Favorite Cafés
Café Charlot
Great café in the Marias with a cool vibe. This is great for an afternoon wine after walking around the Marais. The outside terrace is great for people-watching, but the inside is even cuter.
A French woman told me to go here one day after shopping in her boutique. Told me, it’s where all the chic people hang out.
Café de Flore
The iconic Parisian Café de Flore is well known for its famous history of intellects and writers who would frequent it. It’s still iconic to this day but it’s also pretty touristy.
However, locals still go as well(and mostly sit inside), so it’s always worth a visit to this café. I would recommend going for breakfast especially if you are interested in taking some good pictures.
Just be aware that you may not receive the best service here due to the fact they know most of the people are tourists. Sit outside on the terrasse but there’s also an upstairs that’s worth a look at and where the bathroom is located.
Chez Janou
A favorite restaurant in the Marais serving Provencal French dishes. This restaurant has become very popular due to social media. You can make a reservation or I recommend going when it first opens if you aren’t able to get a reservation. Order the Chocolate Mousse for dessert.
Café de la Mairie
Great café with amazing views of Saint Sulpice and the fountain. I’ve been here early mornings, late afternoons, and late evenings and it’s always consistent. Love the terrace here and the tartines.
Café Le Nemours
Located in front of the Palais Royal, Le Nemours is a brasserie with a great people-watching terrace. Start the day with a coffee before heading to Palais Royal or come later for wine and a salad.
Café Varenne
One of the most charming Parisian bistros, every detail is perfect. Sit inside or outside and you won’t be disappointed. The food is great, try the Chicken Ceasar Salad for a lite yet delicious bite. Go for coffee, lunch, or dinner.
Les Deux Magots
Favorite cafe for an afternoon glass of champagne to people- watch the chic Saint Germain crowd going by. Try and get a table on the side facing the church.
The food here is very good but it’s a bit overpriced for a café. However, the location is well worth a few extra euros in my opinion.
Le Bonaparte
The blue and red awning are highly recognizable. I love this cafe late in the evening or first thing in the morning. The steak is great here surprisingly for a café. Another perfect people-watching terrace for the chic Saint Germain crowd, especially when work is over and they all head here.
Le Café Marly
Great place to get a view of the Louvre without having to go into the Louvre. You can dine in a gorgeous setting with the pyramid behind you. Go for a morning coffee or evening wine.
The food isn’t amazing nor is the service but if it’s your first time in Paris or you are with kids, this is a great place to go. You can make a reservation online or stop by.
Le Chai
Charming Corner café located in the 6eme, on a busy street full of other cafés and restaurants. Go for an early morning coffee or come late when the streets are buzzing with excitement and great people watching.
Le Saint Regis
One of our favorite cafés on the charming Île-Saint-Louis. Walk over for a café crème and some of the best-scrambled eggs in Paris for breakfast. Or go in the evening for the golden hour when the sun is setting and enjoy a glass of wine with charcuterie.
Le Saint Germain
Cute Parisian café located in Saint Germain with a large terrace and menu. This café has large red flower boxes in the warmer months and twinkling lights during the holidays. It’s one of those iconic picturesque Parisian cafès you don’t want to miss if you’re in the neighborhood.
Louis Philippe
Love this restaurant, specifically at night when it’s all lit up. It’s a great corner to sit and have a glass of wine and watch the people going by. Or eat inside for the traditional French dishes and spiral staircase. I once saw Luc from Emily in Paris walking by as I was sitting here.
Le Saint- André
This was our neighborhood café during our month-long stay in Paris. It’s charming, has a great glass of Sancerre, and a great menu for afternoon bites. It’s also kid-friendly as well but they might sit you inside versus outside on the terrace.
La Palette
A cafe with the best vibes and where all the cool kids in the area go. The food is just as good day or night. The inside is quaint and charming but the outside is where all the action takes place. The café spills over onto the sidewalks and street when it’s the busy season. Beware, it has the tiniest bathroom ever inside by the bar area.