Best Coffee Shops in Paris: Insider's Guide to The Parisian Coffee scene

Every fall, I head back to Paris to visit my mom’s side of the family who possess an incredible gene that allows them to drink espresso at 10pm and fall asleep just fine afterwards. While I cut off my coffee consumption by noon (if I’m not fighting jet lag), getting coffee in Paris is one of my favorite daily rituals. Whether I’m sipping a noisette in a quiet corner of the 11th arrondissement or ordering a flat white from a specialty coffee shop near the Eiffel Tower, finding the best coffee shops in Paris has become a bit of a hobby.

Let me be clear, you can’t really go wrong ordering coffee in Paris. Any café will have a decent selection, but I’m happy to share my favorites. This guide blends local recommendations, Reddit’s most-loved spots, and a lot of firsthand experience. Whether you’re in one of my favorite arrondissements in Paris and craving a pour-over from a Parisian roaster, a perfect espresso to pair with a croissant, or just a cozy laptop-friendly spot with strong Wi-Fi where you can watch Parisians stroll the streets, these are my must-visits.

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Best Coffee Shops in Paris – My Personal Google Map

If you want to see these laid out in one view (or to navigate how you can go between them!), here’s my custom Google Map of my favorite coffee shops in Paris, ordered by café type:

A Quick Guide to French Café Culture

Two espresso shots with glasses of water on a round café table in the sun, capturing the minimalist vibe of the best coffee shops in Paris.

If you’re coming to Paris from the U.S., coffee might feel like a basic staple. You grab it to-go, sip it in your car, or sip it between meetings. In France? Coffee is an event. It’s a moment to pause and savor, whether that’s in the morning, afternoon, or after watching an amazing evening burlesque show.

Cafés are less about caffeine and more about connection, whether that’s chatting with the person across from you or the people-watching on the street. You’ll notice that locals linger. A single espresso can stretch for 45 minutes, especially if it’s accompanied by a book, cigarette (hey, they’re French), or slow conversation.

There’s no pressure to order fast, finish quickly, or even leave. Tables are yours as long as you want them, and tipping is appreciated but not required. Don’t expect constant check-ins from waitstaff, either. Café service is about giving you space, not rushing you out.

If you’re sitting down at a classic sidewalk café, ordering “à emporter” (to-go) is rare. Parisians like to sit, sip, and stay. Takeaway culture exists more in specialty shops, especially ones run by or catering to expats.

Also, when you sit at a table, you’re often paying a little more than if you order at the bar. That’s normal and part of the experience. You’re not just paying for coffee, you’re paying for real estate in Paris, even if it’s a folding chair on Rue Vieille du Temple.

Yes, You Can Still Work from a Café (With Caveats)

You’ll see people working on laptops, but mostly in modern or specialty cafés. Traditional French cafés aren’t typically designed for digital nomad life.

That being said, I find most cafés these days offer wifi and don’t mind at all if you sit and work, so long as they’re not slammed and you’re taking up a table. Some of my favorite days in Paris have been working on this blog while sipping an espresso.

Most Famous Coffee Shops in Paris

Warm-lit espresso and glass of water on a rainy evening in Paris, seen from a cozy café window. — Rain or shine, coffee in Paris is always a good idea

If you’re trying to hit the famous spots, where Hemingway wrote and are historical institutions, these are the must-visits:

Café de Flore – Saint-Germain-des-Prés

This coffee shop has been a Parisian institution since the 1880s. Think intellectual history, red leather booths, and an espresso that pairs perfectly with people-watching on the terrace. Not a specialty coffee shop, but still worth a trip

Les Deux Magots – Saint-Germain-des-Prés

This is probably the most famous coffee shop for tourists. If sipping coffee where Hemingway once did is on your bucket list, here’s your chance. This historic café leans classic; you can expect a solid café crème (my boyfriend’s go-to order) in a fairly traditional setting.

La Palette – 6th Arrondissement

La Palette has what I’d call a “vintage student hangout turned art scene scene” vibe. Sit outside under the ivy-covered awning with a noisette and a book.

Reddit-Approved Hidden Gem Coffee Shops

bread and a kindle at a coffee shop in paris — You should always, always order bread (in this case, “une tartine”) or pastries with your coffee

I absolutely love going to Reddit to research local hotspots, so I’ve gathered the favorites here. If you’re after the best coffee shops in Paris without the crowds, these are the under-the-radar spots Redditors and locals swear by.

Substance Café – 2nd Arrondissement

This is coffee as performance art. Reserve a seat at the tasting bar for a guided tour of single-origin espressos and filter coffee. Minimalist interior, maximum flavor.

Clove Coffee Shop – Montmartre

Bright, modern, and perfect for escaping the Montmartre crowds (though I love Montmartre). Their rotating selection of beans, often from Scandinavian roasters, makes it a filter coffee favorite.

Dreamin’ Man – 11th Arrondissement

Small space, big heart. This Japanese-style café does pour-overs and pastries like a dream. Tucked away in the 11th, it’s perfect for slow mornings.

Benchy – 6th Arrondissement

Equal parts café and concept store. Come for the coffee (they take espresso seriously), stay for the vintage vibe and curated playlists.

Câlin Matin – 11th Arrondissement

The name means “morning cuddle” and that’s exactly what it feels like. A warm, welcoming spot with great baked goods and standout coffee.

Best Coffee Shops in Paris to Work From

Cappuccino and water glass next to a laptop on a sidewalk café table, perfect for working from one of the best coffee shops in Paris. — Working from coffee shops in Paris makes me infinitely happy

I spend most of my life working remotely, so finding a coffee shop with solid wifi, strong coffee, and that won’t kick me out for having my laptop open is key. These are worth bookmarking:

KB CaféShop – 9th Arrondissement

A true staple in the Paris coffee scene. Big windows, specialty beans, and a spacious setup that welcomes remote workers. It’s not huge, so get there early.

Motors Coffee – Châtelet

Châtelet is great for shopping, so you should do that before or after your coffee. Anyway, Motors has modern design, charging outlets, and a banana bread that you will thank me for later. The coffee is consistently excellent and the vibe is friendly.

Le Peloton Café – Marais

Peloton café is known for coffee and waffles. It’s run by expats and popular with locals, so this bike-themed café is big on community. Grab a flat white and soak in the creative energy.

Best Cafés in Paris with a View

Woman sipping coffee on a Parisian balcony with colorful rooftops in the background, showcasing the morning ritual tied to the best coffee shops in Paris.

If you’re trying to sip coffee in Paris while looking at some of the most famous tourist sites Paris has to offer, these are the coffee shops for you.

Café de l’Homme

If you’re looking for a coffee shop with a view of the Eiffel Tower, Café de l’Homme is a solid choice. Located near Trocadero, you can get a full view of the Eiffel Tower in the background from the patio and avoid some of the crowds that would be in front of the tourist hotspot.

Café Nemours – Palais Royal

A classic restaurant/café with a view of the Palais Royal arcade. Sit on the terrace with an espresso and enjoy.

Best Coffee Shops in Paris for Quality Brews

Coffee geeks, this section’s for you. I’m by no-means a coffee connoisseur, more of a caffeine addict, if I’m being honest. But I know enough to trust the experts on what makes for quality coffee and these are the top spots when it comes to quality beans and brewing methods.

Kawa Coffee – 3rd Arrondissement

One of the city’s best-known Parisian coffee roasters. Their shops serve up filter coffee and flat whites that hit every time.

Hexagone Café – 14th Arrondissement

Small but mighty. Their baristas know their stuff, and the coffee is reliably great, especially their espresso-based drinks. You should also get a cookie. Trust me.

Telescope Café – 1st Arrondissement

Steps from the Louvre but nothing touristy about it. Sleek, serious, and beloved for their pour-overs and baked goods.

Belleville Brûlerie – 19th Arrondissement

An anchor of the specialty coffee movement in Paris. Come for a bag of beans, stay for a V60 or Aeropress.

Café Lomi – 18th Arrondissement

Spacious, industrial, and excellent for learning more about Parisian coffee culture. Lomi roasts their own beans and it shows.

How To Order Coffee in Paris

If you don’t speak French, no stress. Most servers in Paris’s cafés speak English, and baristas at specialty coffee shops definitely will (plus a smile and a “bonjour” will go a long way!). Still, knowing what to expect (and what to ask for) helps you feel confident and maybe even a little local.

Here’s your cheat sheet:

Café

This is your classic shot of espresso, it’s strong, small, and served fast. It’s what most locals order, especially in traditional Parisian cafés. If you ask for “un café,” this is what you’ll get. No milk, no fluff, just pure espresso in a cute cup.

Café allongé

Literally “elongated coffee,” this is a shot of espresso diluted with hot water. It’s a bit closer to what Americans would consider a regular black coffee. Still strong, but more sippable, and it lasts a little longer if you’re looking to linger.

Café crème

The French answer to the latte. Think espresso topped with a generous amount of steamed milk, often with a little foam. It’s a breakfast classic and usually enjoyed in the morning. Pro tip: it’s often frowned upon to order milk-heavy drinks after noon at traditional spots, but you do you. This is what my boyfriend always orders

Noisette

My personal favorite. A noisette is a shot of espresso “stained” with just a touch of milk or foam (think of it as the French cousin to a short macchiato). The name means “hazelnut,” not because of the flavor, but because of the color. It’s bold, balanced, and chic (if I do say so myself). If you want something small but smooth, this is your go-to.

Flat white

Not traditionally French, but a staple in most third-wave or specialty coffee shops across Paris. It’s similar to a latte but with a higher espresso-to-milk ratio and a velvety microfoam. Great if you want something creamy but not too milky.

And one more thing: never skip the pastries. Seriously. Whether it’s a buttery croissant, a flaky pain au chocolat, or a slice of banana bread at a specialty shop, Paris does baked goods exceptionally well. Many of the best coffee shops in Paris are also mini patisseries, or source their pastries from famous shops, and you’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t pair your coffee with something fresh from the oven.

Best Coffee Shops in Paris: FAQ

Whether you’re trying to order like a local or just want to know if your almond milk cappuccino will fly here, these are the most common coffee questions I see visitors ask in Paris.

Can I ask for non-dairy or alternative milk at coffee shops in Paris?

I know, an almond milk latte is my go-to as well. If you’re at a traditional sidewalk café, the milk options are usually just: milk. But at specialty coffee shops in Paris (like Dreamin’ Man, KB, or Hexagone), you’ll often find oat, almond, or soy milk. Oat milk tends to be the most common.

Can I get drip coffee in Paris?

Sort of, but it’s not called that. “Drip coffee”, as Americans know it, isn’t a staple in traditional cafés, but you can find filter coffee at specialty coffee shops. If you’re looking for volume, you can ask for a “Café Americain” which is a long espresso.

Can I order coffee to go in Paris?

To-go culture isn’t native to traditional Parisian cafés (where lingering is part of the deal), but it’s totally normal at third-wave and coffee-only coffee shops. Just look for “à emporter” on the menu or ask directly:
“Est-ce que je peux l’avoir à emporter ?”
Or in English: “Can I get this to go?”

Will I seem rude if I don’t speak French?

What a lovely question! You don’t need to speak French at all to be polite. But you do need to greet someone (“bonjour!”) and say thank you (“merci!”). Simple as that.

Food Tip: Montmartre Food Tour

I know this article is all about coffee, but I assume if you appreciate that you might also appreciate local cheese, charcuterie, wine, and pastries.

I can’t recommend this delicious food tour through Montmartre enough. There’s a reason it has over 2,000 5-star reviews -Hugo knows everything about French food and I could die happy with the quiche we tried that day. This one’s worth it.

Best Coffee Shops in Paris: Final Thoughts

Finding the best coffee shops in Paris isn’t just about quality beans or brewing methodology. This is a city that appreciates the art of “Un café, s’il vous plaît”. It’s about the setting and taking a moment to pause in a city that’s all about living well. Whether you’re on a solo morning stroll or meeting friends for an afternoon break, the right café can turn an ordinary day into something special.

Save this list for your next trip to Paris, and if you find a new favorite I should add to my list, definitely let me know. I’ll be there this fall, noisette in hand.

Cheers to your next adventure! ☕🇫🇷