February 15, 2018
After living in Montmartre for several months, I would like to think that I know the area well. But even the small village around metro Abbesses is constantly evolving with new cafés, restaurants, and shops opening all the time. If you find yourself in the 18th arrondissement visiting Sacré-Cœur or the Moulin Rouge, make sure to stop by some of my favorite places that have opened recently:
SyLon de Montmartre is a newly opened café located on rue Piémontési alongside the famous potelets by Le CyKlop, which are painted with the faces of renowned artists who lived or worked in Montmartre. With a wooden facade that you can’t miss, and leather couches inside, SyLon de Montmartre is a cosy café perfect for enjoying a flat white or a slice of delicious carrot cake. Owner Carine is passionate about coffee and offers speciality brewing methods such as AeroPress, Chemex, and V60.
Already an established favourite in the 7th arrondissement, Coutume have opened their most recent venture, Coutume Izakaya on rue Caulaincourt. The new address has a Japanese twist, serving not only speciality coffee but also traditional Japanese cuisine (they also have a café in Japan). On the menu for lunch is Donabe, a warming winter dish consisting of vegetables, meat and broth cooked in a clay pot. Being an izakaya (a Japanese pub), they’re also open for dinner, serving Japanese tapas and sake. *now closed*
Owned by two longtime friends, Rida Amajod and Enzo Nicaise, VAVA is a neo-bistro with a Mediterranean influence. Chef Benjamin Mathieu trained in the kitchens of Alain Ducasse (Louis XV) and Eric Frechon (Bristol). Located on rue Veron, the restaurant is intimate and dimly lit with lovely decor, making it an ideal date spot. The menu focuses on seasonal, fresh produce. The service is excellent and the place is always busy, so reservations are recommended.
Image courtesy of VAVA.
Roberta is an Italian restaurant, epicerie fine, and traiteur owned by mother-son team Roberta and Michele. Housed in an old artisan workshop next to the I Love You Wall on Place Abbesses, the restaurant offers a selection of mozzarella, salumeria, antipasti, and gelati as well as their specialist di pasta fresca from their very own Fresh Pasta Lab. The delicatessen features nearly 300 products, 100% of which are imported directly from Italy including charcuterie, marinated olives and artichokes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, tartufo butters and oils, and passata.
Located at the base of the stairs leading up to Sacré-Cœur, (magasin) is a concept store which stocks both French and international up and coming brands. The store sells trendy footwear by the French brand Pairs in Paris, clothing for both men and women by Danish brand Samsoe and Samsoe, ceramics by Japanese brand Kinto, candles by Skandinavisk, tea from UK brand Teapigs and more. Myriam and Maxime – the young couple that own the store – are friendly and helpful, and there’s a small café at the back for tea, coffee or cake. *now closed*
SyLon de Montmartre – 4bis Rue Piemontesi, 75018. +33 (0) 1 42 57 58 10. Open Monday, Wednesday – Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-6pm. Metro: Abbesses (ligne 12).
Coutume Izakaya – 122 Rue Caulaincourt, 75018. +33 (0) 1 44 85 73 15. Open Tuesday – Saturday 9-12am. Metro: Lamarck – Caulaincourt (ligne 12). *now closed*
VAVA – 42 Rue Véron, 75018. +33 (0) 1 53 41 15 40. Open Tuesday – Saturday 12-2.3opm, 7.30-11pm. Metro: Blanche (ligne 2).
Roberta – 5 Rue la Vieuville, 75018. +33 (0) 1 42 59 33 32. Open Monday – Friday 12-3pm, 7-10.30, Saturday & Sunday 12-5pm, 7-10.30pm. Metro: Abbesses (ligne 12).
(magasin) – 35 Rue des Trois Frères, 75018. +33 (0) 9 83 33 96 05. Tuesday – Friday 11am-7.30pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am-8pm. Metro: Abbesses (ligne 12). *now closed*
Written and photographed for HiP Paris.
- Another café in Paris which does a great flat white is Café Mericourt.
- Looking for more Italian food in Paris? Check out the Big Mamma Group.
- To find out where concept stores begun in Paris, read about Colette.
