And what if the gourmet stroll crossed borders without leaving Paris? The 13th arrondissement boasts a culinary identity that is especially cosmopolitan, notably around the Asian district, along Choisy and Ivry avenues. Asian pastries, bubble teas and desserts from various Asian countries rub shoulders with the classics of the French bakery.
The rest of the district reveals other faces. The Butte-aux-Cailles winds its village-like streets, the Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand dominates a modern quarter facing the Seine, and monumental street-art murals turn some façades into an open-air museum. Architecture enthusiasts can, for their part, push as far as the Olympiades.
Naturally, this diversity is reflected in the shop windows. Mochis, Japanese cheesecakes, Asian brioche, pâtisseries françaises, cookies, glaces et boissons gourmandes allow for a varied lineup of treats as you move through the neighborhoods. Paris 13 thus makes for a particularly interesting playground for anyone who loves sampling something different.
So here’s a curated selection of the sweet spots of the 13th arrondissement of Paris, where French traditions mingle with inspirations from elsewhere.
Coupi bar, a must-visit café - banh mi in Paris's 13th arrondissement
A solid coffee, an excellent banh mi—what more could you ask for? Head to Coupi bar, the spot perfectly placed right at the Porte d’Ivry metro exit, delighting discerning fans of Vietnamese sandwiches. All that, washed down with a good latte, and we’re sold. [Read more]
La Pâtisserie de Choisy, a hidden gem in the 13th arrondissement, prides itself on its Asian-inspired specialties
The Pâtisserie de Choisy is a well-known spot in Paris’s 13th arrondissement. For generations, this charming bakery has delighted locals and food lovers from all over the city with its tempting Vietnamese and Chinese specialties. [Read more]
La Pâtisserie de Saison, the Chinese bakery in the 13th arrondissement, serving up banh mi and indulgent cakes
La Pâtisserie de Saison is one of the oldest Chinese pastry shops in the 13th arrondissement, located on the famous Avenue d'Ivry. Here, you can indulge in original banh mi, baos, filled puff pastries and soft rolls that oscillate between tradition and new flavors. [Read more]
Central Cos: the hub for pop culture enthusiasts, boasting a cozy coffee shop and a workshop for crafting your own cosplay.
Attention to all creatives and cosplay enthusiasts: Central Cos blends the cozy feel of a coffee shop with the lively buzz of a workshop, featuring professional-grade equipment in a collaborative, food-friendly space! [Read more]
Le Chat-Rivari Café: the cosy vegan café where you can adopt a cat in the 13th arrondissement
A new spot for cat lovers! In the 13th arrondissement, the Chat-Rivari Café welcomes you to its cozy nest for a gourmet, plant-based snack, surrounded by adorable cats that you can adopt if you fall in love. [Read more]
Gutea, the creative spot to paint on figurines while sipping bubble tea, in the 13th arrondissement.
In the Glacière district of the 13th arrondissement, Gutea invites you to relax in a café-style setting, with a creative workshop. [Read more]
La Felicità, Station F's XXL restaurant by Big Mamma
Big Mamma continues its ascent with an address even bigger, better and more impressive than its predecessors! Called La Felicità, this huge Italian restaurant x food-market awaits you at Station F, in the 13th arrondissement. 4,500m2 of floor space, including a 1,000m2 sunny terrace, 3 bars, 5 kitchens, a caffetteria open non-stop until 1 a.m. ... It's madness! [Read more]
Breakfast at Fu coffee shop
Are you tempted by a new pastry and coffee shop with Asian flavors? Matcha, sesame and pandan, as well as durian and kimchi, enliven the cakes and dishes in this new spot opening in Paris's 13th arrondissement. From breakfast to lunch and afternoon tea, of course, it's all about unusual treats and brunch every day. We take you on a discovery tour. [Read more]
Manga Café V2: a literary café for reading and playing video games in the 13th arrondissement
It's a must for all manga fans. Manga Café V2, just off Avenue de France in the 13th arrondissement, combines bookshop, relaxation and video arcade terminals. [Read more]
Fu Castella and her deliciously moist and airy cakes
Do you know castella? This pastry of Portuguese origin has finally arrived in Paris, at Fu Castella, a charming boutique-tea room. We bet you'll love this fine, moist cake! [Read more]
Find the locations of all these addresses by clicking the map at the bottom of the article
