PARIS COFFEE GUIDE BY ARRONDISSEMENT
PARIS COFFEE GUIDE BY ARRONDISSEMENT
Paris is a city known for many things. The city of lights. The city of romance. The city of coffee? Well maybe for bad coffee…How can a city known for haute cuisine ignore the most popular drink of all? There is a change happening in the last decade. More new cafés are opening in Paris at a blistering pace and they are trying to open the eyes of many.
Now this doesn’t mean that we have to say goodbye to the old classic cafés. Parisians can still enjoy a cigarette and a cheap espresso out on the terrace in 30 degree weather, both fahrenheit and celsius. And believe me, they do. The city has enough space for the old classics and this new wave of haute café.
There are 20 arrondissements in Paris. If you happen to be in the city, you will be in one of them. This guide was designed to assist anyone in Paris find the best café where ever you happen to be. Some arrondissements are plentiful in options, while others have an oasis in the desert. Tough choices were made, but I feel confident that you won’t be disappointed with any shop on the list.
1st Arrondissement
Generally, I’m going to try to settle on one shop per arrondissement. The first will probably be the most challenging in terms of picking the best. Too many good options is usually a good problem to have and that’s the problem the 1st presents. Other arrondissements, it was a challenge to even find one or two good shops, all that to say that finding the shop in this neighborhood was quite fun.
Before I proceed, I need to mention one shop in the 1st that is possibly my favorite, Terres de Cafe. The barista & owner, Loïc, is awesome and I love talking coffee with him. The coffee choices are always changing and they have some high end beans that are not easy to find. The ONLY reason I didn’t include them here is because the other two shops I did choose are unique to the first and I wanted to spotlight them, while Terres de Cafe has a few locations sprinkled throughout the city. But the location in the 1st is my favorite.
If you’re a coffee nerd seeking out geisha beans with lots of high-end coffee beans options and excellent baked goods, I recommend Motors Coffee.
Moving onto Motors Coffee, which is a different vibe. A few years ago, this place used to have brunch and be a bit more food focused. With new owners, they changed the whole genre, now specializing in great coffee with a few baked goods including a nice Basque Cheesecake and Cardamom Bun. It’s a bit of a microcosm for the city with the transformation it made.
The vibe here is cozy, with the ability to go as deep down a coffee rabbit hole as you like. If you’re looking for a cappuccino and a cookie, you will enjoy your experience here. If you’re looking to try a few different high end beans that are not easy to find and are expertly brewed, you will enjoy your experience here. Talk to the baristas here and you can learn a lot in a few minutes. The interior is slick and the location is great, waiting right across the street for you as you exit the metro. When the weather is nice, customers migrate to the large terrace.
Motors Coffee is definitely one of the best coffees in Paris for the quality and diversity of their “super special drips”. And if you are here to visit, there is much to see in this neighborhood in terms of attractions. You would be smart to caffeinate yourself at one of these 2 coffee shops to make sure you can seize the day.
Update 2024: you will find some of the best roasters at Motors Coffee including now Datura Coffee, a new micro-roastery launched by the talented barista Loïc, whom you can still find at Terres de Café Rue Saint-Honoré.
2nd Arrondissement
No offense to anyone else in the 2nd arrondissement, but this one was the easiest to choose. And it’s not because there are not good cafes in this area, because there are. Substance just happens to be a very special place. So special in fact, that it could be in a category of its own. This is not your everyday cafe. Don’t plan on bringing your laptop here to work and definitely do not bring or expect food.
This is not a typical cafe, it’s an experience. And just as the owner, Joachim, formerly the head barista of Terres de Cafe, says, some people are just not ready.
No to-go, no sugar, no music. 0% distraction, 100% terroir.
This place is designed with every detail in mind to maximize your coffee tasting experience. Joachim roasts all the coffee himself, and has thought of everything down to which kind of material the cup should be for an espresso versus a filter. The coffee selection here changes frequently and has some of the best coffee in the world with probably the largest choice of geishas to try, earning him the nickname of “Geisha Boy”. What else would you expect from someone who is a certified Q Grader (basically a fun word for a wine sommelier but for coffee)? And extremely entertaining on top.
So is this the best cafe in the 2nd? Yes. The best in Paris? Yes. The best in the world? It would be unfair of me to say as I haven’t tried them all, but I can tell you that if I could only go to one cafe anywhere on Earth, I am choosing this one.
I could write paragraphs on top of paragraphs about how great this place is, but really you just have to go an experience this yourself. If you’re ready.
3rd Arrondissement
Let’s talk now about one of my favorite arrondissements. The 3rd combines old Paris charming architecture with trendy stores, bars and restaurants.
The arrondissement is also easily the most dense area of good coffee shops, with new ones seemingly opening every month. Who wouldn’t want to have a shop in arguably the coolest neighborhood in Paris, Le Marais. In such a buzzy district, expect the usual hordes of tourists, expats and fashionistas. And be prepared to feel the (overwhelming to some) crowd’s energy.
Whether it’s a break during a shopping spree, right after a good brunch or just a way to start the day, there is always a good reason to have a coffee in the 3rd. From micro cafés to concept stores, you will be spoiled for choice with several solid coffee options. But still, Kawa stands above the rest.
At the entrance, you can admire the beautiful custom La Marzocco kb90 white matte machine. That already says it all. Like Substance, Kawa is a shop that only cares about coffee, so you won’t be finding any food here.
You’ll soon see the focus on coffee pays off. The selection is always changing, but you can expect to have 4 choices of espresso and 4 choices for filter, all sourced and roasted by Kawa. I’ve had some very good and very different coffees here both as milk-based drinks and V60. Fruity, herbal, floral, sweet, you can find it all. And yes, they have Geisha beans. They also sell a bunch of different kinds of coffee and gear for all the at-home baristas.
The space itself is bright and welcoming with a lot of natural light. However, it offers limited seating so probably better to go in small groups. If you want to watch the magic happen or even engage in a conversation with one of the friendly baristas, I highly recommend to sit at the counter. They also serve coffees to go.
If you’re in the 3rd and looking for some high end coffee, this is the spot.
4th Arrondissement
The 4th aka “The Old Marais” is worth visiting all year long between its charming narrow streets, the tiny island of “Ile Saint-Louis” and even the impressive Modern Art Centre Pompidou, which I have to say is one of the ugliest pieces of architecture I’ve ever seen.
It becomes particularly picturesque around Christmas with all the light decorations adorning the facades or on a sunny Spring or Summer day for an improvised picnic on the oldest square of Place des Vosges.
As it is definitely another area full of things to see, expect some crowds here as well, especially during the weekend, but I can assure you the cafe I have chosen will more than make up for it.
Terres de Cafe is a franchise that started in Paris that has grown to 7 shops sprinkled throughout the city and even 2 more in South Korea. This is quickly becoming an institution. I’ve been to several locations and while my favorite will always be the shop in the 1st arrondissement, this location remains a great option.
The beauty of Terres de Cafe is that they source all their beans and they have an excellent rotating selection which presents a new experience each time you go. It’s one of the few shops that gives you the option to try competition level coffees. These tend to be my favorite shops as I love the opportunity to taste the highest quality coffees in the world. The baristas are very friendly and present each coffee you drink with information about the bean. It’s also just a great place to hang and chill for a few hours.
Sometimes when franchises get too big, the quality of the product starts to suffer. I haven’t seen any indication of that here. So if you’re near a Terres de Cafe, enter with confidence, because a great cup is waiting for you.
One side note: the location in the 4th arrondissement is rather meant for a solo or duo coffee break. While the cafe is fairly large, the sitting area is mostly set up for 2 people including some comfy hanging egg seats.
5th Arrondissement
The 5th arrondissement also called “Latin Quarter” is the oldest area of Paris. If you visit Paris, don’t miss out on this district.
Walk down one of the most picturesque streets, on Mouffetard street, and even trying one of the many crepes stands on the street for a quick bite. Nearby, admire the stately Pantheon or some of the surrounding prestigious historic high schools and La Sorbonne, one of the oldest universities in Europe.
You can go on a pleasant stroll away from the buzzy streets and traffic in the impressive botanical “Garden of the Plants” or “Jardin des Plantes” in French. An old-school perfectly maintained park.
Last but not least, the 5th is also one of the main sets of “Emily in Paris”. For whoever may care, Emily and Gabriel were living on “Place de l’Estrapade” and Gabriel’s restaurant is located at 17 rue Fossés Saint-Jacques.
Crible is part of the new wave of micro cafes that opened in the last few years, with this shop opening at the end of 2021. The place can fit less people than fingers on your hands, but this in itself adds to a cozy vibe that makes it feel like you are in someone’s home. Currently, this is a one woman shop, with Samah here every day cranking out lattés and aeropresses for the waves of people that come through this interesting neighborhood. Samah’s mellow vibes and cool playlist are definitely part of the coffee shop’s charm.
For anyone with a sweet tooth, they have cookies and cakes, both of which are surely worth trying. The coffee I saw was from a Swedish roaster that I had heard of in my travels in Copenhagen, Drop Coffee Roasters. The milk-based drinks are smooth and the aeropress is round and alluring. The coffee seems to change month to month, which is a good thing in my opinion. The quality remains high. So if you’re exploring all the 5th has to offer, this should be the stop on your list to get your caffeine fix.
6th Arrondissement
My favorite neighborhood in Rive Gauche, Saint-Germain has so much to see that it never gets old. Whether it be great food, sightseeing, or taking a walk through Le Jardin du Luxembourg, there is always a great vibe here. After all, the 6th arrondissement used to be an artistic and intellectual hub attracting writers, philosophers and various artists. This is where Yves Saint Laurent decided to open his first ready-to-wear boutique that he named “Saint Laurent Rive Gauche” (meaning Left Bank). Très chic. Even today, the 6th is still a symbol of the Parisian savoir-vivre.
For coffee options, there are definitely a few good ones so this wasn’t an easy choice.
This coffee shop now has a second location in the 10th, which is great because that neighborhood is sorely lacking in options, but I find it to be my favorite in Saint-Germain. The most striking feature is the wall of cool lifestyle books and magazines begging to be picked up and sifted through with a coffee. The vibe is concept store meets cool kid cafe. It has a decent enough amount of seats that you can work from here without feeling like you’re getting side-eyed.
It has your usual fare of pastries that are all good. They work with a popular French roaster called Fève that has become quite popular in Paris specialty coffee shops so this won’t be the last you hear of them. I’ve had some quite nice cups from Fève and it’s always nice to know that the roasting isn’t being done too far from home.
The baristas here are cool, friendly and above all else, are proud of their products and happy to talk about it with you. Not always the case in other places. The coffee here changes frequently, but the quality remains high. So if you’re in the area, pop in, grab a magazine and enjoy a coffee. I never met Jacob, but if you do, make sure you say hi (in French of course).
7th Arrondissement
The 7th can be quite a spectacle. It reminds me a bit of Upper East Side around Central Park: old money bougie neighborhood, luxury stores, majestic buildings and great museums, among them, Le Musée D’Orsay. One of my favorites. If you’ve been to the City of Lights, you have no doubt seen the grandest attraction, the Eiffel Tower, which resides in the 7th arrondissement.
What you won’t find are a lot of good coffee shops. I really needed to hunt to find a good spot in the 7th.
A few interesting things about this shop. It seems that they took over this space from the well-known Japanese coffee chain, % Arabica. I’m not sure why they left the space to be honest, but their loss is Certified’s gain.
The space here is the biggest highlight. Many of my favorite cafés in Paris, you can’t really work from, either because the places are too small or it’s simply not allowed. Enter Certified, which has both a lot of indoor and outdoor space. Perfect for working or just lounging for a couple hours if you’re so inclined.
I tried the cappuccino and a filter from a chemex. Both were very respectable. I also took a croissant which was pretty good, but if you’re a mochi fan, they have some great ones they get from Japanese tea house, Tomo.
For coffee nerds, you will probably like their other location much more. It’s an opposite experience, basically a hole in the wall in the 2nd arrondissement inside a passage. It’s so small in fact that you can only take the coffee to go, but their coffee selection is much more elevated for whatever reason. But if your legs are dead from walking around a museum, this is a good spot.
8th Arrondissement
Unless you’re visiting Paris or working in the 8th, there is probably no good reason for you to be in this neighborhood.
The area is best known for Champs Elysées and high end shopping with Avenue Montaigne being the Fifth Avenue on (very fancy) steroids. Not for coffee. If I thought the 7th had few options for coffee, the 8th I can safely say, is basically a coffee desert with the exception of Nuances.
While the beans in the cup are what matters most to me at the end, I do appreciate coffee shops that put some extra thoughts in the design of the shop itself. It is part of the experience after all. When you enter Café Nuances, you may wonder whether it isn’t some new concept store.
The coffee here is solid. However, their Specialty drinks are the stars of the show. While not my usual, they are pretty popular for a reason. We tried the most coveted, the Rose Latte. In the past, I found the coffee overwhelms the rose and doesn’t work. Here though, they found a perfect mix.
If you’re in the area, Cafe Nuances is an excellent choice. I also recommend their other location in the 1st district, close to Opéra, worth seeing for the design of the shop with a cool mix of art deco and futuristic vibes.
9th Arrondissement
A district that didn’t have a great reputation once upon a time, the 9th now seems to be one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Paris.
Over the past years, South Pigalle, or SoPi as the locals call it, has been flourishing and has brought in a few good restaurants, bars and of course coffee shops to please the boho hipster crowd.
If there was only one coffee shop to visit in the 9th, it will be this one. I’ll give you a clue. It’s not in the Galeries Lafayette.
At the bottom of Montmartre on a very busy corner is where you will find KB Coffee Roasters. As far as location goes, the foot traffic here means the place usually has a ton of people. The good news is they have a great amount of space inside and outside to sit and enjoy the experience. If you’re looking to work or meet a group of friends, this is a perfect option.
KB is a shop that does everything themselves. They make roast their own beans, they make their own pastries, and even have a lunch menu. On top of that, they are an excellent source for any coffee gear you might want to purchase.
I’ve had milk-based espresso drinks and aeropress here. They make a good cup of coffee, but if you catch them on a busy (like more than usual) day, they might tell you to they don’t have time to make an aeropress. This might give you the sads, but they do have good espresso choices. Do try to come back if this happens to try an aeropress because they make one of the best in the city.
The people watching here is top notch as it’s pretty close to Sacre Cœur. A nice mix of cool Parisians and completely lost tourists makes for an entertaining watch. Stop by and enjoy the scene.
10th Arrondissement
This is an up and coming district that’s mostly defined by having two of the city’s biggest train stations, Gare du Nord, and Gare de l’Est. Between some dodgy areas around the main train stations to more hipster vibes, the 10th arrondissement reminds me a bit of Lower East Side in NYC.
As far as coffee goes, the neighborhood is starting to open some nice cafés including the aforementioned Bonjour Jacob. I feel particularly great about the shop below.
Brouillon, a charming coffee shop located on one of the main streets in the 10th, is a must-visit destination for coffee enthusiasts looking for a friendly and sustainable coffee experience. The people working there are not only knowledgeable and passionate about coffee, but also friendly and welcoming. It's easy to strike up a conversation with the baristas, who are always happy to share their expertise and recommendations.
I really enjoyed their cappuccino, which boasts a fruity profile that is sure to satisfy any coffee lover's taste buds. In addition to their cappuccino, Brouillon also offers an excellent aeropress filter coffee that is not to be missed. On warmer days, you can also enjoy the terrace and get a smooth iced latte, shaken not stirred.
When it comes to baked goods, Brouillon doesn't disappoint. Their cookies are soft and slightly underbaked, making them the perfect complement to a hot cup of coffee. And with a focus on sustainability, Moncef, the owner of Brouillon, is committed to making eco-friendly choices that help reduce waste and support the environment. Using only locally sourced ingredients, Brouillon is a coffee shop that truly cares about making a positive impact. If you’re passing through the 10th, this should be a stop on your journey.
11th Arrondissement
The 11th arrondissement of Paris is a vibrant neighborhood, known for its youthful energy and diverse population. Home to many cool restaurants, bars, and cafes, it's a favorite spot for the city's hipster crowd. It is definitely a great place to explore in terms of eating & drinking. Whether you're looking for a lively night out or a more laid-back experience, the 11th arrondissement has something to offer everyone. Including when it comes to coffee.
One of my favorite cafes in the city, Caractère should be high on your list to check out. If you’re a fan of La Cabra coffee, then you’ll be delighted to know that this is one of two shops that has an exclusive on La Cabra beans in France. The other is I/O, same owner, in the 3rd, also worth checking out. The shop is cozy with clean lines on all the decor. It has wi-fi also so a big bonus for anyone with a computer.
The coffee is excellent and always changing, with a nice range of countries and styles that will appeal to any palate. The baristas here are great, and shoutout to Patricia who manages the shop who is just as excited as her customers about the coffee.
The pastries here are definitely worth partnering up with your drink. A rare spotting of a croissant and pain au chocolat in the cafe. This confounded me when I came to Paris, but most cafes in the city don’t have the usual French pastries you might expect. Not sure why because I love the combination of a croissant and coffee! So if you’re in the neighborhood and looking for a nice slice of Paris accompanied by a great cup of coffee, look no further.
12th Arrondissement
Nestled just beyond the bustling 11th arrondissement lies a quiet oasis, the 12th arrondissement. This tranquil neighborhood, often overshadowed by its trendier neighbor, has some of the liveliness of that district that leaks in. It is nowhere near as dense with specialty coffee though so options here are somewhat limited. The shop I’ve chosen to represent the arrondissement might be the most unique on the list. The 12th arrondissement is the perfect destination for those seeking an authentic coffee experience off the beaten path.
You won’t find this shop on a standalone street like you might expect, but in a big food market. Like so many of the best cafes in Paris, Early Bird opened in the last few years and seems to have become a neighborhood staple. Probably thanks to the owner, from Ireland, who is especially friendly and engaging with everyone. Good service never hurts!
On one of the walls you will see about 20 different bags of beans for sale. These are all available by the cup also! Too many shops don’t offer enough, or sometimes any, options in choice of bean. Early Bird is in the opposite end of the spectrum. This could be overwhelming for some, but the owner and baristas there will guide you happily. I took a cappuccino here that was really smooth and an aero press from Guatemala which was clean and had some nice fruity notes.
The shop isn’t huge so everything is standing room only. Just pretend you’re in Italy, post up at the bar, and move your hands a lot when you talk. Another bonus here is they roast all the beans on site. You can’t miss the small roasting machine in the shop and it’s hard to get more local than that.
As I said, it’s a unique experience, but one that deserves to be tried. If you find yourself in the12th, don’t hesitate to give this spot a shot.
13th Arrondissement
The left bank in general is less of a dense area for good coffee in Paris and more known for attractions and the old school cafes that have the bistro tables outside facing the street for people watching. Old school charm, but coffee nerds probably want to avoid.
The specialty coffee wave is happening slower in the 13th, but it is happening. The spot below is one of the few options worth recommending.
With a name like this, you certainly have some expectations. The space is big and airy with a flashy neon sign to greet you in case you forgot the name of the place. Their assortment of cookies and cakes that are worth dabbling in if you’re looking for little indulgence. Additionally, they serve a small brunch menu until 3pm, which can be quite convenient.
Now, let's talk coffee. The beans they proudly serve come from the ubiquitous Feve, a Parisian roaster that enjoys a well-deserved reputation. You'll encounter that name more than once around here, and personally, I've had nothing but pleasant encounters with their brews. The V60 I had from them was interesting, in a good way! The barista and I think maybe the owner, took the time to explain the coffee’s origin and character to me, which is a nice plus. I’m sure in a neighborhood that’s still at the beginning of specialty coffee, educating customers on the nuances of the coffee, without being overbearing of course, is a key element to their success.
If you’re looking for a place to work, be warned that this is a laptop limited space. That mean’s that you can only use your computer for 30 minutes and provide your on wifi. A bit if a shame, since they seem to have enough space, but c’est la vie. This is more of a place to meet friends, especially if you have a bigger group since this is one of the few coffee shops on the list that has both good coffee and a good amount of space. Or just read a book solo. You do you.
14th Arrondissement
This is quite a residential area with not much coffee density. You can find little pockets of charm with tranquil village vibes. It also has Montparnasse if you want a view of the city from above and the Catacombs if you want a view of the city, or a bunch of skulls, from below. Right now, there are probably two good coffee shops in the neighborhood which I will mention below.
This is the new kid on the block, having just opened in mid-2023. On a quiet street on the corner, Bleu seems like it’s maybe still getting its legs under them but is off to a promising start. Inside you will find big blue bubble paintings which give the place an artistic flair. The windows are large on each side of the café which lets in a lot of natural light, making this a great place to work or read a book.
But this is not an interior design website so I will pause there and transition to the coffee. We had a cappuccino and a V60 (called an Origami here for the name of the dripper). The cappuccino came in a charming old fashioned Colombian coffee cup, uniquely imported here by the Colombian owner. I found it very smooth.
There were two options for the filter coffee and I ended up trying both, one an anaerobic fermentation that fans of this kind of coffee will enjoy, and a more delicate floral and fruity filter from Ethiopia, if memory serves me right. The owner is quite passionate about coffee and explained both coffees in detail, which is a big positive when you’re unfamiliar with the options.
The central focus of the shop is on coffee for now. There was no food or anything when I went, but I have seen on pictures that there are pastries available from time to time. Part of ramping up I assume. They roast and sell their own beans also. All of this serves to create more of an elevated experience. In a neighborhood with very limited options, you will appreciate having this shop available.
15th Arrondissement
Another left bank residential area with a nice view of the Eiffel Tower. You can also find the French version of the Statue of Liberty here, which is a fraction of the size so it will require some searching. But can you find good coffee? There are very few specialty coffee shops here, but they do exist.
This shop is located on a corner so it provides a lot of nice natural light. You can even work here and they have a bathroom. This seems to be a rarity in Paris, so it’s nice to know you can fit a cappuccino in with your Zoom call if need be.
As noted in their name, they do roast their own coffee, which is always nice. The roast is more of a medium roast because I think the clientele in this area might not prefer the lighter roast that comes with more acidity. This might not appease those looking for some high-end elegant geisha coffees, but certainly passes the test of a good everyday cup.
There is only one option for espresso and one for V60 which is not ideal, but they have other bags available to purchase if you want to try some at home. All very reasonably priced. They also have a fantastic chocolate chip cookie, which is a quick way to melt my heart. Other cakes are available also if you’re not a cookie person.
Overall though, the shop has a warm and welcoming vibe. If this cafe were located in Denmark, it would certainly get the hygge label. As it sits in Paris, it’s a great spot for a classic experience of a cappuccino and pastry. And who doesn’t like to start their day in this fashion?
16th Arrondissement
We’re still in the left bank in one of the swankier areas of the city. You will find a lot of old-school charm here as well as many good museums, notably Palais de Tokyo. Plus, the views of the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower might be best seen from here.
Now we just have to wait for a top-notch coffee shop to open here. In the mean time…
One of the first coffee shops to start the specialty coffee wave in Paris, now has a few locations sprinkled throughout the city. Because of that, I don’t want to be too harsh here. Nestled in the gourmet store ‘Grande Épicerie de Paris’, on the Right Bank, this is the place when you really need a coffee fix rather than looking into a complex light roast filter.
They have a bathroom and wifi here. Big plus. Plenty of space to work. Not the kind of vibe to bring a book or anything though. The cappuccino was solid, but the filter left something to be desired. Moving right along…
