Ah, the French croissant. The dreamy breakfast pastry we all crave as soon as we step off the plane in Paris. Maybe a pain au chocolat (or a chocolatine in the south). It's the best way to start the day, whether on vacation or not. Perhaps day one, a croissant. Day two, a pain au chocolat. Day three, des chouquettes. Day four, another croissant… Is there too much of a good thing?
Let's face it, at some point, you might (just might!) be interested in a savory breakfast in Paris. Dare we say… proper brunch, even? Five years ago, this would have been a difficult endeavor, but now, thankfully, various brunch and coffee establishments have popped up all over the city. We’re here to tell you which ones are worth the hype.
Here are our top brunch spots in Paris, volume I.
photo: Good News
1. Good News Coffee Shop: Where to Find the Best Coffee and Brunch in Paris
Location: 27 bis Rue Mademoiselle, 75015 Paris | No reservations
Hours: Weekdays from 8:30 AM, Sat 9:30 AM, Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
This is one of the best coffee shops in Paris, hands down, and it happens to be run by our good friend Fox. Everything is made in-house at Good News Coffeeshop, including the pastries (you can even find a frosted cinnamon roll here). Their menu includes classics like quiche, eggs benedict, avocado toast, and beans on toast—so you won’t go hungry here. It’s also one of the best places for quality coffee; if you don’t like their batch brew, they’ll prepare a pourover for you, and their milky coffee is top-notch as well.
Fun fact: Fox owns another fantastic place, Cayo Coffee Roasters (75013). There’s a lot going on at Cayo (and all of it good), but for this article, rest assured they offer a weekend brunch, so if you’re in the neighborhood be sure to stop by for a killer Shakshouka. To learn more about Café Cayo, and for more brunch recommendations, check out our guide to Paris.
To note: About two years ago, a European coffee shop chain called GoodNews installed itself in several places across Paris. Make sure you have the correct Good News in your GPS when you visit Fox & Team. We’ve included the exact address above.
2. Gramme 11: A Weekend Brunch With A Fresh Take
Location: 75011 Paris | Reserve here
Brunch Hours: Sat-Sun 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Gramme 11 is not a daily brunch place, but it’s definitely worth the weekend visit. From their breakfast sandwich on brioche bread with caramelized bacon and chili jam, to their sweet potato "steak" with eggs and tartare sauce, Gramme offers a delicious brunch in Paris that’s hard to beat. The food is fresh, the coffee is top-notch, and the staff is delightful. They also have the best chocolate chip cookie in Paris, hands down. Plus, it’s set in one of the trendiest areas of town, so you’ll have plenty of options for the rest of your day—whether exploring along the Canal Saint-Martin or wandering through the beautiful Buttes Chaumont park.
3. Hardware Société: Enjoy a Sweet Brunch then a Walk Through Montmartre
Location: 75018 Paris | No reservations
Hours: Daily 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM, 4:30 PM on weekends
Hardware Société, founded by an Australian couple with locations in Paris, Barcelona, and Melbourne, is an incredibly popular brunch spot in Paris—and for good reason. The food is outstanding, and the café is just a short walk from Sacré-Coeur to set you up for a day of exploring Montmartre. Although you'll likely need to wait in line to get in, it's worth it. Once inside, you'll be well-fed with a variety of sweet and savory dishes, from the most indulgent French toast to yogurt and granola, to eggs and toast. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place for you.
4. Café Mericourt: The Best Brunch in Paris's Trendiest Neighborhood
Location: 75011 Paris | Reserve here
Hours: Weekdays 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Weekends 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Café Mericourt, run by our friend Guy, is a fantastic option for a delicious brunch in Paris. Whether you're craving shakshouka, egg sandwiches, or pancakes, this café has something for everyone—even for vegetarians and gluten-free friends! Located in a trendy area of town, you can expect to find a line outside the door, but don’t worry—it moves quickly. (You can also reserve for between 9:30-10:30 AM, and after that, sign up for their virtual waitlist.) This is a great place to go if you're craving a little green on your plate!
5. Holybelly: A Parisian Favorite for Classic Brunch
Location: 75010 Paris | No reservations
Hours: Open daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Holybelly is an OG Parisian, popular breakfast joint that offers a classic, hearty brunch experience—the best kind! Their savory pancakes are unreal, and the sweet ones are pretty good, too. If you’re not in a breakfast mood, no problem! Holybelly also offers lunch options, with our favorite being the fried chicken. There’s always a line here, so be sure you have time to spare, but you won't regret the wait and the line moves quicker than you’d think.
There are always more...
This has been Paris in My Pocket’s Best Brunches in Paris, volume I. For more delicious breakfast and brunch options, as well as over 100 amazing specialty coffee shops for the coffee snob in all of us, be sure to grab our guide. A one-time purchase grants you access for life, and our geolocalization map feature means you’ll never be stranded in Paris without a good place to eat or drink.
