The crêpe is one of France’s most democratic dishes. You’ll find versions at every price point across Paris, from sidewalk stands to white-tablecloth establishments. But not all crêpes are created equal, and knowing where to go makes all the difference between a forgettable snack and a meal you’ll remember long after you’ve left the city.
The best crêperies serve both sweet crêpes and savory galettes—the latter made with buckwheat flour and traditionally filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, and egg. Here’s where to find the real thing.
Breizh Café: The Gold Standard
Breizh Café in the Marais (109 rue Vieille du Temple, 3rd arrondissement) is where serious crêpe lovers go. Chef Bertrand Larcher sources organic buckwheat from Brittany and uses a traditional billig (cast-iron griddle) to achieve the perfect texture—crisp at the edges, tender in the center.
Order the complète (ham, Emmental cheese, and a perfectly cooked egg) or venture into more creative territory with the cancale, featuring scallops and leeks. The cider list is excellent, offering both sparkling and still varieties from small Breton producers. Expect to wait for a table during peak hours; they don’t take reservations for parties smaller than five.
The Japanese-influenced dessert crêpes here are exceptional, particularly the salted butter caramel with vanilla ice cream. Breizh also has a location in Saint-Germain-des-Prés (1 rue de l’Odéon, 6th) with a similar menu.
La Crêperie de Josselin: Montparnasse Tradition
La Crêperie de Josselin (67 rue du Montparnasse, 14th) has been serving Breton specialties since 1982. This is where Parisians from the neighborhood bring visiting relatives—a stamp of approval that matters more than any critic’s review.
The galettes are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is warm without being precious. Try the forestière (mushrooms, ham, and cream) or the chèvre-miel (goat cheese and honey) for something lighter. Sweet crêpes come with all the classic toppings: Nutella, jam, chestnut cream, or simply butter and sugar.
The restaurant is small and fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive before 7:30 p.m. or after 9:30 p.m. to avoid the longest waits. Metro: Edgar Quinet or Vavin.
Crêperie Brocéliande: Left Bank Favorite
Tucked onto a quiet street near the Odéon theater, Crêperie Brocéliande (41 rue de l’Odéon, 6th) offers a more intimate setting than some of the busier spots. The galettes here lean traditional—think andouille sausage, artichoke hearts, and generous amounts of Emmental.
What sets Brocéliande apart is the consistency. The same family has run it for years, and the quality never wavers. The three-course menu (galette, crêpe, and cider) offers excellent value for the neighborhood. Save room for the crêpe Suzette if it’s available—they flambé it tableside with Grand Marnier.
Street Crêpes: When and Where
The crêpe stands you’ll see near major tourist sites are hit or miss. For a reliable street crêpe, head to the small stand on rue Mouffetard near the Place de la Contrescarpe (5th arrondissement). The vendor has been there for years and makes each crêpe to order on a round griddle while you wait.
Another excellent option is the stand at the Bastille market on Thursday and Sunday mornings (Boulevard Richard-Lenoir, 11th). The galettes here come stuffed with market-fresh ingredients, and you can eat standing up while watching the market bustle around you.
Avoid crêpes that are pre-made and sitting under heat lamps. A proper street crêpe should be made fresh in front of you, taking about three minutes from batter to folded package.
What to Order
If you’re new to galettes, start with the complète—it’s the standard by which all others are judged. For sweet crêpes, the simplest preparation is often the best: butter and sugar with a squeeze of lemon juice reveals the quality of the batter better than any amount of chocolate sauce.
Pair savory galettes with dry Breton cider served in traditional ceramic bowls. The slight acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter. For dessert crêpes, try cidre doux (sweet cider) or splurge on a coupe of Champagne.
Most crêperies serve both lunch and dinner, though some close between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Lunch service moves quickly if you’re short on time; dinner is more leisurely.
Want more insider recommendations delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the Love Paris newsletter for one short story about the city every day—the places, flavors, and moments that make Paris unforgettable.
Tours & experiences in Paris
Powered by Viator. Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.