Le Café A: the hidden terrace restaurant near the Canal Saint-Martin

Café A awaits you near the Canal Saint-Martin, in the 10th arrondissement, with its historic setting and vast hidden terrace. Pushing open the gates of the listed Récollets convent, you enter a timeless bubble. Café A, well known to insiders, opens onto a large outdoor garden where bamboo, olive trees and metal furniture mingle with a few deckchairs, under parasols stretched like summer sails. Far from the urban hustle and bustle, the atmosphere is gentle, almost meditative. You can hear conversations in mid-voice and the gentle clinking of glasses, rather than the din of the city.

This terrace restaurant in Paris offers a fresh, well-travelled menu with mixed influences, served for lunch and dinner. On weekends, a generous brunch is served from 12pm to 4pm, to take advantage of the verdant setting. The produce is in season, the plates are colorful, and the welcome is as peaceful as the place itself.

The menu, devised by Chef Jose Ribeiro, who has worked at such fine establishments as the Plaza and the Kong, and was formerly Marc Veyrat's kitchen director, is organized around four main themes, with each dish highlighting a main product at the center of the plate: a vegetarian section with no meat or fish, suggestions for meat lovers, creations based around fish and shellfish, and a selection of side dishes to combine freely.

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To extend the experience, the venue sometimes hosts acoustic concerts or cultural events, in its adjoining chapel or in the rooms of the former convent. A discreet charm, a singular ambience and a terrace in Paris that one almost hesitates to reveal. We come here for a coffee, lunch with friends or a sunset aperitif, with the impression of being part of a well-kept secret.

It's also a warm, peaceful setting for a Sunday brunch in Paris. On the menu: fluffy pancakes, gourmet toast, crispy waffles and tasty soups to delight your taste buds. Accompany your meal with your favorite hot beverage: coffee, hot chocolate or fragrant tea.

Please note, however, that dogs are not allowed, and the terrace closes at 11 p.m. every day. In summer, remember to book ahead, especially on sunny weekends. To do so, go to Café A's reservation page.

A great Paris 10 terrace address to keep in mind for your next urban getaway, right next to Gare de l'Est and Canal Saint-Martin.