Café de Flore
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"Not what it used to be"
This café has become more of an Instagram photo opportunity than a relaxing Parisian experience. I remember visiting about eight years ago when it was truly lovely, but this time things were quite different. There was a long line just to get in, and once seated, it felt like you had to rush through your meal as people waited outside. My Croque Madame was overcooked and far too crunchy, and the prices were high compared to other cafés nearby. The waiter was very kind and attentive, which was the highlight of the visit, but overall, the charm has been overshadowed by the crowds and the social media hype.
"Iconic Parisian Pause"
Yes, this café is famous and on the pricier side, but the sidewalk seating, classic café fare, and lively people-watching make it a quintessential Left Bank experience. It’s a spot where you can truly soak in the Parisian atmosphere, even if you’re paying for the prestige as much as the food.
"What a disappointment!"
We decided to skip breakfast at our hotel to enjoy the bohemian atmosphere of the classic bistros in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, starting with the famous Café de Flore. When we arrived, the café was already quite busy, but we were lucky to find a table on the veranda, where the atmosphere was pleasant and lively, even if the decor felt somewhat dated. The real disappointment came when we discovered that cappuccinos were only available with cow’s milk, with no plant-based alternatives like soy or almond — quite anachronistic for such a renowned establishment. On a positive note, the croissant was excellent — large, fragrant, and perfectly buttery. However, the experience was overshadowed by the very high prices: €27 for two cappuccinos and two croissants. A charming setting, yes, but overall an overpriced and outdated breakfast experience.
"Our Server Was The Best!"
After skipping the ridiculously long line for steak frites at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, we wandered just half a block to Café de Flore — and were so glad we did. We were seated immediately and enjoyed an excellent Caesar salad, French onion soup (made with chicken stock rather than beef, which was unusual), and a crispy side salad that rounded out the meal perfectly. The highlight, however, was our friendly and attentive server, who went above and beyond on a very busy night, making the experience even more enjoyable with a great conversation. For those wanting to avoid cigarette smoke, request a table in the enclosed area just in front of the restaurant — you can still people-watch without the annoyance of smoke. A lovely, classic Parisian experience!
"Overrated"
We enjoyed our first visit to this café earlier in the year, but this experience was far less satisfying. We were seated in a small corner under the canopy, where the floor clearly needed a good cleaning. Service was slow, and the waiter seemed displeased that we only wanted cold drinks, which made the visit feel uncomfortable. There are better options nearby, and unfortunately, we won’t be returning.
"Come for the Experience"
In my opinion, Café de Flore owes its iconic status more to its location and fame than to its cuisine. Situated in Paris’ fashion district, it’s a prime spot to observe stylish locals and tourists making their fashion statements. If possible, grab an outdoor table and enjoy a cocktail while the Parisian fashion scene passes by. As for the food, temper your expectations — it’s unlikely to impress and may leave you a bit disappointed.
"Disappointment"
We were disappointed with our visit to this iconic Parisian café. While the outdoor tables offer a lovely setting, the interior is far less appealing. The crème brûlée and chocolate pie we ordered were underwhelming, lacking the flavor we expected. We also requested a glass of white wine, but it was poor quality and served too warm. To make matters worse, the staff were slow and not very attentive, which further diminished the experience. Overall, a letdown despite the café’s famous reputation.
"Best cafe in Paris"
We absolutely loved visiting this famous and prestigious café in Paris. With its rich history and renowned reputation, it’s easy to see why it’s so highly regarded. We went for Sunday breakfast at 8 a.m. and were able to sit immediately; by the time we left, a crowd was beginning to gather inside. Our breakfast included the Special Flore dark chocolate with cream, a croissant, toast with Échiré butter, Le Thé de Flore tea creation, and the Croque Monsieur Special Flore. The croissant was easily the best we had in Paris — flaky, buttery, and utterly delicious. The hot chocolate was rich without being overly sweet, especially when enjoyed with cream, and the French butter on our toast was outstanding. Next time, we’re excited to try the French onion soup and the Café de Flore terrine. Overall, a perfect 10/10 experience, and we highly recommend it for anyone seeking an authentic Parisian café breakfast.
"Arm yourself with an unlimited credit card!"
Be prepared to spend freely — a cappuccino here costs €11. The café is considered trendy and “cool”, but in reality, it could be any bar in Turin. On the positive side, there are many waiters providing very fast service, and the quality of the coffee is good. Stylish atmosphere, but definitely not budget-friendly.
"Incredibly good"
I visited with my family and absolutely loved it. The coffee was expertly prepared, and the café is a wonderful place to enjoy breakfast. Cozy, welcoming, and perfect for a relaxed morning meal.
Café de Flore
Iconic café in Saint-Germain, perfect for people-watching, croissants and a true Parisian atmosphere.
Address
172, Boulevard Saint-Germain 75006 Paris
Website
cafedeflore.fr
Email
cafedeflore.fr
Telephone
01 45 48 55 26