Wondering where to get the best flat white in Paris?
This Paris specialty coffee guide is for you!
When you’re in Paris, it’s hard to resist the charm of sipping a classic black coffee or espresso at a cozy café.
But lately, a fresh wave of specialty coffee and matcha shops is taking over the city, adding a new twist to the traditional coffee culture.
Let’s dive into some of the top coffee spots in Paris for the perfect flat white, as rounded up by our very own Boutique Tours team. (Spoiler alert: we reaaaally love coffee!)
The Perfect Flat White: Where To Get Specialty Coffee in Paris
Paris has always had a thing for strong, black coffee or espresso.
But Paris now also has a thriving specialty coffee scene, with more cafés offering high-quality beans, brewing techniques, and a focus on exciting new concoctions.
Some key aspects of specialty coffee culture in Paris include:
- Focus on quality and origin: Parisian cafes love to showcase where their beans come from, really caring about the terroir and how they’re processed.
- Variety of brewing methods: There’s a ton of brewing styles you can try, like pour-over, espresso, or even siphon, so there’s something for everyone.
- Third Wave Influence: Paris is leaning into the Third Wave coffee movement, with cafes all about quality, transparency, sustainability, and teaching you about what you’re drinking.
- Coffee as a social experience: Parisian cafés are, as ever, all about community, acting as cozy spots where locals and visitors can hang out and connect.
One of the coolest spots to check out is Canal Saint Martin, a trendy hotspot for coffee lovers and foodies. Canal Saint Martin is the perfect place to start exploring specialty coffee in Paris – though great flat whites can be found all over the city.
Let’s get into the guide!
The Best Coffee Shops In Paris for Flat Whites
Buddy Buddy
First up is Buddy Buddy, where nut butter specialty coffees are their claim to fame. Their banana bread is a big hit since it perfectly complements their coffee.
Besides an exceptional flat white, they have a variety of nut-based drinks and treats to please every palate. The cool vibe and unique options make Buddy Buddy a great first stop on your coffee adventures in Paris.
Address: 15 Rue de Marseille, 75010 Paris, France. It has a 4.6 star rating on Google Maps.
Copains le Studio
Next, we’ve got Copains le Studio, a stylish café in Canal Saint Martin that’s all about clean, chic coffee pours and rich flavours.
It’s a cool spot to meet a friend and get your flat white fix. Heads up – it’s trés chic in the café, with sleek mirrored walls and baked goodies that look like art.
Address: 22 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris, France. It has a 4.3 star rating on Google Maps.
Ten Belles
A staple in the Canal Saint Martin coffee scene, Ten Belles is known for its quality coffee, brewed with precision and care, thanks to its strong relationships with local coffee roasters.
As a sustainable coffee roastery, bakery, and cafe chain with multiple locations in the heart of Paris, Ten Belles is a local fave. Grab a spot by the window to savor your coffee and people watch.
Address: 10 Rue de la Grange aux Belles, 75010 Paris, France. It has a 4.4 star rating on Google Maps.
Radio Days
Radio Days is a top pick for good coffee – it’s a real hit with Canal Saint Martin locals!
Their menu is full of expertly crafted coffee drinks made from gourmet and specialty beans. Enjoy brunch and coffee, plus Lebanese flatbreads and cookies, at this cool café with a subtle industrial vibe.
Address: 15 Rue Alibert, 75010 Paris, France. It has a 4.7 star rating on Google Maps.
Café La Lune Verte
If you’re after some of the best matcha in Paris, head to Café La Lune Verte, a cute coffee shop in PAris which serves not only fantastic coffee but also excellent matcha.
Tucked away down a quiet street, with a friendly barista waiting to take your order, this place has the ideal, calming vibe for a coffee fix.
Address: 60 Rue de la Fontaine au Roi, 75011 Paris, France. It has a 4.8 star rating on Google Maps.
Café Kitsuné
Café Kitsuné brings Japanese sensibility to the Parisian coffee scene.
Known as a cute coffee shop for its minimalist design and refined coffee offerings, Café Kitsuné’s multiple shops offer style and substance. Their velvety espressos and indulgent lattes draw in fashionistas and coffee enthusiasts alike.
Check out their premium merch in their boutique shop, or take a seat on the terrace to enjoy some French-Japanese fusion treats as you sip your flat white.
Café Kitsuné – Palais Royal: 51 Galerie Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France. It has a 4 star rating on Google Maps.
Noir
Noir is another gem in Paris, known for its top-notch brews and minimalist style.
They have multiple coffee shops in different locations, and focus on simple yet flavorful coffee, and have a great selection of goodies to enjoy with it.
Our favorite Noir is, of course, the one near our Paris base – it’s the perfect place to get a flat white before doing one of our award-winning Paris bike tours!
Address: Noir – Coffee Shop & Torréfacteur: 184 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris, France. It has a 4.6 star rating on Google Maps.
Café Dose Paris (Lamarck)
When it comes to our favorite coffee chains in Paris, Dose stands out, especially the Lamarck-Coulaincourt location.
Dose is right near the meeting point of our Montmartre Paris Hidden Gems Walking Tours and we love their flat whites.
Their flat whites have a creamy richness that hits the spot every time – perfect for a nice ‘dose’ of caffeine before heading out on a tour!
Address: 74 Rue Lamarck, 75018 Paris, France. It has a 4.6 star rating on Google Maps.
Zia Paris
Zia Paris combines great coffee with a great atmosphere.
It’s an intimate little place for brunch near to our Paris base on Rue Bosquet, which is a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower. This compact eatery serves specialty coffees, brunch, burritos, and pancakes amid homey surrounds, and the staff are lovely.
Zia’s menu has something for everyone, making it a popular spot for coffee aficionados. You should grab a flat white or a bite here before doing one of our Paris tours!
Address: 22 Av. de Tourville, 75007 Paris, France. It has a 4.6 star rating on Google Maps.
KB Café, Paris
KB Café is a highly popular specialty coffee shop and roastery known for its high-quality, small-batch coffee beans.
They’ve been specialty coffee pioneers in Paris since 2010 and offer a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, latte, and americano made from beans roasted in-house, as well as pastries and snacks.
Address: 53 Av. Trudaine, 75009 Paris
Bonjour Jacob
Bonjour Jacob is all about artisanal coffee making – their ethos centres around craftsmanship and quality.
They also offer refreshing iced coffee, perfect for cooling off during warmer months.
While you’re sipping that perfect flat white, check out the vinyl records, specialist magazines, and fabulous unique book collection that’s on offer in their store.
Address: 28 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris, France. It has a 4.6 star rating on Google Maps.
The Coffee
Even though The Coffee is a chain, each one of their coffee shops feels like an indie café: intimate and genuine.
Positioned as the best Brazilian coffee mixed with Japanese purity and perfectionism, their coffee is well-balanced and not too acidic, topped with cute latte art.
Address: 2 Rue Saint-Gilles, 75003 Paris, France. It has a 4.7 star rating on Google Maps.
La Brulerie de Belleville
La Brulerie de Belleville is a renowned roastery and a pioneer in the Parisian specialty coffee scene.
They’re closely associated with KB Coffee Roasters and are known for sourcing high-quality beans from around the world and roasting them to perfection, with an emphasis on flavor and sustainability.
Address: 14b Rue Lally Tollendal, 75019 Paris, France
Coutume Cafe, Paris
Coutume offers a stylish cafe and roastery experience with a wide range of coffee drinks, from classic espresso to innovative filter brews. They also have amazing food.
Their focus on quality and aesthetics has made Coutume a popular destination for locals.
Address: 47 Rue de Babylone, 75007 Paris, France
Substance Cafe, Paris
Substance Cafe is a tiny, coffee-obsessed shop in the heart of Paris. They source beans from ethical producers and provide a variety of brewing methods, making it the perfect place to explore different types of coffee.
Heads up – the coffee shop is so small, and so popular, that you have to book a slot in advance. It’s well worth it for a private coffee tasting by its owner!
Address: 30 Rue Dussoubs, 75002 Paris, France
Café Lomi, Paris
Lomi specializes in natural and eco-responsible coffees. As both a cafe and roastery, their rustic-chic shop is the place to go if you’re after house-roasted beans that have been brewed to perfection. Plus they serve up breakfast, light lunches and cakes.
Address: 3 ter Rue Marcadet, 75018 Paris, France
Kawa Coffee, Paris
A newer addition to the Parisian coffee scene, Kawa Coffee is recognized for its exceptional in-house roasted coffee.
With a minimalist and modern setting, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of high-quality coffee in a chill, vibey environment.
Address: 96 Rue des Archives, 75003 Paris, France
More Coffee Shops to Try
In addition to the top specialty coffee shops mentioned above, there are many other great coffee shops to try in Paris. Here are a few more recommendations:
- Boot Café: A small, cozy coffee shop in the Marais neighborhood, offering a range of specialty coffee drinks and delicious pastries.
- Fondation Café: A small coffee shop in the Marais neighborhood, offering a range of specialty coffee drinks and delicious pastries.
- Fragments Paris: A coffee shop in the Marais neighborhood, offering a range of specialty coffee drinks and delicious pastries.
- Partisan Cafe: A coffee shop in the Marais neighborhood, offering a range of specialty coffee drinks and delicious pastries.
Best Coffee Shops by Arrondissement
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, each with its unique character and charm. Here’s a guide to the best coffee shops in each arrondissement:
1st Arrondissement: Café Kitsuné, KB Café, Coutume Café
- Right in the heart of the tourist zone, these cafes are a hit for their stylish vibes and closeness to famous landmarks.
2nd Arrondissement: La Caféothèque, Coutume Café, Substance Café
- Another central spot, known for fancy shops and historic feels. Locals and tourists both love these cafes.
3rd Arrondissement: Boot Café, Fondation Café, The Coffee, Ten Belles
- A trendy area with a buzzing arts scene, perfect for the younger, hipster crowd.
4th Arrondissement: Fragments Paris, Partisan Cafe, Minicafé
- Home to the Marais—a trendy, historic district with cool boutiques and galleries. These cafes have a local, artsy vibe.
5th Arrondissement: Holybelly, Café de Flore, Substance Cafe
- In the Latin Quarter, where students, tourists, and locals mix. Cafes here range from cozy and traditional to modern and trendy.
6th Arrondissement: Les Deux Magots, Café de la Paix
- Known for literary cafes and high-end shopping. Tourists and locals come here for that classic Parisian experience.
7th Arrondissement: Café Marly, Le Comptoir du Relais, Zia, Dose Cafe Batignolles
- An upscale area with embassies and government buildings, offering a refined, elegant vibe.
8th Arrondissement: Café de la Paix, Le Grand Vefour, Noir – Coffee Shop & Torréfacteur
- A fashionable spot with luxury hotels and designer stores, catering to a more affluent crowd.
9th Arrondissement: Café de la Gare, Le Petit Châtelet
- A mix of residential and commercial. Cafes here offer everything from traditional to modern atmospheres.
10th Arrondissement: Holybelly, Café de la Gare, Ten Belles, Buddy Buddy, Copains Le Studio, Radiodays, Bonjour Jacob
- A trendy area with vibrant nightlife, often visited by young professionals and students.
11th Arrondissement: Boot Café, Fondation Café, Café la lune verte, Ten Belles
- Diverse district with a blend of residential and commercial spaces, offering a range of cafe vibes.
12th Arrondissement: Fragments Paris, Partisan Cafe
- This area is a mix of residential and commercial, with cafes that have a more local feel.
13th Arrondissement: Café Kitsuné, KB Café
- A multicultural district with a growing arts scene, where cafes range from trendy to traditional.
14th Arrondissement: La Caféothèque, Coutume Café
- Another diverse area mixing residential and commercial, with cafes offering traditional to modern vibes.
15th Arrondissement: Holybelly, Café de la Gare
- A residential area with a growing number of cafes and restaurants, offering a local feel.
16th Arrondissement: Café de la Paix, Le Grand Vefour
- An upscale district with lots of parks, where cafes offer a refined and elegant atmosphere.
17th Arrondissement: Café Marly, Le Comptoir du Relais
- A residential area on the rise with more cafes and restaurants, providing a local feel.
18th Arrondissement: Café de la Gare, Le Petit Châtelet
- Known for its bohemian vibe and arts scene, these cafes have an artistic, alternative feel.
19th Arrondissement: Fragments Paris, Partisan Cafe
- A diverse mix of residential and commercial, with cafes offering everything from traditional to modern styles.
20th Arrondissement: Boot Café, Fondation Café, Ten Belles
- A trendy district with a lively nightlife, popular with young professionals and students.
Note: This is a starting point – there are so many other great coffee shops in each arrondissement!
Types of Specialty Coffee Drinks in Paris
When it comes to ordering coffee in Paris, it’s essential to understand the different types of coffee drinks available.
From the classic café au lait to the more modern flat white, Parisian coffee shops offer a variety of options to suit every taste.
Here’s a brief guide to help you navigate the world of coffee drinks in Paris:
- Café au Lait: A traditional French coffee made with brewed coffee and scalded milk.
- Espresso: A strong, concentrated shot of coffee made by forcing pressurized hot water through finely ground coffee beans.
- Cappuccino: A combination of espresso, steamed milk, and foam.
- Flat White: A type of coffee drink made with espresso and microfoam (steamed, frothed milk).
- Latte: Espresso with steamed milk and a small amount of foam on top.
- Iced Coffee: Coffee brewed hot and then chilled, served over ice.
- Iced Latte: A chilled drink blending freshly brewed espresso with cold milk and ice.
- Pour-over: A manual brewing method where hot water is poured over ground coffee beans in a filter.
- Cold Brew: Coffee brewed with cold water for an extended period, resulting in a smooth, less acidic flavor.
- Cortado: Espresso mixed with an equal amount of warm milk to reduce acidity.
- Cubano: An espresso shot sweetened with sugar as it’s brewed.
- Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water, creating a drink similar to black coffee.
- Long Macchiato: A double shot of espresso with a splash of steamed milk.
- Drip Coffee: Coffee made by dripping boiling water over ground coffee, usually using a drip machine.
- Long Black: Similar to an Americano but made by adding espresso to hot water.
- Caffè Breve: Espresso with steamed half-and-half, resulting in a rich, creamy coffee.
- Black Eye: A cup of drip coffee with two shots of espresso.
The Best Specialty Coffee in Paris
The specialty coffee scene in Paris continues to evolve, with new cafes and roasters emerging regularly.
As we shared with our favourite coffee spots in Paris above, the Canal Saint Martin area is brimming with plenty of options for specialty coffee enthusiasts.
From unique nut butter coffees to the city’s best matcha, you can rely on these cafés for the perfect flat white.
After you’ve gotten your coffee fix – maybe we’ll see you on one of our Paris tours!