5 New York City Cafés That Feel Just Like Paris

Two fresh croissants on a silver serving tray at Buvette NYC that is one of the cafes that feel like Paris, in New York City.

If you find yourself daydreaming about a little French magic, try one of these five New York City cafes that will make you feel like Paris. Even if just for a few minutes.

These charming cafés and restaurants will instantly transport you to the streets of Paris. From the smell of buttery croissants and coffee to vintage mirrors, marble-topped tables, and the lively conversations going on around you. Whether you’re looking for a cozy coffee moment with a good book, brunch with friends, or a romantic French dinner, these five NYC spots are the perfect places that deliver all the French café vibes.

From the all-day allure of Buvette in the West Village to the designer-styled La Mercerie in SoHo, here are five quaint cafés in New York City where you’ll feel like you’ve been swept away to Paris.

Buvette (one of those cafés that feel like Paris)

Tarte tatin and a café au lait at Buvette in New York City.

Location: 42 Grove Street, West Village (and Paris, London, Tokyo, and Seoul)

Buvette may be small in size, but it provides a cozy atmosphere that feels authentically French. Whether you stop in for a coffee and slice of tarte tatin or a full meal, you can’t go wrong at Buvette.

Buvette coasters in silver tray sitting a marble top table.

The window at Buvette NYC that has the Paris and New York City locations painted on it.

Buvette has been a favorite of ours for years. The original location in the West Village is such a great place that we had to stop in at the Paris, France location during our last couple of trips there.

What we love about Buvette

Tiny, candlelit, and totally charming
Café au lait, tartines, and that classic zinc bar
Feels like neighborhood bistros in Montmartre

La Mercerie (an upscale dining experience)

The elegant bar inside La Mercerie is one of the cafes that feel like Paris but in New York City.

Location: 53 Howard Street, SoHo (the café at RW Guild)

Located within the home store of Roman Williams Guild, La Mercerie is an impeccably decorated café serving everything from coffee and pastries to crepes, cocktails, and dessert. And don’t miss the stunning floral arrangements in the front of the café.

A view from the store of the French restaurant La Mercerie inside RW Guild in NYC. It almost feels like Paris.

You can also find fresh flowers inside the store RW Guild in New York City.

RW Guild is a unique spot in SoHo that offers both delicious French fare (classics like duck confit and boeuf bourguignon) and a beautifully curated collection of furniture and home goods. Browse the shop’s selection for a while before settling down to enjoy the French fare. While I haven’t stopped in for it, I hear their weekend brunch is spectacular.

What we love about La Mercerie

French café meets design showroom
Flawlessly styled, with seasonal menus and amazing pastries
Sitting among beautiful furnishings, you can actually buy

Maman (another one of those cafés or patisseries that feel like Paris)

Maman is another New York City cafe that will make you feel like Paris.

Locations: SoHo, Tribeca, Greenpoint, NoMad, Meatpacking

Maman is the perfect place to stop in for a cup of coffee, especially since their to-go cups are so beautiful. If you just can’t get enough, there’s a full-service restaurant and shop next door to their SoHo location. It offers authentic French food and wares. It’s a French-inspired market appropriately named Marché Maman.

Maman is another one of those cafes that feel like Paris. A warm cup of coffee is sitting on the bar.

A kids table sits underneath the staircase at Mamam. The pillows in the chairs look like chocolate chip cookies,

Maman has five locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, but we are particularly fond of the SoHo location. Their newest location in Tribeca at 3 West 18th Street is gorgeous and spacious. There’s even a tiny table and chairs with chocolate chip cookie pillows for the little ones.

What we love about Maman (aside from the name that, when translated, means mama)

Chic and cozy with vintage flair
Known for their nutty chocolate chip cookies and café au lait
French countryside meets NYC charm

Le Coucou (a romantic French dinner for a special occasion)

A large antique chandelier hangs over the elegant bar a Le Coucou in New York City.

Location: 138 Lafayette Street, SoHo

From the stunning light fixtures to the elaborate bar, Le Coucou is the quintessential French brasserie. Whether you enjoy a café au lait or a full meal, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to Paris when you walk in the door.

An elegant table setting complete with wine glasses, water glasses, and a small vase with a few fresh flowers.

Its elegant interior is beautifully designed and it offers a full menu for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

What we love about Le Coucou

Elegant and upscale with major Parisian energy
Romantic lighting, antique chandeliers, white tablecloths
For when you want a full-on French dining experience

Ladurée

Location: 398 West Broadway, SoHo

Tucked away on West Broadway in SoHo, this elegant tea salon and macaron boutique is a little bit of upscale French in New York City. From its pale green façade and gilded signage to the lovely garden patio out back, Ladurée feels very Parisian.

Inside, you’ll find a display of pastel-hued macarons in glass cases, along with an elegant dining space that serves brunch, lunch, and afternoon tea. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick espresso and a box of sweets or sitting down for a leisurely meal, you’ll definitely feel like you are very much in Paris.

What we love about Ladurée

Iconic French macarons in a dreamy, pastel setting
A lush garden patio that feels worlds away from the city
Elegant interiors perfect for tea, brunch, or a sweet treat

5 New York City Cafés That Feel Just Like Paris