’s little gestures like that which turn a good meal into a memorable experience.
La Bonne Excuse

| Address | 48 Rue de Verneuil, 75007 Paris |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 01 42 61 50 21 |
Leslie Taylor★★★★☆
I was unable to get to my Seine River dinner and was feeling a little sorry for myself. Walking back to my hotel, I came upon La Bonne Excuse. What a lucky find! I had a delightful solo dinner - excellent food, nice wine and lovely proprietors. I had the foie gras—yum! Not something I eat often but it was delicious, served with a red jelly which added a nice touch. Then I had the asparagus starter which was very different, but delicious. It was white asparagus, lightly grilled, with some bits of salty ham. I know, sounds strange, but it was very good. Had the vanilla ice cream with chocolate fondant. A couple of glasses of white burgundy topped it off.
CHU HO★★★★★
One of the best dining experiences in Paris. This restaurant is owned by a cute French couple, the lady talks perfect English. She is professional with her job. I was impressed by the food. The ingredients that the chef uses is super fresh. Highly recommend.
Stella★★★★☆
The place is not massive so if you come for lunch it’s best to reserve. We had a lunch menu and a la carte. The avocado sauce with shrimp was delightful. The sauce on the salmon with risotto was lovely, but the risotto was too cooked for my taste. The sauce on the beef was delicious.
The only thing we didn’t appreciate was that they served people who came after us first, because they were in a hurry. It was during lunch break, so we went back quite late because of the delay.
cy c★★★★★
A family vibe bistro with high quality, balanced and matching ingredient selection and combination. Tuna, salmon and prawn are all fresh and excellently flavored. The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming.
CC Mok★★★★★
Cozy little gem near the musee d'orsay. Friendly and attentive service, although 2 person running the restaurant (includes the kitchen) instead of feeling left out, it's much more personal and warm. Sometimes the chef will bring the dishes and you can mingle with him. The server is very friendly and speaks English well and you can tell she is genuinely happy to serve. We have a wonderful meal there, will definitely recommend the place.
PS tonight's guail is excellent, the sauce is sweet and rich plus the grapes adding a touch of sweetness and freshness makes perfect balance.
Le Pont Royal Cafe

| Address | 8 Rue du Bac, 75007 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: Closed |
| Phone | 01 84 05 35 22 |
Flam★★★☆☆
Nice spot overall. The pizza was good and the atmosphere was pleasant. However, the orange juice was a bit too watery and felt overpriced for €5, especially given the small quantity. The service could be warmer — I said thank you a few times and didn’t get a response, which was a bit off-putting. That said, the food itself was enjoyable.
Julio Cesar Mayo Chavez★★★★★
Le Pont Royal Café gave me the best espresso I’ve ever had in my life. I ordered the Café expresso aromatisé noisette, vanille—and it was absolutely heavenly. I’ve been searching for something even remotely close ever since and nothing compares. One day I hope to return to Paris just to sit here again and relive that unforgettable moment. This espresso shot is a memory I’ll carry with me forever. A must-visit for coffee lovers!
The lettuce though didn’t look that fresh and the customer service, well don’t expect above and being service like in the USA, they do speak English though
Celestine Ong★★☆☆☆
We ordered a pizza and roasty chicken. Pizza was alright, like usually we get outside. Chicken was bad, so dry and unfresh. It has been kept for long said one of us who is a chef. Service was bad. Being impolite and impatient towards customers. Not recommended.
Patrik Pítr★★★☆☆
Kinda cozy place with kind stuff. I was dissapointed with the food. Ribsteak was dry and stiff. Duck was prepared a bit better. WC was nightmare. Small and messy. Prices were OK.
Catia Cimen★★★★☆
Such a lovely place cozy and my sallad was perfect , pity my father didnt like his own pizza , but my sisters tested the duck and chicken and was deliciouse we took dessert also and the creme brulée was awesome the one - star was because of the pizza
Tips for Choosing a Café near the Musée d’Orsay
Navigating the Parisian café scene can be daunting, especially when you are tired from walking through the vast galleries of the Orsay. The difference between a magical break and a disappointing one often comes down to a few key details. Here is what you need to know to ensure you pick the right spot for your mood and budget.
Check the pricing tiers: In Paris, the price of your coffee changes depending on where you sit. The cheapest option is standing at the bar (au comptoir), followed by sitting inside, while the most expensive option is sitting on the terrace. If you are on a budget but want the view, grab a quick espresso at the counter before moving on.
Look for "Torréfacteur" or "Café de Spécialité": If you are a coffee enthusiast, standard café espresso can be harsh and overly bitter. Look for signs that say "Torréfacteur" (roaster) or "Café de Spécialité." These establishments source high-quality beans and train their baristas properly, ensuring a smoother, more flavorful cup.
Understand the "Service Continu": Many traditional French restaurants stop serving food between 2:30 PM and 7:00 PM. If you are visiting the museum late in the afternoon and want a meal, look for signs that say "Service Continu." This indicates the kitchen remains open all day, which is a lifesaver for jet-lagged travelers.
Don’t be afraid to linger: In France, a café is not just a place to ingest caffeine; it is an extension of the living room. Once you have ordered, the table is yours. You are not expected to leave quickly. Take your time to rest your feet, write in your journal, or people-watch without feeling pressured by the staff.
Ask for "Une Carafe d’Eau": Staying hydrated is essential, especially after hours in a climate-controlled museum. Tap water is free and safe to drink in Paris. Asking for a carafe of water with your coffee is standard practice and will save you from buying expensive bottled water.
As the afternoon light fades over the Seine, there is no better feeling than knowing you have found your perfect corner of Paris. Whether you chose a gilded historic dining room or a minimalist modern coffee bar, the pause is an essential part of the travel experience.
The proximity of these cafés to the river makes a post-coffee stroll along the banks a natural next step. Take the time to savor not just the drink, but the unique rhythm of the Left Bank that surrounds this iconic museum.
Freya Belle is a content writer and travel journalist specializing in European destinations. With experience exploring over 30 European countries, she focuses on providing in-depth guides to authentic cuisine, historical culture, and hidden gems often overlooked by mainstream tourists. Her writing helps travelers experience Europe like a local.