Here’s some selects FREE for everyone, but I’ll put the FULL Google maps list link at the bottom of this newsletter for my paid subscribers, click it! It’ll take you to over a FULL list of recommendations!
London, respectfully, Paris does it better.
You’re still the best city in the world… maybe? But I do doubt it sometimes. After 8pm you just tighten up. Unless its a pub, bar or club you offer so little to someone like me. My orbit isn’t alcohol. I’m someone who likes to sit outdoors, soak in the soul of the city, invite all my friends, pull up chairs, drink coffee, late night chocolate mousse, talk, but actually hear them, tell stories, learn something about them, talk to the stranger next to me, fall in love.. maybe? play cards, people watch, and laugh the night away.
Paris and its cafe culture enables all these things. They value these things. And I don’t have to pay £65 for them.
When sociability is accessible, and human connection is facilitated for - imagine the positive impact it has on people and relationships. I just feel like London at night is sadly for those who are rich or those who are drunk. Paris however, is for all.
Here’s some of my favourite selects for you.
But there’s so much more! For the FULL and BEST recommendations consider subscribing to the paid feature! You’ll unlock a host of perks and even more guides to cities across the world! It also kindly supports me!
pastry heaven: Du Pain et des Idées and Le Pain Retrouve
Lord have mercy I have so many to share with you. But I’ll share two here and the rest on the full list below for paid subscribers.
What is the perfect pastry? I could write a haiku. I wont, but I have lime biked all over Paris trying so much pastry my stomach has turned into rolls.
Firstly go to Boulangerie - Pâtisserie on Rue de Nil. Its a quiet street just off a hectic one, a recommendation by die hard Parisians who swear by this bakery and it does not disappoint. Insanely delicious. There’s also tiny cute cafe and chocolate shop on this street which are also insanely good.
Secondly I had my first pain du almond chocolate. Accidentally as I bakery hopped. This hybrid beauty. Flakey, crispy but it tasted almost cakey inside due to the crushed almonds marbled with perfect chocolate. I bought 5 of these for my journey home. And they can be found Le Pain Retrouve.
brunch: GRAMME
The holy grail is when an establishment has great food, great energy and run by wonderful people. I just had the most lovely experience at the tiny Gramme. Was worth the wait outside sipping on my morning coffee as they prepped my table.
The owner was so lovely, the staff diverse and friendly. And the food was equally delicious! They specialise in Vietnamese brunch and French toast. The perfect post-colonial collab mixtape we like to see! Asian flavour and a french dessert!
where to stay: THE HOXTON PARIS
I stayed here and was so happy with it. Perfectly located nearby everywhere you wanna be. You can also get 50% discount at stays if you become a member of dis-loyalty. Paris is notorious for extortionate hotel prices, here’s a place worth the money for it! It also helps that your hotel is one of the cool hangout spots for to gather at night. Let them come to you!
paris in colour: WALY FAY and LYOOM CANTINE
Imagine. Whenever I’m in Paris I never eat French food. I’m not a fan. There’s too much good immigrant food. We’re grateful to France for the technique of gastro-cuisine which have recently fused with the rich flavours of Paris’ immigrant cultures.
My favourite place to eat is Waly Fay. Because you can’t find something like this anywhere but in Paris. Its a chic senegalese establishment which has popularised one of the world’s greatest kept food secrets. The place has great energy, intergenerational, romantic and you’ll dine with the cool Paris crowd from all ethnicities enjoying the delicious beef and peanut butter máfe and chicken yassa.
Lyoom Cantine is run by the sweetest family. This is the most authentic Tunisian food I’ve had outside Tunisia, and its in a very trendy socially liberal part of Paris. Order the brick its crazy, lablebi, salata mshwiya and keftaji obviously.
Whilst you’re at it check out at the exhibit Paris Noir this summer, exploring the immense contribution of black identity to the city.
a special dinner: GARGOUILLE
A classic Parisian tiny restaurant with so much character. The owners are nice. The menu is the delicious breadth of Mediterranean cuisine but with a side of good politics. Great date spot. And the french toast with salted caramel, cream and pistachio is CARAZZYYYY! Oozing with richness, crunch, salt and the perfect amount of sweet.
FULL PARIS LIST BELOW:
For paid subscribers only is my precious Google Maps List of Recommendations. LINK BELOW!! Save it, I’m always updating it. Its my baby! I have more around the world which I can’t wait to share.