If there's one thing that has truly changed in Paris over the past few years, it's the café scene. We went from generic espressos at zinc counters to an actual specialty coffee culture, and I'm here for it. Coffee shops are opening everywhere, each with their own identity, their own vibe. And Parisians? We love it. We sit, we work, we read, we talk for hours (exchanging the latest potins is basically a sport here).
I've spent a lot of time in these places, some mornings alone with a flat white, some afternoons catching up with friends over a matcha. And I can honestly say: Paris now rivals London, Tokyo, and Melbourne when it comes to coffee. So here are my favorites, the ones I actually go back to.
Why trust a Parisian for your café list
If you don't know me yet, let me reintroduce myself really quick. Coucou it's Estelle! Born and raised in Paris, with Lebanese and Danish roots, I have a passion for food that pretty much dictates how I spend my free time.
I created @ellevousguide as a way to share the places I genuinely love, the kind of spots I'd bring my best friend to without hesitation. I've mapped out all of my favorite coffee shops on my Coffee Map so you can explore them on the go. But here are the ones I keep coming back to:
1. Café Verlet, the institution
This is the real deal. Café Verlet has been roasting its own coffee since 1880, right next to the Palais Royal. Let that sink in. When I say institution, I mean it: this is one of the oldest coffee houses in Paris still in activity, and you feel it the second you walk in. The wooden tables, the old parquet floors, the smell of freshly ground coffee filling the room. It's like stepping into another era.
What I love most is going in the morning for a very simple brunch. Œufs à la coque, good bread, and obviously, an exceptional cup of coffee. They have around thirty single-origin coffees and about forty teas, all carefully sourced by the owner who travels the world to find them. This is not a place that cuts corners.
It's not a trendy coffee shop. It's not trying to be. And that's exactly why I love it.
📍 256 rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
2. Wani, my biggest coup de cœur
Okay, I need to talk about this place because it's genuinely one of my favorite spots in the entire city right now. Wani is a Japanese coffee shop on Rue Saint-Placide, just across from Le Bon Marché, and you feel instantly at ease the moment you step in. The space is minimal, calm, almost meditative. Exactly what you need on a busy day.
Behind the counter is Sugio Yamaguchi, a chef who used to run the acclaimed restaurant Botanique. He brings the same level of precision and care to everything here. The matcha is excellent, genuinely one of the best I've had in Paris. But what I truly love is that he also offers a savory menu, with seasonal vegetable tarts and delicate plates that change regularly. And here's a detail I adore: you can have lunch at 3pm. Chef hours. If you know, you know.
Everything is precise, minimalist, thoughtful, both in the food and in the space. You feel like you're at home, but the kind of home where someone actually knows what they're doing.
📍 7 ter rue Saint-Placide, 75006 Paris
3. Recto Verso, cute and actually good
Yes, Recto Verso is very Instagrammable. The stone walls, the big windows, the perfectly curated aesthetic. But here's the thing: it's not just a pretty face. The coffee is genuinely good. Kevin and Luís, the two owners, are the sweetest people, and you can feel their passion in every cup they serve.
The menu is simple and effective. A proper selection of specialty coffees, an espresso tonic if you're feeling adventurous (still a rarity in Paris), and a few pastries to go with it. Nothing overly complicated, everything done well. The banana cake and the cookies are my go-tos.
It's tucked away on a quiet street in the Marais, off the main tourist trail, and I love that about it. Perfect for a mid-morning pause after exploring the neighborhood.
📍 6 rue Portefoin, 75003 Paris
4. Bingsutt, the Hong Kong gem
This one is special to me because it's run by my friend Davina. Bingsutt is a Hong Kong-style coffee shop near Place de la République, and it's here that I discovered the famous Hong Kong milk tea. Let me tell you: once you've tried it, there's no going back. I'm completely addicted.
The concept is inspired by the traditional bing sutts of Hong Kong, those neighborhood diners that were hugely popular in the 1950s and 60s. Davina grew up there and wanted to bring that culture to Paris. The result is a space with octagon floor tiles, dark green accents, and an atmosphere that immediately transports you.
But let's talk about the food: the egg tarts, the pineapple buns (with butter, please), the almond cookies. Honestly, everything is insane. If you've never explored Hong Kong pastries, this is the place to start. And the savory options rotate monthly, which always gives me a reason to come back.
📍 22 rue Béranger, 75003 Paris
5. Mini Café, the Korean escape
A Korean coffee shop with several locations in Paris, but I have a soft spot for the one on Rue des Barres. It's set in a beautiful old stone space, a former abbey, and the combination of high ceilings, exposed stone, and minimalist Korean design is really something.
What I love about this spot is that it almost doesn't feel like Paris anymore. Especially in summer, when you can sit on the terrace outside, it has this incredibly chill, peaceful energy. The drinks are excellent, the matcha is great, and they have a huge selection of cookies, all more colorful than the next. It's the kind of place where you go for a quick coffee and end up staying for two hours.
If you're in the Marais area, make it a stop. You won't regret it.
📍 10 rue des Barres, 75004 Paris (+ other locations including Île Saint-Louis)
Best cafés for working with your laptop
I know a lot of you are digital nomads or remote workers who need a good spot to get things done. Paris isn't always the easiest city for that, a lot of cafés don't love laptops. But here are a few I know are laptop-friendly, with good wifi and a welcoming attitude toward people who need to park themselves for a couple of hours:
The Hoxton : Gorgeous lobby café, solid wifi, and they don't rush you out. Great for productive mornings.
Café Maa at the Finnish Institute : A bit of a hidden gem. Nordic vibes, calm atmosphere, exactly the kind of place where you can focus.
Le Shack : Spacious, laid-back, perfect for longer sessions (you need to book a room in advance).
Extraction : Specialty coffee done right, and they understand the laptop crowd.
Terrah Coffee : A newer spot that's quickly become a favorite among the work-from-café community.
A few things I need to tell you before you visit a Parisian café
The coffee culture in Paris is still evolving, and it's exciting to watch. But there are a few things worth knowing.
First, always say "bonjour" when you walk in. I say this in every article and I'll keep saying it. It genuinely matters. In France, not saying hello is considered rude, and it can change the entire dynamic of your interaction.
Second, don't expect free refills. This is not the US. One coffee means one coffee, and that's perfectly fine.
Third, tipping isn't expected but is always appreciated. A euro or two if the service was lovely, that's all.
And finally, if you're going for specialty coffee, don't ask for a "regular coffee." Ask for a flat white, a cortado, an allongé. These places take their craft seriously, and they'll appreciate it if you engage with the menu.
Explore all my favorites
These five cafés are some of my all-time favorites, but they're just the beginning. I've mapped out all my favorite coffee shops across Paris in my Coffee Map, from hidden local gems to the addresses that always make the cut. If you're planning a trip to Paris, pair it with my Paris Guide eBook for a full overview of where to eat, stay, and explore like a true Parisian.
And if you want to see these places in action, come find me on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube @ellevousguide. I share new spots and honest reviews every week.
Enjoy! ☕️