Café Parisien

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2025-03-13

This café is genuinely one of the cutest spots I’ve studied at. I’m writing this review because I was searching for a new café to try between classes, and after some exploring, this one popped up. I checked Yelp for reviews on the space, drinks, and pastries but found little information online. Still, since I had already been to most cafés in Berkeley, I decided to give it a shot—and I’m so glad I did. The moment I walked in, I smiled. The cozy lighting, bright red balloons, and beautifully displayed pastries created such a warm and inviting atmosphere. I ordered a café latte (solid 4/5 for taste and well-priced for Berkeley) and easily found a spacious three-person table to study at, as it wasn’t too crowded. Right away, I noticed how attentive the staff was—one of the owners (as I learned later on) quickly cleaned up a nearby table and even set aside a forgotten water bottle in case the customer returned. Sure enough, when the customer came back looking for it, the owner immediately handed it to them. The hospitality here is unmatched. The owner personally brought my drink to my table and even gave me a free pastry to try! I later learned that this is a family-run business owned by twin French-Algerian brothers, which made me appreciate the café even more. The sense of community was evident—one customer in a wheelchair came in for their birthday, and the owner helped them pick out the perfect cake. It was also great to see that the café is wheelchair accessible, making it a welcoming space for everyone. I love the ambiance, the kindness of the staff, and the study-friendly setup. For students and employees, it’s a great spot to work, with affordable house coffee refills. My only critique? The brownie is a bit pricey at $6.50. But overall, I’ll definitely be coming back!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2025-02-05

Nice coffee and pastries! My friends recommended me the delicious bagels, but I was full so I will try the next time. Moreover, the managers are hospitable and courteous🥰. Il aussi parle français🇫🇷. To sum up, this is a wonderful place for pleasure, you can enjoy your brunch, afternoon coffee and relax.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2025-02-02

The bakers here are very welcoming and focused on providing a bright, tasty and friendly space for the community. The croissants are the absolute best item, which is the mark of a truly high-quality French bakery. Not to knock the fancier items, rotated frequently, which take a high degree of skill and in my experience are executed beautifully.