For a long time, Paris was famous for its cafés but not for its coffee. The classic café culture was about lingering over a small, strong espresso on a terrace, not about the beans in the cup. Over the last decade, though, a wave of specialty roasters and coffee shops has transformed the scene. Today, you can find silky flat whites, single-origin pour-overs, and serious latte art all over the city. Here are the best coffee shops in Paris for specialty coffee.
What Makes a Great Coffee Shop?
- Quality coffee: Freshly roasted, carefully sourced beans, brewed with skill and the right equipment.
- Skilled baristas: Passionate people who know their craft and are happy to talk about it.
- Atmosphere: A space that makes you want to slow down and stay a little longer.
- Attention to detail: Friendly service, good music, and great pastries on the side.
- Community feel: A place where locals come back day after day.
The Best Coffee Shops in Paris
1. Kawa Coffee
Best for: Serious coffee in a relaxed setting. Where: Le Marais (3rd) and other locations.
Kawa roasts its own responsibly sourced beans, and its minimalist cafés put the focus firmly on the coffee. Expect expertly pulled espressos, V60 pour-overs, and some of the best flat whites in town, served by baristas who love to talk about origins and roasting.
2. Boot Café
Best for: A tiny, effortlessly cool coffee stop. Where: 19 Rue du Pont aux Choux, Le Marais (3rd).
Boot Café is one of the smallest coffee shops in Paris, and easy to walk past. The old sign above the door still reads "Cordonnerie," or shoe repair, a nod to the building's past. Inside, there's room for only a handful of people, but the espresso is rich and the flat whites are silky. With usually just one barista, you may have to wait, but it is worth it.
3. Substance Café
Best for: Coffee lovers who want an experience. Where: 30 Rue Dussoubs, Montorgueil-Sentier (2nd).
This compact bar was founded by Joachim Morceau, a certified Q grader, a professional coffee taster trained to evaluate beans to strict standards. Substance Café is a place to sit at the counter and savor rare coffees, not grab and go. Check the website for seating and booking details.
Tip: Can't decide? Ask the barista to choose for you.
4. Café Kitsuné
Best for: Stylish coffee in a beautiful setting. Where: Several locations, including the Palais-Royal gardens (1st).
Linked to the fashion and music label Maison Kitsuné, Café Kitsuné serves quality coffee in sleek surroundings. If you only visit one, make it the café in the Palais-Royal gardens, a few minutes' walk from the Louvre. It's a favorite with fashion insiders, and the pastries are excellent.
5. Bonjour Jacob
Best for: Coffee and something to read. Where: 30 Rue Dauphine, Saint-Germain (6th), and other locations.
Bonjour Jacob combines carefully sourced coffee with racks of magazines and books, so you can settle in with a cold brew and a good read. The Saint-Germain shop has a warm, minimalist design that suits the neighborhood's literary spirit.
6. KB CaféShop
Best for: A sunny terrace and great coffee. Where: 53 Avenue Trudaine, South Pigalle (9th).
KB was one of the pioneers of the Paris specialty coffee scene and now roasts its own beans. Its motto is all about taste. With big windows, wooden tables, and a terrace on a leafy avenue, it is a lovely place to watch the neighborhood go by, and a good stop on the way to Montmartre.
7. La Fontaine de Belleville
Best for: A classic Paris café with specialty coffee. Where: 31-33 Rue Juliette Dodu, near Canal Saint-Martin (10th).
If you dream of sipping excellent coffee in a traditional Parisian bistro, this is the place. La Fontaine de Belleville is run by the team behind Belleville Brûlerie, one of the city's best roasters. Order a café noisette, grab a seat on the terrace, and enjoy the view. Come early, as it fills up quickly.
8. Terres de Café
Best for: Learning more about coffee. Where: 150 Rue Saint-Honoré (1st) and other locations.
Founded by coffee expert Christophe Servell, Terres de Café has grown into a small chain known for traceable, carefully sourced beans. The baristas are happy to guide you through the menu, and the company also runs workshops on tasting, latte art, and espresso.
How to Order Coffee in Paris
- Un café: A short espresso, the default in traditional cafés.
- Un café noisette: An espresso with a dash of milk.
- Un café crème: An espresso with steamed milk, similar to a latte. Parisians usually drink it in the morning.
- Un allongé: An espresso topped up with hot water, similar to an americano.
- Flat white and filter: You'll find these at specialty coffee shops, rather than traditional cafés.
Tips for Coffee Lovers in Paris
- Check opening hours. Many specialty coffee shops close in the late afternoon, and some close for part of August.
- Standing is cheaper. In traditional cafés, a coffee at the counter often costs less than at a table.
- Take beans home. Most roasters sell bags of beans, which make a great souvenir.
- Stay connected. Use maps to plan your coffee crawl. An egoViet France eSIM gets you online as soon as you land. See our France eSIM guide and the best European travel apps.
Pair your coffee with a pastry from the best bakeries in Paris, and plan the rest of your trip with the best things to do in Paris.
FAQs: The Best Coffee Shops in Paris
Is coffee good in Paris?
Traditional café coffee can be hit-and-miss, but Paris now has a thriving specialty coffee scene, with excellent roasters and coffee shops across the city.
Where can I get a flat white in Paris?
Specialty coffee shops such as Kawa, Boot Café, KB CaféShop, and Café Kitsuné serve flat whites.
Which neighborhoods are best for coffee in Paris?
The Marais, South Pigalle, Canal Saint-Martin, and Saint-Germain all have great specialty coffee shops.
How do you order a coffee with milk in Paris?
Ask for "un café crème" for a milky coffee, or "un café noisette" for an espresso with a dash of milk.