Coutume Café © David Foessel – Luc Boegly
Paris has long been revered for its café culture, where dark espressos and creamy café au laits are consistent finds on every French restaurant’s menu. However, for some visitors to this city, its deep-set traditions are not always a welcome find. And, for many anglophone tourists or expats — who have become accustomed to the artisanal coffeeshops that have become the norm in other metropolises such as New York, London and Sydney — French coffee often falls a bit flat (no pun intended!).
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However, Paris has witnessed a transformation in recent years, with the rise of popularity in coffee shops celebrating lighter roasts, single-origin beans, and meticulous brewing methods. While this shift wasn’t immediate, it has found its place among a younger, globally connected demographic seeking a departure from traditional café norms.
Blending together Parisian charm with contemporary coffee fervor, here are our top 12 artisanal coffee shops for that caffeine fix whether you’re on the Right or Left Bank!
Left Bank
1. Coutume
Since 2011, Tom Clark has pioneered specialty coffee in France, meticulously sourcing beans from four different terroirs worldwide. Today, his creation, Coutume Café, can be found in six different Parisian locations, but the best of them all resides on rue de Babylone in the 7th arrondissement. Expect a welcoming, knowledgeable ambiance, a well-designed space blending vintage and modern elements, and ample seating for your enjoyment — the sandwiches are also very good!
47 rue de Babylone, 75007
63 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, 75009
6 rue du Forez, 75003
coutumecafe.com
2. Ten Belles
Part boulangerie, part artisanal coffee shop, Ten Belles has three convenient cafés around Paris. One of their most useful locations is tucked away behind the Bon Marché in the 6th arrondissement, making it the perfect place to pause after some Left Bank shopping, a part of Paris where specialty cafés are harder to find.
53 rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006
10 rue de la Grange aux Belles, 75010
17-19 rue Bréguet, 75011
tenbelles.com
3. Certified Café
A bright and airy café tucked away on a side passage in the historic 7th arrondissement, Certified’s minimal aesthetics provide a calming ambiance for a coffee date or a place to catch up on some work at their laptop friendly benches. Their menu is both considered and diverse, including iced drinks and specialty teas.
83P Rue du Bac, 75007
certified.cafe
4. Jozi
Hidden in an unassuming street behind the Pantheon, Jozi is a vibrant café and excellent choice for brunch. Their artisanal coffee is strong yet balanced and their pancakes topped with fresh seasonal fruit and avocado, pomegranate and smoked salmon toast are definitely worth trying.
3 Rue Valette, 75005
jozi-cafe.com
Right Bank
5. Marlette
Each of Café Marlette’s three central locations — in the chic neighborhoods of the 9th and 3rd— exudes a cozy and welcoming ambiance, reminiscent of a rustic French countryside boulangerie. The decor features warm wooden accents, quaint vintage touches, and ample natural light, creating a comfortable setting for relaxation or conversation while enjoying their reliably good coffee and freshly baked pastries.
51 rue des Martyrs, 75009
63 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière 75009
6 rue du Forez, 75003
bio.site/marlette_marlette
6. Sylon de Montmatre
Located in the meandering lanes of Abbesses, up in the 18th arrondissement, you’ll discover an exceptionally good establishment. The name “SyLon” is derived from a fusion of “Sy” for Sydney and “Lon” for London, symbolizing the cities where the owners ventured into the realm of specialty coffee for the very first time. Sylon is a true labor of love. The decor seamlessly combines modern aesthetics with a touch of bohemian flair, making it an artistic haven for locals and visitors alike who often spill out into the narrow street, filling it with lively conversation.
4bis Rue Piemontesi, 75018
sylondemontmatre.com
7. KB Coffee Roasters
In the chic 9th arrondissement, you can’t go wrong with KB’s coffee shop. Here you’ll find neighborhood coffee aficionados chilling in the warm and airy space, soaking up the inviting atmosphere and enjoying the carefully selected single-origin coffees, expertly brewed, and complemented by a tasty range of pastries and light bites. In summer, seats sprawl out onto the street overlooking the much loved rue des Martyrs.
53 Av. Trudaine, 75009 Paris
kbcoffeeroasters.com
8. Papilles
Located just a block away from KB, Papilles is also worth noting down in the neighborhood, as both spots tend to be bustling, especially on weekends. With a strong focus on food, this café is an ideal destination to enjoy your coffee with brunch or a slice of cake amidst plush decor and a touch of retro charm.
77 rue Marguerite de Rochechouart, 75009 Paris
papilles-restaurant.com
9. Dose
Amid Batignolles’ leafy streets and family-filled restaurants in the 17th arrondissement is a peaceful place for a coffee. Café Dose stands out for its meticulously crafted brews and a pleasant open interior to while away an afternoon. Alternatively, take your coffee on the go and stroll around Square des Batignolles, a lovely little landscaped park just opposite.
82 place du Dr Félix Lobligeois, 75017 Paris
96 rue Ordener, 75018 Paris
73 rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris
dose.paris
10. Noir
A network of cafes throughout the city, particularly on the right bank, Noir offers a minimalist an upscale ambiance at each of its central locations. Enjoy an exceptional caffeine hit — served up in beautiful ceramic bowls — as well as some eye-catching interior design.
120 bd Haussmann, 75008 Paris
9 Rue des Blancs Manteaux, 75004 Paris
25 Rue Legendre, 75017 Paris
9 rue de Luynes, 75007
noircoffeeshop.com
11. Le Peleton
Just off the Seine in the lively Marais neighborhood Le Peloton was established by cycling enthusiasts and has now become a shrine for coffee and biking lovers alike. Patrons can enjoy strong and nutty coffees and savory filled croissants amid a distinctive atmosphere filled with energy.
17 rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, 75004 Paris
lepeletoncafe.cc
12. Café Kitsuné
Café Kitsuné Tuileries, an offshoot of the French-Japanese brand Maison Kitsuné, serves as an ideal spot for grabbing coffee while on the move in central Paris. Established in 2002 by Gildas Loaëc and Masaya Kuroki, Maison Kitsuné effortlessly intertwines fashion, music, and the essence of coffee culture. Their relatively newer coffee shops provide a swift caffeine boost while offering a peek into the chic and cosmopolitan realm of Kitsuné. Look out for their iconic fox emblem, a common sight on Parisian clothing.