Café Parisien - Berkeley

Café Parisien is an outstanding café, and we’re so glad to have it nearby. If you’ve ever visited Europe, you’ll instantly recognize the exceptional quality and... read more Café Parisien is an outstanding café, and we’re so glad to have it nearby. If you’ve ever visited Europe, you’ll instantly recognize the exceptional quality and beautiful presentation of their desserts. This place is truly special. While walking by with my son, we decided to stop in and immediately knew this café was authentic. We grabbed a few desserts to take home and were amazed by their flavor and quality. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. After choosing some items, we asked for their recommendations. The pastry chef from their Paris pâtisserie was present and suggested the chocolate cake. Every dessert we tried was superb. Service: Takeaway Price per person: $10–20 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

Café Parisien is truly one of the most charming places I’ve found to study. I stumbled upon it while looking for a new spot to visit between classes, and despit... read more Café Parisien is truly one of the most charming places I’ve found to study. I stumbled upon it while looking for a new spot to visit between classes, and despite limited online reviews, I decided to give it a try since I’ve already been to most cafés in Berkeley—and I’m so happy I did. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by a cozy ambiance with warm lighting, bright red balloons, and beautifully arranged pastries that made the space feel welcoming. I ordered a café latte, which was tasty (solid 4/5) and reasonably priced for Berkeley. Finding a spacious table for three was easy since it wasn’t crowded at all. The staff impressed me right away—one of the owners quickly cleaned a nearby table and set aside a forgotten water bottle for the customer who later returned to claim it. The hospitality here is truly exceptional. The owner personally brought my drink to the table and even offered me a free pastry to try. Learning that the café is family-run by twin French-Algerian brothers made me appreciate it even more. The sense of community really stands out—when a customer in a wheelchair came in for their birthday, the owner helped them choose the perfect cake. It’s also great to see that the café is wheelchair accessible, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. I love the atmosphere, the friendly staff, and the study-friendly setup. It’s an ideal spot for students and workers alike, especially with affordable house coffee refills. My only small complaint is that the brownie felt a bit pricey at $6.50. Overall, though, I’m definitely coming back! Food: 5 | Service: 5 | Atmosphere: 5 Price: $1–10 per person Vegetarian options: Large selection

The bakers at Café Parisien are incredibly welcoming and dedicated to creating a warm, delicious, and inviting space for the community. The croissants stand out... read more The bakers at Café Parisien are incredibly welcoming and dedicated to creating a warm, delicious, and inviting space for the community. The croissants stand out as the best item on the menu, a true testament to the quality of this French bakery. The more intricate pastries, which change regularly, showcase impressive skill and are consistently executed to perfection. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5