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Lovely little coffee shop a few minutes' walk from Notre Dame. I visited in the summer and stopped for some drinks and quick pastries. They have a diverse coffee selection (from all over the world) and beautifully decorated walls/seating areas. My only complaint is it was a bit too expensive.
Coffee. That's it. Paris has amazing food and good coffee but if you want really great coffee, that's harder to find. Go here. They are verrrrry serious about their coffee here. They roast it themselves, they source it well, and they are expert in their advice. I had a capuccino and a drip coffee, both stellar, and bought a kilo to take home, relying on their advice as to which one to get. A+ coffee. Pretty big place with multiple rooms. Some laptop warriors but mostly, people socializing over a cup. Love it.
My friend and I came here in January during our trip to Paris. The place has a beautiful view of the river and the atmosphere was cozy enough for us to pull out our books to read for over an hour. It does get quite crowded, and on weekdays people can use their laptops and connect to wi-fi so finding a table is difficult; nevertheless, we managed to snag seats at the bar, where you can see the baristas at work. The staff is very friendly too! Their coffee selection is incredibly abundant and the cafe smells wonderful (because of the coffee, naturally). I wish I bought a bag of beans to go! I also tried a fig tart (which I snapped a photo of) and that has officially become my favorite pastry ever, hands down. We loved this place and would 100% come again!
Super cute café! I came during the day, and tried a latte and a beer. The inside is super cozy with squishy chairs and furniture, and the décor is super homey. It's also super close to the Seine River, so it's a good way to relax after walking along the river! I was always curious about how European coffee is "better" than Canadian coffee, and my drink didn't disappoint. It was rich, not too sweet, and looked beautiful with the latte art. The place was pretty much packed, so it's popular! I would definitely go back to relax with a coffee.
This was the first place I went in search of in Paris for craft/third wave coffee. I love the decoration in the rooms and all of the unique seating. You can learn a lot about coffee from the owners and baristas as well as walking through the back "coffee" decorated room. I got the gourmand as they didnt have a V60 slow pour on the weekends. It had a 'mokamaster' brewed coffee- which was good but I would have really liked to try a slow brew. The gourmand is not small haha- so be prepared to share or eat a lot of dessert. I thought the pieces (3) of dessert would be bite size but it came out as a slice of matcha cake, a small brownie, and a citron cake piece. All wonderful and flavorful- and a lot for your money. Soak in the ambiance, craft coffee, and tasty desserts while overlooking the Seine. And if you want a V60- come back on the weekday
I had read horror stories about how bad the coffee is in Paris. Considering I am just now able to drink it without throwing up (pregnant...don't be like me), I researched where to find good coffee with the intensity of my freshman college self needing all As to keep my scholarship money. This lovely cafe did not disappoint. I had a latte and it was coffee perfection. Not too much milk. Just hot enough. Coffee that wasn't burned to high heaven. My husband had an espresso machiatto and also raved about its tiny self. If you are lucky enough to be there on a morning where there are croissants, order them. The pain au chocolat will go down as the best one I have ever had. Also, free wifi. Slow clap. This place was so good we returned the next morning. Take my Yelp review for it, and go here for the coffee and enjoy each drop.
Looking for a good latte Coffee - 3 stars. We had asked for an extra shot which was a mistake as it made the coffee too strong & threw the milk to coffee ratio off. Next time, stick w/ the regular 2-shot & you'll be fine Croissants - 5 stars. We had a Plain & a Chocolate & each were delish. The chocholate was a little more breaddy than the plain which was crispy & flaky & had an abundance of butter flavor but both were still incredibly delish Inside the place is nice w/ a few different rooms w/ couches, tables, or a bar-like area that serves the coffee drinks....so you can pick what kind of setting for whatever mood you're in For an overall average of 4 stars
One thing I find comical about life in Paris, as an American, is that people love to talk to me about how bad American coffee is. (Don't even get my started on American beer misperceptions...) I am also almost certain that half of the people who make the comment have never been to the States and just use it as an icebreaker. ("Hi nice to meet you, I understand your country makes terrible coffee...") In any case, I have no problem admitting that Dunkin' Donuts coffee is awful and that most "typical" (i.e. crappy) diners serve stale muddy water that may or may not contain some traces of burnt coffee.... However, coffee in Paris is not that great. Ok, they often grind the grains in front of you when you order in a bar or if you get your coffee from an automatic machine, you can hear grinding noises inside that make you think your coffee will be "fresh". This, in most cases, is a marketing ploy and a deception. Most cafes get their coffee from a mass-distributor like "Cafes Richard" (if you are lucky) or a crappier one. This means it is produced in gross and that there is likely little attention to the roasting of the coffee grains, their origin, the "fairness" of the trade involved, and most importantly the taste. Just because the coffee is not watery, does not mean it is good....Sorry Parisians. The Italians make the best coffee. BUT...Good American coffee bars make great coffee and are EASIER to come across that their French cousins. I was home visiting family in the US and enjoying a GREAT coffee in Washington, DC. There I made the comment that it is nearly impossible to find an authentic cappuccino in Paris (the drink most places call a cappuccino is not one - they put chocolate powder on it). In any case, I was swiftly advised to go to La Caféothèque. This place is awesome and they roast their own coffee. It used to be really small so if you were there when they were roasting it could get a little smokey. However, they expanded recently and have a lot of space to hang out, study, etc. and there are two bars to order drinks and one to order coffee beans (whole or ground to your specifications). One cool fact that I learned is the owner apparently negotiates directly with small producers to get his stock and thus the trade is more fair than "fair trade" because he cuts out the middle man and pays the farmers more than is considered "fair". It would appear that smaller producers like the ones they go to often cannot afford to get certified. Anyways, long story short, they make a great cappuccino (or however you like your Joe for that matter: espresso, drip, iced, how ever you want!). I buy my coffee there regularly and the cool thing is that you can try the coffee you want before you purchase. They have an extensive menu and they can help you arrive at a coffee that is right for you. I have other sources for good coffee in the city but this place is my #1.
The absolute best coffee during our Paris stay - hands down. Most folks don't know - but Paris actually doesn't have good coffee. It's *burnt and overall pretty bad (admitted by even Parisians and chefs). However over the past few years there has apparently been an emerging coffee scene - where beans from s America, Africa, Asia ... Are now used. I ordered the Filtre V60 and chose Ethiopian beans. Spouse had a cafe latte and also chose Ethiopian beans. Both were SO good. I liked the Filtre V60 better. My senses screamed "finally" (I'm a bit of a coffee addict, need it every day but I'm very particular). If I'm ever back in that area of Paris (le marais, les Halles...) I know where to go for my fix. *bad coffee is actually endemic to most of Europe in my opinion. It doesn't matter which country - it's always so strangely disappointing. Why?
What a wonderful, quaint coffee shop. It was a rainy afternoon in Paris and our French friend took us to her favorite study/hangout spot. The barista can come to your table, or if it's busy, you should go up to the counter to order. I ordered a latte. It had a nice froth on top and comes with Michel Cluizel chocolate. It's so cozy you can touch the people at the table next to you, but it was just such a great experience. The place has an organic and rustic feel; the atmosphere is none like I've had before. You just have to go there. Sorry, but it puts Starbucks to shame. Just sayin.
I first heard of La Caféothèque from the New York Times article http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/08/ristretto-why-is-coffee-in-paris-so-bad/?pagewanted=all about the low quality of coffee in Paris ("Why does the coffee in Paris suck so bad?"). After downing some truly nasty drink in Lausanne, Montpellier and Paris, I was ready for the big action. I was in no way disappointed. Sipping my macchiato was a great pleasure. Maybe my coffee wasn't as good as those at your local Intelligentsia or Blue Bottle, but it was head and shoulders above the normal Paris fare. I left with a 250 gram bag of the coffee of the day, which is from Burundi. I look forward to drinking that coffee with breakfast tomorrow. La Caféothèque's prices for espresso drinks are high relative to those at comparable US places; for example, consuming a cap on site will set you back 5 euros. On the other hand, the prices for coffee beans are perfectly in line with those in the US. The Caféothèque has a "yelp nous aime" sticker on the door. It's well deserved.
Service 5/5 Workers are friendly and smiled. Ambiance 5/5 Very old school cafe that has ample indoor seating. They also have outdoor seating. Coffee 4/5 We had come here 2 times. Both times, their cappuccino has a very slight bitter taste. Temperature of cappuccino is perfect. read more
2 years ago
They have excellent coffee drinks! I love the options for seating too; they have 2 or 3 indoor sesting areas and then of course ououtside. The ambience is very rustic coffeehouse. I marked them down one star because twice I asked for "plus chaud" (more hot) and my coffee was served lukewarm. I visited them 3 times on my recent trip to Paris. Good coffee but questionable service. read more
2 years ago
Quite possibly one of the best coffee shops in the world. They take coffee seriously and the vibes are on point. Went here every day while in Paris. Double espressos for the win. read more
4 years ago
Lovely little coffee shop a few minutes' walk from Notre Dame. I visited in the summer and stopped for some drinks and quick pastries. They have a diverse coffee selection (from all over the world) and beautifully decorated walls/seating areas. My only complaint is it was a bit too expensive. read more
Coffee. That's it. Paris has amazing food and good coffee but if you want really great coffee, that's harder to find. Go here. They are verrrrry serious about their coffee here. They roast it themselves, they source it well, and they are expert in their advice. I had a capuccino and a drip coffee, both stellar, and bought a kilo to take home, relying on their advice as to which one to get. A+ coffee. Pretty big place with multiple rooms. Some laptop warriors but mostly, people socializing over a cup. Love it. read more
6 years ago
My friend and I came here in January during our trip to Paris. The place has a beautiful view of the river and the atmosphere was cozy enough for us to pull out our books to read for over an hour. It does get quite crowded, and on weekdays people can use their laptops and connect to wi-fi so finding a table is difficult; nevertheless, we managed to snag seats at the bar, where you can see the baristas at work. The staff is very friendly too! Their coffee selection is incredibly abundant and the cafe smells wonderful (because of the coffee, naturally). I wish I bought a bag of beans to go! I also tried a fig tart (which I snapped a photo of) and that has officially become my favorite pastry ever, hands down. We loved this place and would 100% come again! read more
Best espresso drinks in Paris, from what I've had. Also love the atmosphere here - the chill lounge music, the greenery inside, and the croissants are quite good, too. Definitely worth a trip if you're in Paris and in need of a good coffee. read more
Super cute café! I came during the day, and tried a latte and a beer. The inside is super cozy with squishy chairs and furniture, and the décor is super homey. It's also super close to the Seine River, so it's a good way to relax after walking along the river! I was always curious about how European coffee is "better" than Canadian coffee, and my drink didn't disappoint. It was rich, not too sweet, and looked beautiful with the latte art. The place was pretty much packed, so it's popular! I would definitely go back to relax with a coffee. read more
3 years ago
9 years ago
This was the first place I went in search of in Paris for craft/third wave coffee. I love the decoration in the rooms and all of the unique seating. You can learn a lot about coffee from the owners and baristas as well as walking through the back "coffee" decorated room. I got the gourmand as they didnt have a V60 slow pour on the weekends. It had a 'mokamaster' brewed coffee- which was good but I would have really liked to try a slow brew. The gourmand is not small haha- so be prepared to share or eat a lot of dessert. I thought the pieces (3) of dessert would be bite size but it came out as a slice of matcha cake, a small brownie, and a citron cake piece. All wonderful and flavorful- and a lot for your money. Soak in the ambiance, craft coffee, and tasty desserts while overlooking the Seine. And if you want a V60- come back on the weekday read more
I had read horror stories about how bad the coffee is in Paris. Considering I am just now able to drink it without throwing up (pregnant...don't be like me), I researched where to find good coffee with the intensity of my freshman college self needing all As to keep my scholarship money. This lovely cafe did not disappoint. I had a latte and it was coffee perfection. Not too much milk. Just hot enough. Coffee that wasn't burned to high heaven. My husband had an espresso machiatto and also raved about its tiny self. If you are lucky enough to be there on a morning where there are croissants, order them. The pain au chocolat will go down as the best one I have ever had. Also, free wifi. Slow clap. This place was so good we returned the next morning. Take my Yelp review for it, and go here for the coffee and enjoy each drop. read more
14 years ago
Looking for a good latte Coffee - 3 stars. We had asked for an extra shot which was a mistake as it made the coffee too strong & threw the milk to coffee ratio off. Next time, stick w/ the regular 2-shot & you'll be fine Croissants - 5 stars. We had a Plain & a Chocolate & each were delish. The chocholate was a little more breaddy than the plain which was crispy & flaky & had an abundance of butter flavor but both were still incredibly delish Inside the place is nice w/ a few different rooms w/ couches, tables, or a bar-like area that serves the coffee drinks....so you can pick what kind of setting for whatever mood you're in For an overall average of 4 stars read more
13 years ago
One thing I find comical about life in Paris, as an American, is that people love to talk to me about how bad American coffee is. (Don't even get my started on American beer misperceptions...) I am also almost certain that half of the people who make the comment have never been to the States and just use it as an icebreaker. ("Hi nice to meet you, I understand your country makes terrible coffee...") In any case, I have no problem admitting that Dunkin' Donuts coffee is awful and that most "typical" (i.e. crappy) diners serve stale muddy water that may or may not contain some traces of burnt coffee.... However, coffee in Paris is not that great. Ok, they often grind the grains in front of you when you order in a bar or if you get your coffee from an automatic machine, you can hear grinding noises inside that make you think your coffee will be "fresh". This, in most cases, is a marketing ploy and a deception. Most cafes get their coffee from a mass-distributor like "Cafes Richard" (if you are lucky) or a crappier one. This means it is produced in gross and that there is likely little attention to the roasting of the coffee grains, their origin, the "fairness" of the trade involved, and most importantly the taste. Just because the coffee is not watery, does not mean it is good....Sorry Parisians. The Italians make the best coffee. BUT...Good American coffee bars make great coffee and are EASIER to come across that their French cousins. I was home visiting family in the US and enjoying a GREAT coffee in Washington, DC. There I made the comment that it is nearly impossible to find an authentic cappuccino in Paris (the drink most places call a cappuccino is not one - they put chocolate powder on it). In any case, I was swiftly advised to go to La Caféothèque. This place is awesome and they roast their own coffee. It used to be really small so if you were there when they were roasting it could get a little smokey. However, they expanded recently and have a lot of space to hang out, study, etc. and there are two bars to order drinks and one to order coffee beans (whole or ground to your specifications). One cool fact that I learned is the owner apparently negotiates directly with small producers to get his stock and thus the trade is more fair than "fair trade" because he cuts out the middle man and pays the farmers more than is considered "fair". It would appear that smaller producers like the ones they go to often cannot afford to get certified. Anyways, long story short, they make a great cappuccino (or however you like your Joe for that matter: espresso, drip, iced, how ever you want!). I buy my coffee there regularly and the cool thing is that you can try the coffee you want before you purchase. They have an extensive menu and they can help you arrive at a coffee that is right for you. I have other sources for good coffee in the city but this place is my #1. read more
11 years ago
The absolute best coffee during our Paris stay - hands down. Most folks don't know - but Paris actually doesn't have good coffee. It's *burnt and overall pretty bad (admitted by even Parisians and chefs). However over the past few years there has apparently been an emerging coffee scene - where beans from s America, Africa, Asia ... Are now used. I ordered the Filtre V60 and chose Ethiopian beans. Spouse had a cafe latte and also chose Ethiopian beans. Both were SO good. I liked the Filtre V60 better. My senses screamed "finally" (I'm a bit of a coffee addict, need it every day but I'm very particular). If I'm ever back in that area of Paris (le marais, les Halles...) I know where to go for my fix. *bad coffee is actually endemic to most of Europe in my opinion. It doesn't matter which country - it's always so strangely disappointing. Why? read more
What a wonderful, quaint coffee shop. It was a rainy afternoon in Paris and our French friend took us to her favorite study/hangout spot. The barista can come to your table, or if it's busy, you should go up to the counter to order. I ordered a latte. It had a nice froth on top and comes with Michel Cluizel chocolate. It's so cozy you can touch the people at the table next to you, but it was just such a great experience. The place has an organic and rustic feel; the atmosphere is none like I've had before. You just have to go there. Sorry, but it puts Starbucks to shame. Just sayin. read more
13 years ago
I first heard of La Caféothèque from the New York Times article http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/08/ristretto-why-is-coffee-in-paris-so-bad/?pagewanted=all about the low quality of coffee in Paris ("Why does the coffee in Paris suck so bad?"). After downing some truly nasty drink in Lausanne, Montpellier and Paris, I was ready for the big action. I was in no way disappointed. Sipping my macchiato was a great pleasure. Maybe my coffee wasn't as good as those at your local Intelligentsia or Blue Bottle, but it was head and shoulders above the normal Paris fare. I left with a 250 gram bag of the coffee of the day, which is from Burundi. I look forward to drinking that coffee with breakfast tomorrow. La Caféothèque's prices for espresso drinks are high relative to those at comparable US places; for example, consuming a cap on site will set you back 5 euros. On the other hand, the prices for coffee beans are perfectly in line with those in the US. The Caféothèque has a "yelp nous aime" sticker on the door. It's well deserved. read more
Located near the Seine, La Caféothèque de Paris is a great place for a coffee in an arty environment with a lovely and knowledgable barista. On holiday in Paris, La Caféothèque de Paris was my first stop for a coffee after walking along the beautiful Promenade Plantée for an hour or so. The coffee shop is located just off the bank of the river Seine and only a short walk away from Notre Dame or Bastille. Walking in, I was greeted by a roasting machine and a wide selection of coffee offered for retail. To order a coffee, I had to negotiate my way to the bar, but it was not hard to find. La Caféothèque de Paris has a few rooms, all dominated by wood, I think. I was sitting in a comfy little arm chair and looked at interesting paintings on all the walls. The atmosphere in this particular room was very relaxed and it was a pleasure to spend some time in there. And important especially for tourists, they do offer free wifi. It is limited to one hour, so if you're hanging around longer, you should probably ask the barista for another login. When ordering a flat white, I briefly talked to the lovely barista. Turns out, he used to work at a small coffee chain in London - incidentally I started my morning with a coffee at their King's Cross branch. Crazy, how small the world sometimes appears to be. He quickly recommended me another Paris coffee shop I did not yet have on my list - that's true customer service! He made me an excellent flat white that was second go none you get in London. It looked beautiful and tasted great. Unfortunately, they don't do fresh juices. So, after the coffee, he suggested a cold and refreshing hibiscus brew. It had a strong red colour and was a really nice drink for a beautiful summer day. The background music also made me smile, be it the Friends theme tune, "I'll be there for you" by The Rembrandts, or the nineties classic "Lemontree" by Fool's Garden. A fun selection that I don't really get tired of - although I wouldn't want to listen to those songs all the time. All in all, if you like coffee, La Caféothèque de Paris is a place you should definitely visit. read more
13 years ago
It wasn't the best cappuccino I've ever had. Pretty average and too expensive for the price if you ask me. HOWEVER, I do really like how cozy, warm & casual the cafe environment is. Warm, plants everywhere, friendly staff who speak English. Good place if you would like to just read a book, hangout with your friends or ponder life. No wifi so doing anything productive is out of the question. read more
yes 5 euro for a cappuccino is steep, but this is a super cool american style "coffee house" because you really feel warm and comfortable here with the kitsch decor and pungent smell of high quality coffee beans :) I hear lots of international languages here, as well as french. i actually come here quite frequently to linger over a delicious caffeinated beverage and work on my french homework :) it gets pretty busy around 4/5p but in the mornings its chill. they have some passteries and a pretty extensive drink list if you ask for the menu, but i always stick with a cappuccino or double espresso. They also have to go coffee! read more
7 years ago
A spacious and beautifully located coffee shop. The coffee is strong and you can read more about our review on insta @coffeecopsparis #coffeecopsparis read more
Great café crème. Cute cozy area to hang out. Free wifi. Great view of the hustle and bustle of Paris from the window. Friendly staff. They have an area to purchase coffee beans or coffee drinks. Very hipster. Great spot to relax! read more
12 years ago
Perfect place for coffee lovers! I haven't been here since December 2012 which a pity for me since I live in Paris. Yesterday after coming back here again I remembered how I loved this place. Coffee is excellent, to satisfy any taste preferences, staff is very friendly and helpful, and cheesecake is (oommgg) soooo good! It is not a fast/take-away/quick type of venue. You have to take time and enjoy your drink! read more
7 years ago
Caféothèque has had a big role in helping to kickstart the coffee scene in Paris. It stocks and roasts coffee from 31 different countries. The baristas are experienced and serve great coffee. The lounge is decorated like a comfy living room, with customers quietly reading - books rather than Kindles; it's that kind of place. Also, a gallery space hosts art exhibitions. read more
9 years ago
9 years ago
13 years ago
Lovely place, great environment. Also, PACKED & NO WI-FI. This multi-leveled coffee shop is beautiful, it has themed rooms and a very homey, rustic, classy former-hipster-who-has-kids-and-a-job feel. You have to order in one place, pay in another, and tell them where you're sitting (if you are fortunate enough to find a seat) so they can bring it to you. The coffee is soo delicious. The cheesecake is the best I've had in Paris so far (that's saying a lot). The guys working there are all very friendly, good-looking, playful (explain in a second), and helpful. There is a room up the stairs and to the right. A magical room. But there are no laptops allowed. My friend was typing away on her Mac, and the waiter asked us to leave: we didn't see the sign that said no computers. Whoops! The rest of the guys were joking around with us and being extra nice (free pastries and sushi, random, I know) to make up for it I think. Great place to study. Very relaxed vibe. Major downside is the lack of wi-fi - or else I'd be here all the time. read more
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More info about La Caféothèque
52 rue de l'Hôtel de Ville
75004 Paris
France
4ème, Marais
Directions
01 53 01 83 84
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.lacafeotheque.com
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La Caféothèque - cafes - Updated May 2026
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