The most beautiful Parisian terraces for outdoor dining

to enjoy the rest of summer in the city

Welcome to another edition of The Insider! I hope you enjoyed last week’s content - do let me know if you have any feedback, as it is always welcome. For the moment I’m focusing on questions about Paris that I’ve received over the years, so I can build a repertoire of addresses and travel tips for you to dive into whenever you want, before I start getting into the nitty gritty of Parisian living, interiors (more of my sources), style and any other life and career things that come to mind. Do leave a comment if there’s anything specific you would like me to delve into. And I’m still feeling my way around Substack, but next week I will be launching the first of my ‘Threads’, where we will be able to chat, connect and exchange ideas and tips, so keep an eye out for that!

Now that the temperature is on the rise again (let’s ignore today’s rainy weather), I thought it time to share my selection of the city’s most beautiful terraces for outdoor dining, so you can make the most of the warmth. (Or add them to your visit-list when you next travel to the capital during the warmer months.)

Paris is known for its terraces, the likes of which are featured heavily in Emily in Paris and are usually attached to traditional brasseries and cafés - think the iconic Café de Flore and Deux Magots - that spill out onto the pavement lining Boulevard Saint Germain. Whilst these are charming, I personally prefer terraces tucked away down side streets, hidden in courtyards and surrounded by a bit more nature, so that I don’t feel like I’m eating in the middle of a busy street. Plus being passionate about good design, I’m always on the hunt for those special places that go above and beyond the typical dining experience, and also focus on the decor and overall ambience. 

So I’ve dived deep into my saves, address books and the web to curate my selection of fourteen of the best terraces to dine on this summer. Don’t worry if it’s more of a traditional Parisian vibe that you’re seeking though, because I’ve also thrown in a few classics, as well as more relaxed dining spaces that are budget friendly. For insiders already living in Paris, there are also options for those looking for somewhere a little off the beaten path…enjoy!