Last Updated on August 10, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: August 22, 2019
In Paris, cafe culture runs deep. Coffee culture, well—it’s still developing. For many years, the only available coffee options in Paris were very average, at best. But if you’re looking for something with a bit more je ne sais quoi, check out these 7 places for the best coffee in Paris!
Table of Contents
At a Glance: Best Coffee Shops in Paris
- 🤔 Why Does Paris Have Bad Coffee? For years, it was due to strict regulations for opening new cafes, high competition among coffee shops, France’s history of colonialism, and general lack of innovation in the field. But coffee options have improved significantly in the past 10-20 years!
- ☕ What Classic Coffee Drinks Should I Try in Paris? Pop into any Parisian bistrot and you’re sure to find the classics: un café (espresso), un allongé (americano), un noisette (ristretto), un café crème (latte), and so on.
- 🗣️ How Do I Order Coffee in Paris? You don’t need to know French fluently to confidently order coffee in Paris. Read our tips for how to order coffee in French to get started.
- ❌ Common Tourist Mistake: Most Parisian cafes don’t offer takeout coffee. In Paris, coffee is supposed to be savored more slowly at a table, or enjoyed at the bar in the coffee shop.
- ✅ Local Tip: Greet the server with “Bonjour”. Ordering coffee at the bar (au comptoir) is often cheaper than sitting at a table, especially on a terrace.
1. Caféothèque
A bustling shop right along the Seine River in the city center, La Caféothèque serves up strong farm-to-table coffee drinks in a light-filled, rustic setting.
The wood-floored space has several different rooms for sitting and relaxing with a drink, as well as a counter for buying coffee beans. It also hosts cultural events and runs a barista school, so visitors are sure to encounter something interesting going on here.
📍 Address: 52 Rue de l’Hôtel de Ville
2. Dose
With multiple locations, Dose is a great spot to grab a coffee to go without having to sacrifice one’s reputation by walking around with a Starbucks cup.
The Mouffetard location is little more than a hole in the wall, squeezed into a passageway between the streets of Mouffetard and Gracieuse.
The location in Batignolles caters to a different, trendier demographic, and sells itself as more of a hangout spot than strictly a coffee shop. If you’re not in the mood for coffee, Dose also sells fresh-squeezed juices to boot.
3. Malongo
For ethically produced coffee, head over to Malongo, located on a side street near Place Saint-Michel. Malongo sources its more than 80 different types of coffee beans from human and ecologically responsible producers around the world.
The interior of the shop always smells of roasting beans, and the baristas are particularly passionate and knowledgeable about the craft of coffeemaking.
📍 Address: 50 Rue Saint-André des Arts
4. Holybelly
Holybelly was founded in 2013 in response to what its owners saw as a major shortcoming in the French coffee and food scene: an artisanal touch.
It serves more than just incredible coffee—although it does plenty of this, too. Holybelly is open for breakfast and lunch, offering great food, great coffee, and great service all under one roof.
📍 Address: 5 rue Lucien Sampaix
5. Café Lomi
If you’re looking for a place to sit down with a strong filter coffee to do some work without feeling pressured to give up your spot (a common occurrence in more traditional Paris cafes), Café Lomi is the place for you.
Located in the north of Paris, it can be a bit of a trek for some, but the amazing coffee and relaxed, professional vibe are worth it. Café Lomi has been leading the way in specialty brews since 2011, when it was named the best roaster in France.
📍 Address: 3 ter Rue Marcadet
6. Coeur de Baker
Come for the coffee, stay for the pastries at Coeur de Baker! Just blocks from the Luxembourg Gardens, this charming spot is a little-known gem in the Paris cafe world.
Its breakfast menu is hard to beat: a coffee drink, a freshly-baked pastry and a fresh-squeezed juice for just €6. With a long table in the back, it’s another great spot to get some work done.
📍 Address: 60 rue Gay-Lussac
7. Cuppa Gallery
Cuppa Gallery, also known as Cuppa Cafe, is a small and charming coffee shop that’s conveniently located only a short walk from the Musée d’Orsay. The large windows let in lots of natural light, making it perfect for relaxing with a book or people watching. (No laptops are allowed!)
Cuppa Gallery has a good selection of organic, vegan, and gluten-free foods along with incredible coffees. Try their cappuccino or flat white if you’re looking for a caffeine boost!
📍 Address: 86 Rue de l’Université
Explore Paris’ Sweet Side With Us!
Paris is a pastry lover’s dream—but with every window filled with glossy tarts, delicate macarons, and chocolate too beautiful to eat (almost), where do you even start? That’s where our Paris Pastry & Chocolate Tour comes in.
Enjoy this guided deep-dive into the pâtisseries, cafés, and crêperies feeding city’s sweetest traditions. Along the way, you’ll explore 19th-century glass-roofed arcades as you stop to taste pain au chocolat, macarons, bean-to-bar chocolate, salted butter crêpes, and more!
Featured Review: Paris Pastry & Chocolate Tour
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– Camper788169
Best Cafes in Paris FAQs
What is the most famous café in Paris?
Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, both on Boulevard Saint-Germain in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, are arguably Paris’s most famous historic cafés. Both became gathering places for major writers, artists, and intellectuals throughout the 20th century, and remain popular today among tourists.
Which street in Paris is best for cafés?
There isn’t one single “best” café street, but Rue des Abbesses in Montmartre is an excellent choice if you want to experience Paris’ classic café culture. Also, check out Boulevard Saint-Germain in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the location of two of Paris’ most famous coffee shops.
Can I just sit down at a café in Paris?
Yes. You can generally walk into a Paris café, choose an available table, and sit down without a reservation, particularly for coffee or a casual drink. However, table service often costs more than ordering at the counter. Some cafés have different prices depending on whether you drink at the bar, sit inside, or sit on the terrace. If you’re unsure, check the menu or ask the server before ordering.
