As Paris gradually exits its confinement/lockdown, nothing sounds more luxurious than leisurely sipping a creamy, hot flat white.
During quarantine, I’ve tried my hand at latte art, using a Bodum milk frother that pumps manually from the top and have come oh-so-close to a heart. (It’s that difficult!) I still need hundreds of practice pours to get even close to a leaf pattern.
It’s a relief to know that the reality of an expertly-crafted cappuccino is not too far away…
Below is a list of my favorite spots in Paris, where, in normal times, you can cozy up with a book and enjoy the buzz and purr of those gleaming machines.
For now, there’s the sweetness of silky, steamed milk swirled with a hit of strong espresso to accompany you on your walk home.
Honor Café
Nestled in a courtyard just steps from the Élysée Palace, Honor Café is a rare outdoor oasis in Paris. I once lived a few blocks away and would bring my laptop almost every morning (a rare allowance in Paris). Their toasted banana bread with a dollop of espresso butter is irresistible, and the flat whites are always hot and luxurious. The added bonus is the baristas are talented and friendly, and there are always loyal English-speaking customers who are likely to strike up conversations with each other.
54 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris, France
Coutume Institut
There are strict rules at Coutume Institut. You can’t use laptops during lunch hours or on the weekend, and they are only allowed at two communal tables. This bothered me at first. Then I tried their flat whites and kept coming back.
Coutume drinks are exceptionally crafted, and the baristas take pride in their creations. Before French class at the Sorbonne, I would bring my laptop for an early morning writing session, happily caffeinated in the lively atmosphere. The windows are large and ceilings are high, and you can always find me at Coutume when I’m craving espresso.
60 rue des Écoles
75005 Paris, France
Shakespeare & Co.
When I want a scone seated across from the noble towers of Notre Dame and surrounded by the ghosts of literary giants, I head to Shakespeare and Company. The coffee shop is adjacent to the bookstore and offers sweets, lunch, and hot beverages. If you’re lucky, you’ll snag a table. And if you’re especially fortunate, Colette, a gentle black dog and almost-resident at the bookstore, will visit your table.
37 rue de la Bûcherie
75005 Paris, France
Back in Black
Space is a rare commodity in Paris. Patience for laptops and lingering is also. Back in Black, feels like a large, sleek stadium compared to its tinier counterparts in Paris. They let you work, they let you sip, and they feed you delicious items from their open kitchen from breakfast to lunch. A highlight is their sweet pancakes and almond brioche. I’ve written often at Back in Black and am grateful for its chilled and friendly vibe.
25 Rue Amelot
75011 Paris, France
Café Kitsuné at the Palais Royal
The photograph at the top of this post features Chantal Thomass. She’s a legendary designer of lingerie in Paris, and I read her delicious autobiography in Café Kitsuné. This Café has two locations by the Jardin du Palais Royal. I usually order a cortado with the perfect milk to espresso ratio. But on summer days, I’ll opt for the sweet yuzu lemonade to go.
2 place André Malraux
75001 Paris, France
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