Dèrriere
A charming and whimsical restaurant for the light at heart and serious about food. Feels a bit like John Malkovich invited you over to his house for dinner. Play ping pong between courses or head upstairs to the fumoir (smoking room) that has a secret entrance disguised by a mirrored wardrobe you’ll have to step through to travel there. You can even dine sitting in bed. Reservations recommended. 69 Rue des Gravilliers 3eme, Map This
Jean-Bernard
This little cafe serving up southwest French cuisine is one of my favorite places in all of Paris. I truly believe magic happens here as it seems often when I go my friends and I come across someone special. The guy that runs the place now is anything but the original grouchy Jean-Bernard, but rather the most charming, kind, and funny young french man one could imagine. They definitely know their wines here, you can try them there or buy some for later. The menu is delicious, hearty, simple, and spectacular with things like chevre honey tartines and delicious tapas plate with the most amazing flavors you can imagine, with a gourmet juice selection too. Well actually just everything about this place is amazing, including that it is located on a seriously charming little cobble stone passageway off Rue Saint Martin. www.oubuffer.com/jean-bernard. 157 Rue Saint Martin 3eme, Map This
Breizh Café
Delicious and extensive menu of traditional Breton crepes. If you’re worried about getting enough to eat, don’t be as these crepes are plenty filling. And the ciders are a nice way to wash it all down. Reservations recommended for after 7:30pm. 09 Rue Vieille du Temple 3eme, Map This
Rose Bakery
For lunch or brunch, Paris tastiest crop of fresh produce and freshly baked everything. Tables are tiny so if you don’t want to wait grab it to go and eat it in a park. The comptoir of salads is to die for, and fresh unique juices blends so accompany it will have you feeling like you are in an organic heaven. Other locations in the 9th and 11th also exist. This is not to be missed, but I recommend going during the week days to avoid weekend brunch crowds. 30 Rue Debelleyme 3eme, Map This
L’as du Fallafel
Que up here for the best fallafel in Europe and a cheap eat. Don’t be tempted by the other fallafel hustlers’ cat calls on this charming cobble stone street of the Marais…L’as du Fallafel is the best of them all and worth the wait in line. Don’t forget to get the spicy sauce and enjoy your fallafel while walking through the neighborhood or dine at the nearby park of Place de Vosges. 34 Rue des Rosiers 4eme, Map This
La Droguerie
Just down the street from my favorite fallafel spot is this cute and quaint creperie. You will notice its royal blue facade right away. Decorated with antique art, bottles, tins, coffee grinders etc. from the North of France you would think this creperie has been there for decades but indeed it only arrived last year. Take a seat on the bar stools inside and enjoy people watching. Cheap, quick, and charming, for an easy mid-shopping in the Marais lunch. 46 Rue des Rosiers 4eme, Map This
La Loire dans la Théiere
The name means “The Mouse in the Teapot” and this place is just as cute! Eclectic and bohemian their menu is reminiscent of french country food, with hearty salty tarts and deliciously rustic home made desserts to contrast the often very refined Parisian pastry scene. I recommend the courgette and chevre tart for lunch and a slice of lemon tart topped with meringue piled to the ceiling! In the winter it’s a great place to stop in for a rose tea or if you a more gourmand one their rich hot chocolates. 3 Rue des Rosiers 4eme, Map This
Coffee Parisien
American food with a bit of a french touch. Good for a casual brunch, lunch, and dinner and some tasty grub. Brush up on your U.S. history by reviewing the list of American Presidents on your place mat. They also have locations in the 16eme and Neuilly Sur Seine. 4 Rue Princesse 6eme, Map This
Da Rosa
This is a lovely little place I love to go eat before I head to the movies at Odéon in Saint Germain. They offer a selection of southern cuisine from France, Italy, and Spain comprised of risottos, charcuterie, salads, and more with amazing wine and sangria to wash it down. It’s nice to dine on the terrace in the evenings when the Argentinian guitarist stops by to play. Also a great place to shop gourmet olives and oils. 62 Rue de Seine 6eme, Map This
Café de l’Industrie
Typical Parisien but far from average restaurant for a nice meal, appropriate wine list, and affordable price. My friend Sophia first took me there and since I don’t head east of my neighborhood much, I enjoy having a great reason like Café de l’Industrie. On this same street they have two bars and also in addition to the restaurant. 16 Rue Saint-Sabin 11eme, Map This
Relais de la Butte
Enjoy Montmartre without ending up at a tasteless tourist trap. On summer evenings I head up to this restaurant’s terrace to enjoy the sunset over Paris while having a glass of rosé. Once night falls I order dinner and enjoy my company and the accordion and cellists that pass by playing La Vie en Rose. The terrace cannot be reserved so arrive 45 minutes before sunset to ensure that you will be settled in and sipping some wine as the sun goes down. 18 Rue Ravignan 18eme, Map This
Pierre Hermé
I have to give my sister credit for enlightening me and introducing me to Pierre. While Laduree is the oldest and most famous of the macaron artisans, Pierre Hermé brings fine art to the macaron with his more exotic and brave flavors. Each of his fillings has a base of white chocolate ganache that makes them extra smooth and creamy. Buy a box at the one in the 6eme and savor them at the Jardin du Luxembourg or pick some upin 1ere at enjoy them in the Tuileries. www.pierreherme.com. 72 Rue Bonaparte 6eme, Map This
Berko
The New York cupcake trend is slowly but surely arriving in France. This bakery has a magical assortment of adorable and delicious cupcakes in spectacular flavors like pastachio, stracciatella, oreo, blueberry and more. Better yet they come in big or mini sizes if you can’t make up your mind on which flavor to get or worry about over indulging. That’s not all though, as this place is one of the very few places in Paris that you can get real cheese cake! Grab a box to take away or sit at one of their outdoor tables and enjoy a tea or coffee over your cake. www.berko.fr. 23 Rue Rambuteau 4eme, Map This
Le Bon Bon au Palais
I don’t know the neighborhood of the 5th in Paris very well, but recently on a Saturday stroll I discovered this adorable candy shop. The tables and walls are lined with giant glass terrines filled with the most colorful candies. These aren’t your average candies though, they are like none you have ever seen before. Between candied flowers and fleur d’oranger marshmallows you can still find all your usual favorites though. This little shop will bring out the childish spirit in everyone, and I believe that was the owner Georges’ intention when he created this fun space. Visit their website for a cute little film about the store. www.bonbonaupalais.fr. 19 Rue Monge 5eme, Map This
Bon Bons
At this intersection you will find the very famous bon bon stand where you can fill a bag full of all sorts of colorful and sugary treats. There are three or four movie theaters at the Odéon intersection so its convenient to fill up a bag for you and a friend just before going to a film. Très Paris! Carrrefour de l’Odéon 6eme, Map This
Käramell
The cutest swedish candy store located at the foot of Montmartre. Chewy, soft, sweet, sour, whatever you desire, they have it. Fill up an assorted bag and burn some calories on an uphill walk to Le Sacre Coeur. There you can eat your candies with some good company and a nice view. My sister turned me on to this little spot and it’s a great outing with a friend or date on a sunny day. www.karamell.fr. 15 Rue des Martyrs 9eme, Map This.
Cupcakes Chloé S
Chloé is quickly becoming the new cupcake queen of Paris! Her adorable little shop in a small street beneath Montmarte is decorated head to toe in delicious bubble gum pink! Select from her very creative flavors of cupcakes while she whips you up a coffee, hot chocolate or tea go wash it down. She also specializes in other American desserts like whoopies and stocks cute cupcake accessories. Several times a month she offers cupcake making classes where you can learn her trade in the store’s pink kitchen complete with a pink fridge, pink mixers, and pink aprons. You can book these classes in advance on her website. Seriously adorable! www.cakeschloes.com. 14 Rue Jean Baptiste Pigalle 9eme, Map This
Angelina
A winter tradition with my girlfriends, on late starts to cold weekends, we bundle up in our finest fur coats (mostly inherited from grandmothers, mothers, or the thrifts) and indulge in some very rich hot chocolate. Choose from dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or African chocolate for this most delicious chocolat chaud. 226 Rue de Rivoli 1ere, Map This
Laduree
As touristy as it may be, Parisien business men and ladies who lunch still find themselves dining here after all this time. After nearly two years of living in Paris I still enjoy it and often find myself at one of their many locations. All things girly, French, and Marie Antoinette seem to attract me so this is certainly no wonder. Each location has its own charm but the original in the 6th with its Asian inspired tea room is the one I find most magical. If I am not having the Marie Antoinette tea with a rose religieuse patisserie, I have a rich hot chocolate. Don’t worry though, if you don’t have a sweet tooth you can get fresh salads and sandwiches with the usual espresso allongé. www.laduree.com. 16 Rue Royale 1ere | 21 Rue Bonaparte 6eme | 75 Avenue des Champs Elysées 8eme, Map This
Georges
Skip the security line for the Centre Pompidou museum by taking the Georges elevator to the left of the main entrance. Georges is a member of the Costes chains, so the food is overrated but they still make a mean mojito. Located at the top of Beaubourg, you can see all of Paris day and night from this spot. I live just down the street so come sunset, just one street block and a few flights of escalators lie between me and the best view in Paris. Centre Pompidou 4 Rue Beaubourg 4eme, Map This
Le Caféotheque de Paris
This charming little place lies on the right bank bordering the Ile Saint Louis. Their wide selection of coffee and delicious little cakes make it a lovely place to take an afternoon pit stop after a long day of shopping in the Marais. They have the best selection of coffee from all around the world and the aroma that fills the place is just heavenly. There are lots of cute plush adorable retro chairs to plop yourself down in and plenty of new smiling faces ready to strike up a conversation. www.lecafeotheque.com. 52 Rue de l’Hôtel de Ville 4eme, Map This
Mariage Frères
This comptoir de thé has been around since 1856, and you can surely taste that they know what they are doing. They don’t just have a menu of tea, they have a whole book (available for purchase) of the finest teas originating from all over the globe. Charming young french men in pristine white coats will show you to a table in the skylighted tea room or help you select the perfect blend to take home with you from the tea bar. I attempt to try a new flavor each time I go, but I often find myself returning to my favorites: Marco Polo, Rouge Provence, and Earl Grey Blu. www.mariagefreres.com. 30 Rue du Bourg Tibourg 4eme, Map This
Chez Prune
I discovered this place with my sister and our friend last Easter when we decided to go for a walk along the Canal Saint Martin. Maybe it was the irony of drinking a bloody mary on Easter Sunday, but I really liked this place. Ever since, I like to go back on sunny afternoons and sit next to the canal. Their mojitos are equally as delicious. 71 Quai de Valmy 10eme, Map This
Fifi Chachnil
The French are known the world over for their fine lingerie. Fifi Chachnil certainly lives up to all those expectations, and wildly exceeds them. Tucked away from peeakaboo window shoppers in a quiet courtyard of this chic shopping street, stumbling into the boutique’s sea of pastels, frills and satin is every girly girl’s dream. Fifi is not to be missed. www.fifichachnil.com. 231 Rue Saint-Honoré 1ere, Map This
Kiliwatch
Kiliwatch is a hipster’s paradise. The store is a complete mix of the best of the new and the old. However, unlike a lot of vintage shops in Paris that just stock pile the store with junk, they actually take the time to track down the good stuff. The result, you might pay a bit more but the prices are still good. They mix in new labels to keep the Kiliwatch style fresh. www.espacekiliwatch.fr. 64 Rue Tiquetonne 2eme, Map This
Manoush
The first time I came to Paris I established an instant love affair with Manoush. In fact, each time I bring home something new my boyfriend automatically assumes it’s from Manoush. Manoush means gypsy in French, and the creator of the label lives in Morroco. She mixes the inspiration of her surroundings with her feminine French origins to come up with her adorable collections. While there are many locations in Paris, my local Marais Manoush is my favorite followed by their location on the ultra upscale Avenue Montaigne. J’adore! www.manoush.com. 75 Rue Vieille du Temple 4eme | 16 Avenue Montaigne 8eme, Map This
Tabio
Some of the finest and cutest stockings, leggings, and socks in the world. They will even embroider your initials on your purchase for you. My blog friend Pink Bow and I are huge fans of this amazing brand. www.tabio.com. 15 Rue Vieille du Temple 4eme, Map This
Airnoos
Recently opened in the Marais, this tiny and adorable boutique has the cutest and most unique pieces. Half of the store is adorable little dresses, blouses, and heels by the brand while the other half is precious little items for the home. The style is a mix of Japanese cuteness and Parisian chic. If you are looking for something really special, and also affordable stop by Suncoo, you will love it! 52 Rue Roi de Sicile 4eme, Map This
Joy
Very pretty things. All things girly, light, beautiful and fun. Shop Sonia Rykiel, See by Chloe, Fred Perry and other preppy labels. Don’t miss their jewelry case filled with adorable ornaments from my favorite Bijoux de Sophie. 38 Rue Roi de Sicile 4eme, Map This
Addicted
Imagine Lady Gaga decided to open a really cheap but totally cool accessories store in Paris and that is Addicted. The place is small and the stuff is anything but quality but some how I find so many things I love here! From badass rings to cool fake crocodile duffle bags I always stop in to see what they are stocking. 4 Rue Saint Merri 4eme, Map This
Noir Kennedy
Much like Kiliwatch, the two Noir Kennedy stores mix vintage threads with new labels like Cheap Monday denim. The dressings rooms are old red British phone booths and clothes are sometimes displayed in coffins. Don’t be scared away though if you think it looks too punk, go inside and you will find there is something for everyone. www.noirkennedy.fr. 12 and 22 Rue du Roi de Sicile 4eme | 10 Rue Grand Prieuré 11eme, Map This
Alexandra Sofjer
This little shop is magical. Imagine Mary Poppins inspired umbrellas and girlie accessories piled high for you to feast your eyes on. It’s exactly the type of incredible and unique boutique you imagine yourself stumbling upon when in Paris. Also a great place to pick up a very special souvenir. www.alexandrasofjer.com. 218 Boulevard Saint Germain 7eme, Map This
Printemps Shoes
Not original at all but my favorite shoe section in Paris. Best selection in town with high end designer favorites and affordable alternatives Don’t miss out on the rest of this very famous department store though! www.printemps.com. 64 Boulevard Haussmann 9eme,Map This
Porte de Vanves Flea Market
While it can seem hard to find a deal at a flea market these days in Paris, there are still affordable treasures to be found at the Porte de Vanves Flea Market. This is my favorite flea and many of my favorite treasures found throughout my apartment come from this market. Open Saturdays (mornings) and Sundays (all day). Avenue Georges Lafenestre & Avenue Marc Sangnier 14eme, Map This
Le Magnifique
Never have I been to Le Magnifique and not stayed several hours longer than I should have, admittedly the sun is usually up when I leave the place. I have also spilled my fair share of cocktails on their fur rugs in the mirrored Salon Main Delon. However I wouldn’t be the only one guilty of such good times au Magnifique. They even have the “California” table but if you want to sit there bring your credit card if you know what I mean. The playlist is the perfect mix of oldies and newies. Order some “piscines” from the bar…champagne, vodka, strawberries, and fabulousness! Dress to impress and ring the door bell when you arrive. www.lemagnifique.fr. 25 Rue de Richelieu 1ere, Map This
Le Cha Cha
Great for dancing! I have burned my fair share of calories there on the dance floor, but when I am giving my feet a rest I plop myself down on the plush vintage velvet couches The crowd is young and fairly hip. They have a bit of attitude at the door but it’s just a front. Just squeeze on through and dance the night away. 47 Rue Berger 1ere, Map This
Experimental Cocktail Club & Curio Parlor
The founders of these three bars seem to keep outdoing themselves. Starting with Experimental, they migrated to the left bank to open their other two bars. Inspired by the speakeasies of the prohibition you could easily walk by and miss the place. But once you know the nightlife gem that lies behind the closed doors and heavy drapery you’ll treck clear across the city in rain or snow to go there. Once inside exposed brick walls, chandeliers, and taxidermied curiosities await you. Oh and so does Paris’ most delicious cocktail menu. Great during the week or earlier in the night to share a drink with a friend or stay later and dance after they turn up the music. 37 Rue Saint-Sauveur 2eme (Experimental Cocktail Club) | 16 Rue des Bernardins 5eme (Curio Parlor), Map This
La Perle
Very typical French bar. The hip and stylish congregate here to share a drink weekdays and weekends alike. It closes early (1am) even on the weekends so my friends and I pre-party at La Perle before heading elsewhere. It’s a great place to meet people. 78 Rue Vieille du Temple 3eme, Map This
Le Carmen
Once a beautiful hotel particulier, this was recently turned into a bar serving up cocktails to Paris’ coolest crowd. With it’s original splendor virtually untouched you’ll feel like an indie rock princess sipping piscines on Louis XVI furniture below ornate wedding cake ceilings and historical murals. This pretty place has just the right amount of edge however with skulls and owls popping up here an there. You can even take a drink in human size birdcage at the entrance. www.LeCarmen.fr. 22 Rue Douai 9eme, Map This
La Famille
Rue de Trois Frere is definitely one of the best streets in Montmartre and part of that is thanks to this bar called La Famille. The fanciest thing about this place is their elaborate drinks which baffle me every time I drink them. Their passed to you over the bar steaming off smoke from what I suspect is some dry ice trick. There mojitos come complete with frozen sorbet in the top and gummy eyeballs on a stick. If it sounds weird it’s because it is, but none the less delicious. Very authentic and very cool, be sure to stop in any day after 8pm to try it. 41 Rue de Trois Frères 18eme, Map This
Rosa Bonheur
This tiny little house turned into a bar is located in the Buttes Chaumont Parc. In the summer during the day you can stop in to grab a cold drink or ice cream when breaking from sun tanning on the grass. Wait till the sun goes down though and soon you will find this a happening night spot! When the park closes but the Rosa Bonheur is just getting started. It gets crowded so even their at capacity they won’t let you into the park after hours to access the bar. So the best thing is to arrrive early and enjoy the park then stay for the fun! www.RosaBonheur.fr. 2 ave de la Cascade 19eme, Map This
Quai du Rive Droite
I spend almost every Sunday now walking along the right bank of the Seine. Each Sunday they close off the river side highway so that pedestrians and bicyclists can enjoy it without the dancer and noise of traffic. It was beautiful walk along the river perfect for taking you time just like you should on a Sunday. Stop at the parks on the benches for a little rest. In the cold months I bring a lot a hot spiced chai to go and stroll with it. One of my most specials moments and place in the city. I suggest starting at Point Marie and heading west from there. Metro Pont Marie 4eme, Map This
Sweat Shop
Not far from the charming Canal Saint Martin, this amazing little concept café atelier is owned by some very adorable girls. Based on a philosophy of “buy less, sew more” these D.I.Y. divas rent out sewing machine for six euros an hour. For five euros you can enjoy the coffee and cake special (among other delights) while you work on your masterpiece. Don’t know how to sew? No problem! They give lessons in sewing and knitting! Such an amazing idea and adorable little place that is a must see for any fashionable fille in Paris. www.sweatshopparis.com. 13 Rue Lucien Sampaix 10eme, Map This
Parc des Buttes Chaumont
Some people might think Buttes Chaumont is a bit out of the way, but I personally think its worth the metro ride.I have shared afternoons in this park with many friends and my sister. My favorite memory there is from last spring when I and three friends packed up our art supplies and blankets. We sunbathed, played music, and worked on oil pastels all afternoon. There is a tall island in the middle of the lake with a lookout perched upon a rock where you can take in a panaromic view of Paris, with plenty of green hills surrounding for everyone to lounge. 1 Place Armand Carrel 19eme, Map This
