When it comes to iconic cuisine, it’s safe to say that France’s capital city has quite a reputation. From perfect pastries and freshly-baked bread, to African fare and Michelin-starred elegance, Paris is a gastronomic destination like no other. It's only recently, however, that the city of Paris has developed a taste for the most Instagram-friendly meal of them all, the beloved brunch.
The beauty of brunch
It’s easy to see why Paris has embraced the brunch culture: what’s not to love about a meal that combines breakfast and lunch, with plenty of coffee, delicious cocktails and lots of time for catching up with friends and loved ones? Interestingly, the Bloody Mary, a drink synonymous with brunch, is also said to have been invented in Paris – so it was about time they got onboard!
If you’re staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Paris Boulogne, make the most of a trip to the city center by brunching in one of our favorite spots:
1. Holybelly
A pioneer on the Paris brunch scene, Holybelly has been serving up its mouthwatering wares since 2013. After living and working in Melbourne for a couple of years, owners Sarah Mouchot and Nico Alary decided to bring Australia’s laidback and leisurely breakfast vibes to Paris, and Holybelly was born. “We’re all about three things: good service, good coffee and good food,” says Nico. “Customers can expect fresh, beautiful, seasonal food, beautiful coffee and great service every day.”
This ethos clearly works for them, as at weekends you’ll regularly have to wait for a table (although no more than 30 minutes), and they don’t take bookings. The food is definitely worth the wait, though. Nico suggests you try their signature ‘Savoury Stack’ – with two pancakes, two fried eggs, crispy bacon, bourbon butter, bacon salt and maple syrup – alongside a nice filter coffee for the ultimate Holybelly experience. When we asked him his favorite place to eat brunch in Paris, his answer was unsurprising: “To be honest, not to come across as cocky, but it’s Holybelly. I know there’s some new places that have just opened that are supposed to be really good, I just haven’t had time to check them out yet. But for now, I would say my favorite brunch is our own.”
2. Hardware Société
Another offering with Aussie roots, Hardware Société Paris in the 18th arrondissement is the French offshoot of Melbourne’s famed Hardware Société café. Situated close to the Sacré Coeur, this busy spot serves up a range of tasty breakfast dishes, including sweet and savory specials and traditional egg-based extravaganzas alongside excellent Australian coffee.
3. Season Paris
With a focus on seasonal produce and an ever-changing menu to reflect this, Season Paris offers up healthy, fresh brunch dishes. Here you’ll find the ubiquitous avocado-on-toast alongside a range of cold-pressed juices, bircher mueslis and smoothie bowls. Spend a virtuous weekend sipping on a matcha latte while watching the world go by at this hot spot.
4. Strada
With two locations in Paris, the Strada Café is a simple and sweet French brunch spot with fabulous fresh-roasted coffee. During the week you can often find people on their laptops taking advantage of the free WiFi, but on the weekends there is a no-computer policy, so you can enjoy a relaxing brunch with friends. Choose from breakfast classics, sandwiches, salads and daily specials.
5. Frenchie to Go
It is famously difficult to get a table at Grégory Marchand’s much-lauded Frenchie bistro, but it’s much easier to pop in to Frenchie to Go, his café and takeout just down the road. With a couple of delicious all-day breakfast items, a tasty lunch menu and plenty of coffee and cake, it’s the perfect place to pass some time after a night of partying!