Cozy cafés and impeccably crafted cocktails are just two of the things Paris does very, very well. So when a new spot that offers the best of both opens up, it can be met with either praise or pouts. Fortunately, in the case of Cravan, the praise has been overwhelming. This beautiful little spot opened in mid-June along rue Jean de la Fontaine in the 16th arrondissement, bringing with it an effortlessly chic dining space and a solid list of classic, all-day cocktails. And with praise of such a high caliber, including the likes of Vogue, we can’t help but add this café to our new café, new crush list.
Timeless Café
The building that houses Cravan dates back over a hundred years and has been a café for at least some of its past. Along the sidewalk, you’ll find a collection of marble-top tables paired with comfy wicker chairs. Step inside and you’ll find traditional Parisian bistro style tables and chairs surrounded by tile and mirror clad walls with stretches of beautiful landscape murals between. A mahogany bar dominates the space, making it possibly a little too easy to taste test your way through the cocktail list.
All Day, Every Day
Like any good neighborhood café in Paris, Cravan is open all day every day, from 8am till 11pm. Know what that means? If you fancy a mid-morning Bloody Mary, this is the place to get it. And since a Bloody Mary is best enjoyed with company, start with the tarama crab before moving onto a traditional croque madame, or a Caesar salad with a side of grilled white asparagus. Finish it off with an order of the chocolate mousse for dessert and you’ll be wondering why you don’t spend every day on a Parisian sidewalk.
The 16th Arrondissement
Between the amazing museums, historic landmarks, bustling fashion scene and (all of the) food, we imagine you probably don’t need much convincing to take a trip to Paris. And yes, this fabulous little café in the 16th adds just one more great destination to your Parisian bucket list. If you’re doing the full tourist experience, following your meal at Cravan, head to the Trocadero for sweeping views of the city followed by a visit to the Arc de Triomphe. The 16th is predominantly known for its swanky shops, fancy residents and fabulous markets, but there are lots of lovely museums too, including everything from the Monet Museum to the Museé de Vin.
Photography courtesy of Cravan