Five Best Coffee Shops with Personality in Paris

where coffee is the star and your laptop is a plus-one

A set of various mugs with different coffee drinks are on a concrete table

As you walk down Parisian streets, you’ll see that there is no lack of cafés, boulangeries (bakeries), or even pharmacies. The culture in Paris is rooted in its storefronts and the way that people interact with them. At cafés, you can people-watch while sipping on a petite cup of espresso. Or enjoy a full lunch menu, changing daily on the chalkboard that finds its way to the sidewalk.

Yet, café culture is beginning to see some rivalry from coffeeshops. If cafés are the French living room, then consider coffee shops to be the home office.

The past two years of working remotely, or as the French call it, tele-working, more and more people are searching for places outside of their homes to get work done. Coffee shops are often populated by young professionals plugging away on their laptops. But you can also find delicious coffee, scrumptious treats like slices of pound cake and cookies at the counter.

Whether it’s for a work date, romantic date, or a cup of joe to go, here’s a list of some of the best coffee shops in Paris.

Courtesy of @lacafeotheque

This little gem is tucked away on the corner of a less-busy street of Le Marais but it provides cozy seating and a different atmosphere than most coffee shops in Paris. You can choose among three different aesthetics at Le Caféothèque: outdoor seating familiar to Parisians, a room of cozy couches and well-stuffed chairs with outlets, and a room filled with tropical plants and wooden tables. 

Their menu includes a mix of pastries , quiches, and empanadas. The best part of when you order a coffee? You can choose the bean origins for the brew. 

Website: https://www.lacafeotheque.com/lecole/
Address
: 52 Rue de l'Hôtel de ville, 75004 Paris
Tele-work friendly? Yes

Located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, O Coffee is conveniently within walkable distance from the Eiffel Tower. This Australian surf culture-inspired coffee shop is not to be missed. The contrast of cool white marble tables and homey cork decor is unlike any other café Paris has to offer.

Make sure to order a café au lait here for the intricate latte art you’ll be greeted with. Guests also rave about the eggs benedict, avocado toast, and banana bread served at this establishment with warmth from the staff. Breakfast is served all day until 3 pm.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/o_coffee_paris/
Address
: 23 Rue de Lourmel, 75015 Paris
Tele-work friendly? No 

Check out: 7 of the Best Places for Breakfast in Paris

Courtesy of @o_coffee_paris

Shakespeare and Company is a must-see in Paris as one of the most well-known anglophone bookstores in the city with its history as a meeting place for expats and writers. While you visit the store make sure you don’t miss out on the coffee shop.

This left bank staple has friendly baristas who serve great cups of coffee and little pastries. Coffee beans are from Cafe Lomi and pastries are delivered daily from Bob’s. Although indoor seating space is limited, the outdoor seating is a dream when the weather is amiable. Perfect for people watching or for admiring the Notre Dame located just across the river.

 

Website: https://shakespeareandcompany.com/
Address:
37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris
Tele-work friendly? No

Courtesy of Coutume Café

Of the seven Coutume coffee shops located within Paris, Institut is among one of the most work and date friendly. Located within the Finnish Institute of Paris, it feels like you’re walking into a secret room set in Architectural Digest. The design of this coffee shop is minimalistic and neat, reminiscent of museum cafés.

Come here for a snack and coffee and enjoy it at circular tables with floral centerpieces. But beware that computers are not allowed at these tables. If you’re here to work, feel free to claim a space at the long communal tables on the other side of the room and along the walls.

Website: https://www.coutumecafe.com/
Address
: 60 Rue des Écoles, 75005 Paris
Tele-work friendly? Yes

As Paris moves to embrace more brunch culture, Jozi Café is one of the first-movers to bring American favorites such as avocado toast and pancakes to the scene. It’s known for its wonderful selection of healthy lunch bowls and ham and cheese croissants. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up dessert, their counters are lined with a variety of small cakes and tarts to choose from.

Notable with its bright blue walls and welcoming benches, you can be sure to enjoy the company that you’re with. Indoor dining is also available at smaller tables with outlet access and perfect for a work date with your laptop. Brunch is served on the weekends only so make sure to bring friends and family then for an Instagrammable experience.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/jozicafeparis
Address
: 3 Rue Valette, 75005 Paris
Tele-work friendly? Yes

Courtesy of @jozicafeparis

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