For a city as sophisticated and as in-the-know as Paris, you'd be surprised how hard it is to find GOOD specialty coffee here in a GOOD cafe worth sitting in.
Naturally, as someone who has been here a few times and who enjoys both coffee and the act of sitting in cafes, I've searched all over.
Coffee in Paris is already oddly/annoyingly expensive (4-6 euros for basic coffee vs 1-3 in Spain/Italy/UK for context). But to find a place where you're paying that much for something that TASTES like it costs 5 euros for espresso and milk AND enjoying wherever you decided to purchase from is a stretch. And most cafes in Paris are not exactly sit-able. They're more like little alcoves with maybe 2 tables inside and hardly any natural light.
Obviously, I know quite a few spots if I've been able to compile 12 of my favorites. But I say this to stress that research here is important. You're going to overpay and caffeinate yourself anyways. You might as well get a decent deal and enjoy your caffeine.
Boot Café
@sarahpollock
The first time I came here was on my first trip to Paris, and the most recent time was on my last trip to Paris this past December. Still as good as ever!
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Café Méricourt
@sarahpollock
The sister restaurant to the beloved and tragically-closed Cafe Oberkampf (which once held the widely-acclaimed opinion of best specialty coffee in Paris).
But the coffee here is just as good as its ever been. And so is the shakshuka for that matter.
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DREAMIN MAN
@sarahpollock
A relatively new, hole-in-the-wall cafe with very high-quality food and drink options. Don't expect to get a seat, but do expect to get a coffee to go and subsequently stroll around the 11th with a great-tasting beverage.
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Fringe
@sarahpollock
A very well-loved Parisian spot, especially among locals. The decor is a little tacky but the quality of beverage makes up for it!
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Ten Belles - Paris 10
@sarahpollock
One of the original specialty coffee shops in Paris! It's since become more of a brunch scene and pretty touristy, but the coffee remains speciality nonetheless.
The brunch offerings are also pretty good if you like avocado toast-related food options.
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I.O Café
@sarahpollock
A classic for a reason! Especially among a certain stylish crowd.
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Matamata Coffee
@sarahpollock
SUPER cute cozy spot in the 2nd. And even more special considering that there are very few good specialty options in the 2nd that I'm currently aware of.
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RECTO VERSO
@sarahpollock
A newer cafe in the Marais with very good coffee and a very cool crowd.
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Motors Coffee
@sarahpollock
Super popular spot. I went once upon recommendation from a Parisian I befriended and was very very pleased. Bookmark this one for if/wen you need a pickup before your Seine stroll
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Partisan Café Artisanal
@sarahpollock
Super popular and usually super crowded. One of the more social and open-concept cafes in the city, and the abundance of natural light makes it a particularly great place to sit for a while (if you can geta seat and don't mind being around lots of people).
I've seen some people complain on Google about poor service here, but that wasn't my personal experience.
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The Coffee
@sarahpollock
A Japanese coffee chain (that uses Brazilian beans I think?) with a few locations around Paris. Not unique but indeed reliable. And it's Japanese so you know they don't skimp on quality.
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Aaaand an honorable mention for Umami Matcha Cafe. Not a coffee shop, obviously, but it does have the best matcha I've tried in Paris (most matcha here sucks).
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