Paolina caffè: Paris's gourmet Milanese counter, from Italian coffee to aperitivo

A counter, a well-pulled espresso, and the day can begin. At Paolina Caffè, Paris catches Milan’s rhythm, from the first ristretto of the morning to the evening aperitivo. After a first stop in the Sentier, the place now unfurls its charm rue de Turenne, in a larger space, without losing any of what defines its identity: a true bar italien, vibrant, pulsating, conceived around the counter.

Paolina, it’s first and foremost a family story. Born in Milan to a French father and Italian mother, who gave the café its name, Nicolò Taillasson, the founder, grew up in his grandparents’ café, opened in 1962 near the Duomo. A pure Milanese bar, where you go from morning coffee to a quick lunch, then to the end-of-day aperitivo. It’s this counter culture, deeply rooted in northern Italy, that he chose to bring to Paris.

• To be read
• This week's top picks in Paris and Île-de-France, April 27 to May 3, 2026.

Inside, wood and stainless steel sketch a décor années 50 that feels both retro and modern, designed by Justine Stevens (studio Aura) and the Contrejour agency. The coffee comes from Verani — a family roastery that's been on the shores of Lake Como for three generations and already supplying the family — and it accompanies every moment: espresso, macchiato, caffè shakerato when it’s warm. Next to it, the Paolina latte blends coffee, pistachio, and a cloud of milk in a softer, very comforting version.

At noon, a handful of plates: filled focaccias, bresaola, Parma ham with seasonal fruit, carpaccio, and tomatoes-mozzarella. On the sweet side, cannoli, maritozzi and bombolini extend the stop with just the right touch of indulgence.

Then comes aperitivo time. aperitivo. Spritz, Negroni, Sbagliato, Italian wines... from 6 p.m. the white-coated servers spring into action, glasses clink, conversations pick up a notch. Here, you pause for a coffee, you come back for a drink - and between the two, a whole slice of Milan slips into Paris.

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, please drink responsibly.