Favorite brunch spots in Paris
In celebration of the weekend, I’ve put together some of my go-to spots for brunch. Paris has no shortage of tasty places to eat, drink, and be merry, so this list is by no means exhaustive.
Boho
Café Bohème is located on Place Edgar Quinet, filled with locals and travelers alike given its proximity to the Montparnasse train station. They have a large variety of food options, serving both healthy dishes (yogurt with granola) and heartier dishes (ricotta pancakes or sweet potato fries). The setting is super sweet with dried flowers strung across the walls and ceiling, cute wooden tables, and comfy cushions. You can reserve in advance online, and it’s great for large groups—which are tricky to accommodate in Paris. The only downside is the service can be slow.
Classic
Le Select is like Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots without the tourists and with friendlier waiters. It was also frequented by famous writers and artists like Hemingway and Picasso. On the menu is a quintessential Parisian breakfast offering croissants, tartines (a baguette sliced in two) with butter and jam, freshly squeezed orange juice, and coffee. You can reserve, and it’s large group friendly.
Hipster
Strada Café on Rue Monge and Dose Dealer Café on Rue Mouffetard are two great spots for brunch—both located in the 5th arrondissement. They have excellent coffee and offer sweet and salty bites. Read more on my post A Foodie’s Guide to the 5th Arrondissement.
Healthy
If you’re looking for a healthy spot for brunch, look no further. Judy—located just next to Luxembourg Gardens—serves all things healthy from acai bowls to avocado toast to cold-pressed juices. You can book a table inside in advance, but the terrace is open seating. They also have a café next door where you can order to take away.
P.S. For the parents out there who are still changing diapers, Judy’s restroom has a changing table, which is the ONLY one I’ve seen in Paris to date.
Luxe
If you’re looking for an opulent brunch, Peninsula Paris is an easy choice. The interior is beautiful, and you have the service that comes along with a 5-star hotel. The brunch is set at a fixed price of 120€ per person (without alcohol), but you can eat to your heart’s desire. The hotel is situated next to the Champs Elysees, and if you go on the first Sunday of the month, the famous boulevard is pedestrian only making it a nice spot for a post-meal stroll.
Trendy
Echo is a deli located in the bustling 2nd arrondissement with a California-inspired menu, serving Golden State staples like nut milk lattes, avocado toast, and eggs with chorizo.
American
Treize Bakery checks all the spots for brunch. The food is excellent. They serve a bit of everything from pancakes to salads, but what really sets them apart is the southern influence (think homemade biscuits, hashbrowns, and Arnold Palmers). They also offer fresh-squeezed juices made to order (not pre-bottled), an impressively large tea selection, and super fun cocktails. The service is fabulous—the staff is so friendly and accommodating (I often go with my 2-month-old son, and they always find a spot for the stroller). The decor gives a modern twist to shabby-chic and the outdoor terrace overlooks Luxembourg Gardens. What more could you ask for?
Popular
Holybelly. I couldn’t talk about brunch without mentioning Holybelly. This place has all the things: eggs, pancakes, toast, drip coffee, bloody marys, etc. It is so good that the line is always just so darn long (they don’t accept reservations).
