Paris is full of pretty cafés and fancy restaurants, but not all of them feel worth the time, money, or the wait. So I made the list I wish I had on my first trip: some of the best places for a slow lunch, a beautiful cocktail, or a sweet break that also happens to be one of the most instagrammable places in the City of Lights.
And yes, you already know the big names like the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Pyramid. But this post is for the moments in between. The cute cafés, the terrace dinners with a view of the Eiffel Tower, the bars that feel like a secret, and the little spots that make Paris feel like the city of love again.
Some of these are luxury spots that feel like a special moment. Some are iconic classics. Some are quick stops for hot chocolate, waffles, or a coffee to go near a metro station. I’ll share what we ordered, what the vibe was like, and small tips that save you time, like what time to go so you don’t lose an hour in line.
Use this like a pick-and-mix menu. You don’t need to do everything. Just choose what matches your mood that day. And yes, save it on Google Maps for your next trip, your future self will thank you.
- “Special moment” places (beautiful, photogenic, and actually worth it)
- Restaurants with Eifel Tower views and pretty settings
- Iconic cafés and sweet classics
- 12. Café de Flore or/and Les Deux Magots (Saint-Germain)
- 13. Angelina (Rue de Rivoli, near Tuileries)
- 14. Ladurée (16 Rue Royale, oldest location)
- 15. Café de la Paix (near Opéra Garnier)
- 16. Carette (Trocadéro Square)
- 17. Ralph’s Coffee
- 18. Madame Madame (Eiffel Tower waffles)
- 19. Le Consulat (Montmartre)
- 20. La Maison Rose (Montmartre)
- One Last Thought Before You Close This Tab
“Special moment” places (beautiful, photogenic, and actually worth it)
1. Maison Revka
This place gave me full Slavic aristocrat in Paris energy. Very Tolstoy mood, but instead of a train station drama scene, you’re sitting inside a beautiful Parisian house filled with warm light, velvet textures, and tiny details everywhere. It feels theatrical, elegant, and a little bit nostalgic in the best way.
Maison Revka is located near Place Victor Hugo in the 16th arrondissement, inside a stunning Art Nouveau building. The whole space feels like a mix of Slavic charm and classic Parisian elegance. Every room is different, and honestly, I loved walking through and looking at all the details almost as much as sitting at the table.
The menu focuses on Slavic-inspired dishes, with beautiful ingredients like smoked salmon and caviar. Even the way the food arrives feels special. They brought pickles to the table, not just bread and butter, which I loved.
We ordered tuna with sauce and caviar, and seabream carpaccio. Both dishes literally melted in the mouth and were delicious. But my favorite part, at least emotionally, was choosing cocktails inspired by Slavic folklore. Yes, I ordered the Elena cocktail. Obviously.
We made a reservation for this one, and I’d recommend doing the same, especially for dinner. I’d honestly love to come back in the evening next time. It’s one of those places that feels like a full experience, not just a meal.
2. RH Collection Le Jardin
RH Collection is a relatively new place in Paris, and honestly, the store itself feels more like a museum than a shop. It has several restaurants and bars inside, and I chose Le Jardin, the terrace space under a curved glass and steel roof inspired by the Grand Palais. I’m really glad I did. It’s also a great stop if you’re already walking around the Champs Élysées or nearby shopping streets and want a calm break from the busy energy.
I visited on my own and had such a nice dinner there. The atmosphere was relaxed and calm. It’s the kind of place where you can actually enjoy being alone with a good meal and a nice view.
I ordered Mediterranean sea bass and it literally melted in my mouth. The cocktails were also very good, which made the whole experience feel like a proper treat.
The space is beautiful without being too much. You keep noticing little design details, from the stone surfaces to the bar, and everything feels clean and elegant.
This one is definitely on the splurge side, so I’d save it for a special lunch or a slow dinner when you want to treat yourself.
One important tip: make a reservation. It’s getting popular and fills up fast.
3. Jean Imbert, Plaza Athénée (Breakfast)
We had breakfast at Plaza Athénée, and it was honestly one of the most beautiful breakfast experiences I’ve ever had.
We arrived at 7:30 am with a reservation, and I really recommend booking in advance. Your reservation is guaranteed by credit card, and if you cancel less than 24 hours before, there is a charge of €50 per person, so just keep that in mind when planning.
The dining room is grand, elegant, and full of light. It feels like a classic Paris movie scene. Chef Jean Imbert brings a modern touch to traditional French flavors, but the whole experience feels warm and comforting, not stiff or intimidating.
We had pastries, coffee, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and fruit, and everything was genuinely delicious. Simple food, done really well. I also loved that they really care about ingredient quality. All the eggs are organic, the beef comes from France and Italy, the pork from France and Spain, and the poultry from France.
If you love slow mornings, beautiful spaces, and starting your day in a special way, this is absolutely worth adding to your Paris list.
Would I recommend it? Yes, without question. It’s a wonderful way to treat yourself in Paris.
4. Lunch at Louis Vuitton Café
Honestly, we booked this because of the hype… and then ended up loving the place way more than expected. The café is located in the heart of Paris, right opposite the Seine River, above the Louis Vuitton Art Deco exhibition, and the whole space feels like a little tropical escape in the middle of the city.
Our reservation was at 13:30, so it felt like a relaxed lunch stop. We ordered the Louis Croque Sandwich and the shellfish ravioli, and before the main dishes they brought a small complimentary soup, which was such a nice touch. We also shared the chocolate monogram dessert and had cappuccinos, and everything felt very well thought out, not just “pretty for Instagram.”
It’s definitely a splurge and not an everyday café stop, but if you want one stylish lunch experience during your trip, this one is actually worth putting on your list.
5. Les Ambassadeurs, Hôtel de Crillon
This was, without exaggeration, one of the most beautiful bars I’ve ever visited in Paris. The room itself feels like a piece of art, with its painted ceiling, soft lighting, and that quiet, elegant atmosphere you only find in places like this.
The cocktails were just as impressive as the setting. You can choose from their signature creations or simply ask for your favorite classic, and they’ll make it perfectly. Everything felt wonderfully elegant and unrushed.
The bar is open daily from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am, and they don’t take reservations. We arrived around 6:00 pm and were seated by the bar without any problem, which actually made the experience even nicer.
Good to know: pets under 10 kg are welcome.
If you’re looking for one truly special evening drink in Paris, this is the kind of place you’ll remember long after your trip ends.
6. Ritz Bar
We wanted to go to the Hemingway Bar, but by the time we arrived around 6 pm, it was already full. So we ended up at the Ritz Bar instead.
It’s nice. Very beautiful, very polished, very “Ritz”. The ceiling is impressive, the lantern ritual at 5:30 pm is interesting to see once, and the space definitely feels grand.
But if I’m being honest, it didn’t completely wow me.
The cocktails were good, the service was smooth, and the whole experience felt well executed, but emotionally it didn’t stay with me the way some other Paris bars do. I enjoyed walking through the hotel more than sitting at the bar itself.
Still, if it’s your first time at the Ritz, it’s worth stopping by, especially to see the space and the atmosphere.
It’s open Tuesday to Saturday, 5 pm to 11:30 pm and no reservations needed.
7. Shangri-La Bar Le Botaniste
This is one of the most intimate bars we visited in Paris.
Le Bar Botaniste is small, cozy, and feels almost hidden inside the Shangri-La. It’s the kind of place you go to slow down, talk, and actually enjoy your drink. No rush, no noise, no crowd energy.
The bar opens from 6 pm, and we went before dinner, which honestly felt perfect. Such a calm and elegant way to start the evening.
The space is inspired by Napoleonic tents and Prince Roland Bonaparte’s love for botany, and you really feel that in the details. It’s refined but warm, elegant without being intimidating. Definitely more “quiet luxury” than flashy hotel bar.
In June 2025, Le Bar Botaniste was named one of the 58 Best Hotel Star Bars by Forbes Travel Guide, and it makes sense. The cocktails are very well done, the service is great. This is not a place you go for a wild night out. It’s a place you go when you want a beautiful moment.
Would I recommend it? Yes. Especially if you love intimate bars with beyond obvious cocktails.
8. Dior Café, Le Jardin by Yannick Alléno
After visiting La Galerie Dior, we made a quick stop at the Dior café called Le Jardin by Yannick Alléno. Just so you know, there are a few food spots connected to Dior here: there’s a small café inside the museum, a café inside the Dior store, and also a full restaurant. We skipped the museum café and stopped at the one inside the store.
For us, this was more of a short break than a full meal. We ordered a vanilla star dessert and cappuccinos. The staff recommended the vanilla cake, and while it looked beautiful, it was not very sweet. For me, it was just ok, but if you like desserts that are not too sugary, you might actually love it.
It’s a nice stop if you are already in the area and want something light and pretty after the museum, but I wouldn’t plan a full lunch here unless you are going to the restaurant. Quick price snapshot: The Star vanilla tart was €24, and a cappuccino was €10.
Restaurants with Eifel Tower views and pretty settings
9. Francette (Eiffel Tower view)
This one was a little gem. Francette is a floating restaurant on the Seine, right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. It has a few different areas depending on the vibe you want. There’s a cozy indoor restaurant on the ground floor that’s open for dinner, a rooftop penthouse with big shared tables and open views, a covered penthouse area that works in any season, and a back terrace that feels a bit more hidden and calm.
We sat on the terrace and honestly had an incredible view the whole time. The Eiffel Tower felt almost unreal from that angle, especially around the full hour when the sparkle begins.
If you’ve been dreaming of dinner with the Iron Lady in front of you, this is a great spot. It’s one of those best photo spots where you can still eat well and not feel like you’re stuck with professional photographers fighting for the same corner.
They recommended the duck with fries, so we ordered that, and it was really good. For a place with such a strong view, the food quality and overall experience felt surprisingly good value and not overly touristy.
One important thing to know: you can only be seated if you have a reservation, so definitely book ahead, especially if you want a terrace table for the Eiffel Tower sparkle moment.
If you want a relaxed dinner with one of the best Eiffel Tower views in Paris, this is a great option.
10. Di Vino (Eiffel Tower view)
This is an affordable Italian restaurant with one of the best Eiffel Tower views if you sit outside. Let’s be honest, most people come here for the view, not for a food experience.
We made a reservation for 13:30, and when we arrived it was still pretty calm, but around 2:00 to 2:30 pm it started to get more busy and lively. A lot of people were just ordering tea or coffee and staying for the view.
We were seated at one of the tables with the best visibility, and for those, you usually need to order food. We had pizza and pasta. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the food, and I agree it’s not the best Italian you’ll ever have, but my pasta was totally fine and did the job.
If you want a relaxed lunch with a great Eiffel Tower photo, this is a good stop. It’s not trying to be a hidden gem, it’s just a good stop when you want a great view and a very easy plan.
11. La Verrière (Opera Garnier area)
La Verrière feels like Belle Époque Paris under a glass roof. The space sits inside the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand Hotel, and the ceiling instantly reminded me of places like the Grand Palais or Musée d’Orsay, those beautiful “cathedrals of iron and glass” that Paris is famous for. It’s bright and airy, even though you’re right in the middle of a busy area. During the day it feels like a winter garden where the city noise quietly disappears.
I visited during Christmas time, and it honestly had one of the most beautiful Christmas trees I’ve seen in Paris. In 2025 it was decorated with ballet shoes from Repetto, which made the whole space feel magical and very Parisian. In the evening, the atmosphere changes completely. The glass roof lights up, the room feels more intimate, and it turns into a cozy place for dinner or drinks.
This spot is also perfect if you’re visiting the Opéra Garnier, which is just a two-minute walk away. A lot of people recommend it for coffee, but personally I would go for lunch or dinner instead. We had onion soup and beef tartare with French fries, and everything was really tasty. I’d happily go back. It genuinely felt like having lunch inside an opera foyer.
One important tip: make a reservation. When we were there, they didn’t accept walk-ins and the place was completely full.
Iconic cafés and sweet classics
12. Café de Flore or/and Les Deux Magots (Saint-Germain)
You’ve definitely seen them online a thousand times. Two iconic cafés in Saint Germain where writers like Ernest Hemingway and Oscar Wilde once spent their afternoons. Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots are a great place for people-watching and easing into the Paris vibe, especially if this is your first day in the city.
If you’re staying in the Latin Quarter or walking around Palais Royal, it’s an easy detour and a very classic Paris moment.
Let’s talk about Café de Flore for prices, since people always ask. A croissant is around €4, tea or coffee like the Flore glacé is about €8.50, hot chocolate around €10, and a café crème about €7. If you want to eat, dishes start around €16 for the soup of the day and go up to about €27 for classics like confit de canard.
You’re paying for the location and the history as much as the food, but honestly, sitting here for an hour and watching Paris go by feels like part of the experience.
13. Angelina (Rue de Rivoli, near Tuileries)
Angelina has been around since 1903 and is famous for its thick hot chocolate and the Mont-Blanc dessert. Yes, there are often long lines, but it’s still a classic Paris stop that many people want to experience at least once.
We went at around 8:00 am and were seated right away, so if you don’t like waiting, early morning is the best time to go. The main tea room is located at 226 Rue de Rivoli, right across from the Tuileries Garden and very close to the Louvre Museum, so it’s easy to combine with sightseeing.
We ordered hot chocolate, croissants, and the Mont-Blanc dessert. I actually really liked the Mont-Blanc, it’s not too sweet and has really nice, interesting textures. The inside feels very old and elegant, almost like stepping into another time. It’s a great stop for a cozy break between walks.
14. Ladurée (16 Rue Royale, oldest location)
If you love macarons and pretty interiors, this one feels like a little Paris classic. It’s very much a “sit for tea and feel fancy for an hour” kind of place. Go earlier in the day if you hate queues, especially on weekends.
This location opened back in 1862, and 16 Rue Royale is the historic address of Maison Ladurée. It’s perfectly located between Place de la Madeleine and Place de la Concorde, just a short walk from Rue Saint-Honoré. Downstairs you’ll find the boutique, and upstairs there are two beautiful tea rooms where you can sit for lunch or an afternoon treat.
We grabbed some macarons to go as well, which is a great option if you don’t feel like sitting down but still want the experience.
Reservations are possible here, and I definitely recommend booking ahead if you plan to sit, especially during busy hours.
It’s elegant without feeling too serious, and a lovely stop if you want something sweet in a beautiful setting.
15. Café de la Paix (near Opéra Garnier)
Café de la Paix sits right in front of the Opéra Garnier, and has been around since 1862. The inside is full of gold details, mirrors, and that classic Napoléon III style that feels elegant but welcoming.
If the weather is nice, try to sit on the terrace. The view of the Opéra Garnier is honestly incredible and such a wonderful spot for people-watching. It’s one of those places where you can easily sit longer than planned just watching the city go by.
You can stop here just for a coffee, come for a light lunch, or even dessert. The menu is full of French classics like onion soup, tartare, seafood, and pastries, so it’s easy to find something comforting.
One important tip: you can make a reservation here, and I highly recommend doing it, especially if you want a good terrace table with the opera view. It gets busy fast.
If you love beautiful historic cafés and want a very Parisian moment without overthinking it, this one is such a nice stop to add to your day.
16. Carette (Trocadéro Square)
People online are always debating if Carette is overrated or underrated, so let me share our honest experience. They have a few locations in Paris, but here I’m talking about the one in Trocadéro Square, right near the Eiffel Tower.
It’s also super easy to pair with a walk through the Trocadéro Gardens and down to Champ de Mars for that classic “I’m really in Paris” stroll.
From my point of view, it’s not overrated at all. Yes, it’s popular, and most of the time you will see a line outside. But if you are an early bird like us, you can totally avoid the wait. In winter, try to go a little before 8:00 am. In summer, around 7:00 or 7:15 am, and you should get a table right away.
We ordered hot chocolate with whipped cream, a croissant, and strawberries, and everything was really good. For prices, the hot chocolate is around €12.50 with whipped cream, and a croissant is about €4.50. And honestly, I can say this was the best hot chocolate I had in Paris.
Cute quick stops that are very “Instagram Paris”
17. Ralph’s Coffee
Perfect if you are hopping between metro stations and just need something quick but cute. You can actually sit and enjoy your coffee, eat at their restaurant, or just grab a cup to go like we did.
For prices, a Ralph espresso is around €3.90, a cappuccino about €6, and hot chocolate around €7. Fresh juices are the priciest at about €12. Pastries are pretty reasonable for this area: croissant around €3, cookie €5, brownie €8, and the most expensive dessert is the chocolate cake at about €9.
18. Madame Madame (Eiffel Tower waffles)
Madame Madame was another quick and fun stop for us. They are famous for their waffle shaped like the Eiffel Tower, and yes, it’s as cute as it sounds.
We ordered the waffle with pistachio cream, but you can also choose chocolate, white chocolate, honey, or salted butter caramel. You can even add sparkles on top if you want to make it extra fun. If you prefer salty snacks, they also have savory waffles with three types of cheese.
For prices, the plain Eiffel Tower waffle is around €5, each topping is about +€1, and the cheese waffle is around €7. Matcha drinks are usually €6 to €8, and coffee starts from about €4.
It’s a great stop if you want something cute, quick, and not too expensive while exploring near the Eiffel Tower.
19. Le Consulat (Montmartre)
Le Consulat is one of the most iconic cafés in Montmartre, and you’ve probably seen its colorful façade on postcards and Instagram a hundred times. It sits right in the middle of those charming cobblestone streets, with Sacré-Cœur just a short walk away. Montmartre is also home to the Moulin Rouge, the famous sinking house photo illusion, and some of the best instagram spots if you go early.
We came around 9:00 am mainly for photos and a quiet walk through the neighborhood. The café opens at 12:00 pm, and we had already had breakfast, so we didn’t eat here this time. But honestly, early morning is still the best moment to visit this area if you want clean photos and fewer people around. Montmartre feels calm and almost like a little village before the crowds arrive.
If you actually want to sit at the café, I’d recommend going on a weekday rather than a weekend, because it gets very busy later in the day.
Even if you just stop for photos and a slow walk, it’s still a lovely little Paris moment to add to your day
20. La Maison Rose (Montmartre)
La Maison Rose is that famous pink corner house in Montmartre that you’ve probably seen all over Instagram, but it also has a beautiful story behind it.
The house was bought in 1905 by Catalan painter Ramon Pichot, who used it as his art studio and welcomed friends like Dalí and Picasso. A few years later, his wife painted the walls pink and opened what became La Maison Rose, turning it into a meeting place for artists and creatives in the neighborhood.
Today, after spending some time painted white, La Maison Rose is once again a local restaurant serving French and Italian family-style dishes, with a menu that changes with the seasons. The kitchen follows an eco-responsible approach, focusing on local products, and many of the drinks are made using as many organic ingredients as possible.
It’s still one of the prettiest corners in Montmartre and a lovely place, whether you stop to admire it, a walk through the neighborhood, or a relaxed meal.
Good to know: Reservations are highly recommended if you plan to eat here. The restaurant usually takes a winter break and reopens in late January (for example, January 29 in 2026).
It’s one of those places where you feel both the artistic history of Montmartre and its cozy, local side at the same time.
One Last Thought Before You Close This Tab
If you’re building your Paris photo list, a few other most instagrammable spots people love are Rue Crémieux, Rue de l’Université (for that classic tower view), Avenue de Camoens, and Pont Alexandre III. I’m mentioning them here so you can pin the exact locations on Google Maps, but the places in this list are the ones I actually enjoyed spending time in.
If there’s one thing I hope you take from this list, it’s that Paris doesn’t have to overwhelming to feel special. You don’t need to chase every trending spot or stand in every line. Sometimes the best moments are a slow breakfast in a beautiful room, one perfect cocktail in a quiet bar, or a coffee break that turns into people-watching for an hour.
Use this list as inspiration, not a checklist. Pick what fits your mood, your energy, and your pace that day. Paris always gives back more when you let it breathe a little.
