Paris has transformed into one of Europe’s most exciting specialty coffee destinations. The best coffee shops in Paris now range from historic literary cafés that have served intellectuals for centuries to modern third-wave roasteries crafting exceptional pour-overs and espressos. This blog is about the top ten cafes in 2026, including the oldest coffee shop in Paris, the most popular coffee shops among celebrities, and the best coffee shops for working in Paris. If you are a local looking for your regular flat white or a tourist discovering French cafes in Paris, you will find great coffee throughout the city.
Why Paris Coffee Culture Is Better Than Ever
In the last ten years, especially in the last five years, specialty coffee shops have totally transformed Paris. Beans come from Colombia and Ethiopia, many roasted right there, served by very skilled baristas who decorate lattes in porcelain cups.
The city now balances two distinct coffee worlds. Classic, famous coffee shops in Paris are still very much about the traditional terrace and strong espresso. New speciality cafés put single-origin beans, perfect brewing techniques, and minimalist interior designs at the center of their focus.
In 2026 both coffee styles happily coexist and visitors get even more options than before for.
The 10 Best Coffee Shops in Paris
1. Café de Flore (6th Arrondissement)
Café de Flore, one of the first coffee houses established in Paris, has since the 1880s been a place where brilliant minds, intellectuals, and the cream of the crop of Paris have met and mingled.
What Makes It Special
- Dating back to the 1880s during the French Third Republic
- Art Deco interior unchanged since WWII
- Robert de Niro reportedly has the coffee delivered to his hotel when he’s in town
Coffee Quality
The espresso is one of the originals of French style – strong and straightforward. The hot chocolate is what makes the biggest impression there: it is thick and served with Chantilly cream.
Atmosphere
Red leather banquettes, marble tables, and mirrored walls. Filled with tourists yet it still keeps the authentic Parisian charm.
Best For
History lovers, people-watching, experiencing legendary Paris café culture
Location: 172 boulevard Saint Germain, 75006 Paris France
2. Le Procope (6th Arrondissement)
Opened in 1686 by Sicilian chef Procopio Cutò, this became a hub for Parisian artistic and literary figures. This is the oldest coffee shop in Paris that’s still operating.
What Makes It Special
- France’s first establishment to call itself a café, serving coffee and Italian gelatos to the public
- Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin, Danton, and Napoleon were all patrons
- They introduced coffee with table service in porcelain cups
Coffee Quality
Traditional French coffee served properly. More focused on the historical experience than cutting-edge brewing.
Atmosphere
18th-century décor with historical artefacts on walls. Functions more as a restaurant now but maintains café traditions.
Best For
History enthusiasts, traditional French dining, tourists seeking authentic heritage
Location: 13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris France
3. Belleville Brûlerie (Multiple Locations)
Founded by American expat David Flynn, Belleville draws from France’s culinary history and applies it to speciality coffee.
What Makes It Special
- Focus on expertly crafted blends
- Roasts their own beans
- Coffee available at celebrated brunch spots like HolyBelly
Coffee Quality
Outstanding. Consistent flavour profiles with both single-origin and thoughtful blends. Espresso-based drinks are perfectly balanced.
Atmosphere
Simple, functional spaces that let the coffee speak. The boutique attached to their roastery offers retail beans.
Best For
Coffee enthusiasts, those wanting reliable quality, takeaway options
Location: 14b Rue Lally-Tollendal, 75019 Paris, France
4. Partisan Café (3rd Arrondissement)
A minimalist, see-and-be-seen coffee shop with LA vibes where impeccably dressed locals gather.
What Makes It Special
- Still roasts coffee at the original café location
- Trendy without sacrificing substance
- Always busy—a sign of quality and reputation
Coffee Quality
Excellent espresso and filter options. Lightly roasted, fruity notes. Cold brew is particularly good.
Atmosphere
Packed, stylish, buzzing energy. Natural wood and white walls. Expect to wait for seating or hover outside.
Best For
Those who enjoy trendy scenes, fashion-conscious visitors, cold brew fans
Location: 36 rue de Turbigo, 75003 Paris France
5. Ten Belles (Multiple Locations)
One of the original coffee shops that kick-started speciality coffee culture in Paris, celebrated for both coffee and bread.
What Makes It Special
- Pioneered the speciality movement in Paris
- Excellent pastries and bread programme
- Multiple locations across the city
Coffee Quality
Consistently excellent espresso and filter coffee. Beans sourced carefully, brewed with precision.
Atmosphere
Cosy with natural wood accents and plain white walls. The 6th arrondissement location gets very busy with minimal seating.
Best For
Coffee purists, morning pastries, locals seeking reliable quality
Location: 6th and 10th arrondissements
6. Nomad Coffee (11th Arrondissement)
One of the best coffee shops to work in Paris, with ample seating and a practical layout.
What Makes It Special
- Plenty of seating with power outlets, ideal for working with a great cup of coffee
- Menu divided between “black” (espresso/filter without milk) and “white” (milk drinks)
- Large brew filter coffee for only €2.50
Coffee Quality
Solid across the board. Both espresso and filter options are well-executed. Summer cold brew available.
Atmosphere
Cosy and welcoming. Less pretentious than some specialty spots. Laptop-friendly environment.
Best For
Digital nomads, remote workers, budget-conscious coffee lovers, long stays
Location: 11th arrondissement, near Faidherbe Chaligny Métro
7. Café Kitsuné (Multiple Locations)
Different locations all near the Louvre, including across from The Tuileries, outside the Louvre, or at Palais Royal.
What Makes It Special
- Japanese-French fusion aesthetic
- Connected to fashion brand Maison Kitsuné
- Prime locations for sightseeing breaks
Coffee Quality
High-quality espresso drinks with precise technique. More elegant than rustic.
Atmosphere
Clean, minimal design. Music and fashion crossover. Perfect for a quick, stylish coffee break.
Best For
Tourists exploring central Paris, fashion lovers, those seeking Instagrammable spots
Location: 1st arrondissement, near major landmarks
8. Café Lomi (18th Arrondissement)
A coffee roasting place with the buzz of a student union but the look of a NY loft with wooden beams and exposed silver pipes.
What Makes It Special
- On-site roasting with interesting blends
- Laptop-friendly environment
- Retail beans and capsules available
Coffee Quality
Superbly roasted coffee with adventurous flavour profiles. Multiple brewing methods available.
Atmosphere
Industrial-chic space. More of a destination than a quick stop. Relaxed, studious vibe.
Best For
Coffee nerds, remote workers, those wanting to buy beans, explorers venturing beyond central Paris
Location: 18th arrondissement
9. Coutume Café (Multiple Locations)
Started with coffee but evolved into a restaurant with a full food menu and table service.
What Makes It Special
- Straight-to-the-point approach focused on quality over design gimmicks
- Different coffee origins available by filter or espresso daily
- Excellent brunch programme
Coffee Quality
Outstanding. Multiple single-origin options. Specialty blends suited to different brewing methods.
Atmosphere
Cosy and unpretentious. The 7th arrondissement location offers good seating for working.
Best For
Brunch lovers, filter coffee enthusiasts, all-day dining
Location: Multiple locations including 7th arrondissement
10. KB CaféBar (9th Arrondissement)
Located at the top of trendy Rue des Martyrs near Sacré-Cœur and Moulin Rouge.
What Makes It Special
- Roastery that now allows on-site drinking, with workshops for learning to roast
- All-day brunch menu
- Excellent for post-sightseeing refreshment
Coffee Quality
Exceptional—this is a roastery first. Fresh beans, expert preparation, multiple brewing methods.
Atmosphere
Bright, welcoming, community-focused. Mix of tourists and locals.
Best For
Coffee education, brunch, Montmartre visitors, those seeking neighbourhood vibes
Location: 9th arrondissement, Rue des Martyrs
Paris Coffee Shop Comparison Table
|
Café Name |
Best For | Area | Work-Friendly |
Historic/Famous |
| Café de Flore | History & people-watching | 6th (Saint-Germain) | No | Yes (1880s) |
| Le Procope | Historical experience | 6th (Saint-Germain) | No | Yes (1686) |
| Belleville Brûlerie | Quality consistency | Multiple | Varies | No |
| Partisan Café | Trendy scene | 3rd (Marais) | No | No |
| Ten Belles | Reliable quality | Multiple | Limited | No |
| Nomad Coffee | Working/studying | 11th | Yes | No |
| Café Kitsuné | Quick breaks near landmarks | 1st (Louvre area) | No | No |
| Café Lomi | Coffee nerds & working | 18th | Yes | No |
| Coutume Café | All-day dining | Multiple | Yes | No |
| KB CaféBar | Post-sightseeing | 9th (Montmartre) | Limited | No |
What to Expect at Speciality Coffee Shops in Paris
Ordering Style
Sur place means sitting in. Emporter means takeaway. Prices may vary between the two.
Coffee Prices
Expect €3-6 for espresso drinks, depending on size and milk type. Oat milk typically costs €0.50 extra.
Common Drinks
Flat whites are more preferred in the morning – they are basically two shots of espresso with milk contrary to a single shot and more milk in a latte.
Pastries
High-end cafes typically provide croissants, banana bread, lemon cake, and avocado toast. Some have gluten-free alternatives.
Best times to visit
The weekday mornings (8-10 am) and mid-afternoons (3-5 pm) have fewer people. Refrain from going to brunch on weekends (10 am-1 pm) if you do not want to wait in line.
How to Find the Best Coffee Shops in Paris France
Check Opening Hours
Many specialty cafés close early (4-6pm) compared to traditional French cafes which stay open late.
Bring Cash
While most accept cards, some smaller spots prefer cash for purchases under €10.
Learn Basic French Coffee Terms
Un café = espresso. Café crème = coffee with milk. Allongé = Americano.
Explore Different Arrondissements
The 3rd, 9th, 10th and 11th have dense concentrations of top cafes in Paris. Don’t limit yourself to tourist areas.
Follow Local Coffee Instagram Accounts
Parisian coffee culture moves quickly. New spots open regularly.
Final Thoughts
Paris has in fact become one of Europe’s premier coffee cities in the last few years.
The best coffee shops Paris will offer you a different range of choices in 2026 from ancient places where Voltaire once sat to the newest roasteries pushing the limits of the brewing methods.
If you want the oldest coffee shop in Paris at Le Procope, the great vibes of Café de Flore, or the perfect place for your laptop at Nomad Coffee, you will be served not only with the high-quality coffee but also with the different vibes and ambiance.
Paris coffee culture epitomizes a great blend of upholding the tradition and at the same time, warmly embracing the innovation, thus it is an amazing moment for you to dive into café culture here. You may consider this list as your jumping off point and then let your adventurous spirit take you to the small hidden gems of the neighborhood.
If you would like to have more café guides or if you want to know more about coffee culture, please refer to our website bestcafes.co.uk where you will find the related articles.
