Your 11th Arrondissement of Paris Guide

I have wanted to share a guide to 11th Arrondissement of Paris for a very long time. So long now that a lot of the neighborhood has already gone through a serious transition in the time it has taken me to find a local resident to share their favorite things to do, places to eat, and more. 

The 11th arrondissement is no longer a secret. It has one of the hottest shopping and dining scenes in Paris, plus the nightlife that has always been a big draw.

Thankfully, Lisa Anselmo of My Part Time Paris is here to save the day! I stumbled upon her in a Facebook group for Francophiles I contacted Lisa to ask where in Paris she lived in the hopes it was an arrondissement I had yet to cover in my series. Turns out it was the 11th! There was something about her name that was niggling in the back of my mind. After she agreed to share her favorites in the 11eme, I realized that I had read her book, My (Part-Time) Paris Life: How Running Away Brought Me Home when it was published in 2016! It truly is a small world.

These days Lisa is working on a project called Save the Paris Café, a “non-profit collective of local writers, artists, business owners, restaurateurs—Parisians and expats—celebrating café culture.” That's a cause that is near and dear to my heart!

Let's meet Lisa and her 11th Arrondissement!

Favorite thing about the 11th Arrondissement of Paris.

Where I live, between Charonne and Nation, it’s like the last patch of real Paris. Not quite yet hipster-ized like a lot of the 11th. It’s not the prettiest area, with lots of 1970s brutalist buildings that feel like they’ve crash-landed on old Paris, but it’s friendly, diverse, and down-to-earth. You can still find shops that cater to everyday life, unlike the Marais, for example. And everything is affordable (3 euro glasses of wine!). By now, I know all the café and shop owners nearby, and it feels like a village.

Least favorite thing about the 11th arrondissement.

I hate to say it but the noise and general filth. And graffiti is scrawled everywhere (and I’m not talking about street art). I’d say this is true about a lot of the 11th, not just where I am, especially the noise. I lived for a summer on Rue de Crussol near Oberkampf, and I think I slept a total of 4 hours. But you couldn’t beat the location.

What differentiates your arrondissement from all the other parts of the city?

The 11th feels like Williamsburg, Brooklyn to me: young, trendy, lots of bars and restaurants—the place people come to hang out on the weekend (pre-Covid). It’s got an edge, too (although the Bobos are shaving the edges off these days).

Favorite coffee spot in the 11th.

I don’t drink coffee in a coffee house kind of way. In fact, I didn’t even touch the stuff until I moved here. I know there are a lot of new “Brooklyn-style” coffee houses in the 11th, like Café Méricourt, and they’re good, but I prefer to sit on a café terrace. That’s my thing.

People complain the coffee’s no good in cafés, but I think it depends on where. The coffee at Café Lino on Boulevard de Charonne is excellent. But then, I’m new to the coffee game, so what do I know? For me, it’s about the view, not the coffee.

Favorite spot for drinks.

Any café terrace, anywhere. I’ve logged countless hours on the terrace at Le Plein Soleil on Avenue Parmentier. Also, Café des Anges on Rue de la Roquette. And definitely had way “too many wines” at Chez Justin on Boulevard Voltaire. I can count on seeing the same gang when I go there, so it’s like a block party.

Favorite local hangout.

Rouge Limé on Boulevard Voltaire. (Are you sensing a theme here? What can you expect from the editor of Save the Paris Café?) Pre-Covid it was my office, living room, and cantina. I’ve been known to hold court there from morning until the apéro hour—working, and hosting different friends who come and go. It’s completely without pretension. The owner is a great guy who has another place further down the avenue, near Nation, called Les Ogres. They’re both crazy popular. He’s got the golden touch.

Favorite breakfast spot.

In the 11th? It’d have to be chez moi. I’ll only roll out of bed to get to the boulangerie up the street, lured by the smell of baking bread (but isn’t that the dream?). They have fresh-baked croissants and brioche à l’huile daily. That brioche, warm and slathered in butter?

What could be better? (By the way, if I’m going to make breakfast an event, I have to travel out of my arrondissement to Holybelly in the 10th, or to my buddy Craig’s place, Breakfast in America, in the Marais.)

Favorite lunch spot.

Mokonuts, if you can get in (Rue St-Bernard). Otherwise, my friends Eleonora’s and Fred’s place, Il Bacaro: light Venetian fare on Rue Auguste Laurent. (That’s totally not a plug. They don’t need my help; it’s packed all the time!)

Favorite dinner spot.

That would have to be hands down Pierre Sang on Gambey (7 Rue Gambey). Or the one on Oberkampf. They are both outstanding. It’s like a second home to me there. I’ve known the chef for quite a few years now. I discovered his first place on Oberkampf by accident; he’d just been open a month.

I used to love it when he was cooking behind the counter, the energy he’d create, but now he prefers to use that energy to nurture young, talented chefs. Nowhere else can you have a 6-course tasting menu of that caliber for under 50 euros (under 40 euros at the Oberkampf place). But that’s Pierre; he’s a kind and generous man. We’re featuring him in my series this year, by the way.

One thing you always do/spot you always take friends from out of town to do/see in the 11th arrondissement.

Marché Charonne, the farmer’s market on Boulevard de Charonne. It’s open every Wednesday and Saturday. Or Les Colonnes de la Barrière du Trône (near Place de la Nation). The columns and adjacent gatehouses date from the 18th century and were part of an old toll wall. (Technically, one of the columns is in the 11th and the other is in the 12th!)

And of course, I just walk my friends around and give them a tour. Friends from the States love that I live in a real locals-only neighborhood in Paris, and want to explore it.

Merci, Lisa!

For those looking for a modern, dynamic Parisian neighborhood with lots of things to do and a fantastic restaurant scene, the 11th arrondissement is perfect. The ever-changing nature of this area and its cultural diversity make the 11th arrondissement an interesting part of Paris to visit. Its vibrant nightlife, trendy coffee shops, and shopping will give you a modern Parisian experience!

Other great spots in the 11th arrondissement curated for you:

11eme/11th Arrondissement Restaurants

• Afghanistan (48 Rue Saint-Maur) Indian food, I know, but it's true.
• Alluma (151 Rue Saint-Maur) Mediterranean cuisine.
• Anna (136, rue Saint Maur) neo-futuristic bar/eatery with small bites.
• A l’Ombre  (10 rue de la Folie-Méricourt) Provençal small plates.
• Astier (44 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud) a personal favorite of mine, classic French bistro.
• Au Passage (1 bis Passage Saint-Sébastien) tapas bar an Anthony Bourdain haunt.
• Bambino (25 Rue Saint-Sébastien) open kitchen concept with small plates.
• Banoi (129 Rue Amelot) creative Vietnamese and Southeast Asian dishes.
• Bernadette (2 bis Rue Neuve Popincourt) galetterie/creperie.
• Bichettes de Belleville (11 rue Marie et Louise) small neighborhood bistro.
• Bistrot Paul Bert (18 Rue Paul Bert) traditional French cuisine.
• Bouche Paris (85 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud) seasonal cuisine, signature cocktails, and natural wines.
• Boulangerie Utopie (20 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud) don't miss the roulé à la canelle!
• Brasserie Rosie (53 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine) traditional cuisine in a vintage setting.
• Broken Biscuit (13 Ave Parmentier) specialty coffee shop.
• Brutos (5 Rue du Général Renault) Charcoal grills, steaks, & Brazilian dishes.
• Café Chilango (82 Rue de la Folie Méricourt) Mexican cuisine.
• Café Méricourt (22 rue de la Folie Mércirourt) great lunch spot, also mentioned by Lisa above.
• Chambelland (14 Rue Ternaux) gluten-free bakery.
• Chanceux (57 Rue Saint-Maur) Delicatessan, traiteur and more!
• CheZaline (85 Rue de la Roquette) sandwich shop and small bites.
• Chez Imogène (25 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud) fantastic crêperie.
• Clamato (80 Rue de Charonne) inventive seafood.
• Clown Bar (114 Rue Amelot) offal in a clown-themed setting.
• Come A Casa (7 Rue Pache) fresh daily pasta dish.
• Deux Fois Plus de Piment (33 Rue Saint-Sébastien) spicy Sichuan Chinese.
• Dreamin Man (140 Rue Amelot) coffee and pastries with a Japanese touch.
• Dupain Boulangerie (20 Bd des Filles du Calvaire) organic bakery.
• Folderol 10 (rue du Grand-Prieuré) wines and homemade ice cream.
• Frogburger (19 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine) ultimate burgers with high-end French ingredients and damn good onion rings!
• Fulgurances (10 Rue Alexandre-Dumas) new chef every 6 months, you never know what you'll get!
• Giorgio (21 rue de Charonne) 70s disco themed trattoria.
• Goku (27 Boulevard du Temple) black charcoal burger.
• Justine (96 Rue Oberkampf) grilled meats from a pro BBQ oven.
• Il Bacaro (9 Rue Auguste Laurent) mentioned by Lisa above.
• Kubri (108 Rue Amelot) creative Mediterranean cuisine.
• L'Atelier Saisonnier (15 rue de Charonne) good salads.
• La Chocolaterie (25 Rue Chanzy) out-of-this-world chocolate bars from Cyril Lignac and Benoît Couvrand.
• La Reine de Saba (78 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud) Ethiopian cuisine.
• La Reine Mer (1 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud) seafood salads, house-smoked salmon, and special “sandfishes.”
• Land&Monkeys Beaumarchais (86 Bd Beaumarchais) vegan bakery and cafe.
• Le Rigmarole (10 Rue du Grand Prieuré) Japanese-accented small plates.
• La Pâtisserie (24 Rue Paul Bert) do not miss the apricot-glazed baba au rhum from Cyril Lignac and Benoît Couvrand.
• Le 6 Paul Bert (6 Rue Paul Bert) elevated small plates.
• Le Chardenoux (1 Rue Jules Vallès) Art-Nouveau Parisian bistro from Cyril Lignac.
• Le Chateaubriand (129 Ave. Parmentier) adventurous dishes with biodynamic and organic vintages from South Africa.
• Le Dauphin (131 Avenue Parmentier) great lunch spot, try the beef noodle soup and the coriander salad.
• L’Ecailler (22 Rue Paul Bert) fresh seafood and oysters.
• Le Grand Bol (7 Rue de la Présentation) try the pickled green beans with minced pork.
• Le Perchoir (14 rue Crespin du Gast) THE go-to rooftop restaurant in Paris!
• Le Petit Keller (13 Rue Keller) Franco-Japanese fusion.
• Le Relais (10 rue de la Vacquerie) farm-to-table restaurant.
• Le Repaire de Cartouche (8 Boulevard des Filles-du-Calvaire) classic and traditional French dishes and natural wines.
• Le Servan (32 Rue Saint-Maur) small bistro with simple seasonal food.
• Le Tajine (13 Rue de Crussol) don't miss the couscous méchoui.
• Les Fabricants (61 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud) Basque cuisine.
• Maison Gazelle (2 Rue Jean-Macé) Moroccan gazelle pastries.
• Maison Landemaine (28 Boulevard Beaumarchais) home to a very good baguette.
• Martin (24 Boulevard du Temple) tapas-style French small plates.
• Melt (74 Rue de la Folie Méricourt) Texas BBQ in Paris!
• Mokonuts (5 Rue Saint-Bernard) go for the black-olive-and-white-chocolate-chip cookie, they also do lunch. (mentioned by Lisa above)
• Muscovado (1 Rue Sedaine) yummy breakfast spot (served all day).
• Nonette Banh Mi (71 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud) mouthwatering Asian street food.
• Ober Mamma (107 Blvd. Richard Lenoir) trattoria with amazing thin-crust pizzas.
• Orgueil (6 Rue Popincourt) small plates.
• Oxymore (60 Rue Saint Maur) French pizzeria.
• PAPO, Street food a moda portuguesa (217 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine) delicious Portuguese street food with homemade bread.
• Pierre Sang in Oberkampf (55 Rue Oberkampf) informal fine dining from a Top Chef finalist. (mentioned by Lisa above)
• Pupetta Beaumarchais (90 Boulevard Beaumarchais) pizza, apperitifs and the taste of Naples.
• Recoin Bistrot (60 Rue St Sabin) a wine bar with a charming ambience.
• Robert (32 rue de la Fontaine au Roi) get the 5-course meal filled with innovative dishes a bargain for lunch.
• Rouge Limé (167 Boulevard Voltaire) mentioned by Lisa above.
• Septime (80 Rue de Charonne) impossible to get in, but food is amazing!
• Tapisserie (65 rue de Charonne) seasonal artisanal pasteries.
• Tawlet Paris (2 Rue de la Fontaine du Roi) a canteen-grocery store serving large portions of a Lebanese buffet.
• The French Bastards (61, rue Oberkampf) home of the cruffins and delicious cinnamon rolls.
• The Hood (80 Rue Jean Pierre Timbaud) coffee shop and Asian canteen offering street food from Vietnam and Singapore.
• VG Patisserie (123 Bd Voltair) vegan patisserie.
• Yard (6 Rue de Mont-Louis) small bistro with a fabulous terrace.
• Yemma (119 Rue du Chemin Vert) inventive couscous.

11eme/11th Arrondissement Coffee + Tea Shops

• Back in Black (25 Rue Amelot) great single-origin coffee and more.
• Café Caractère (2 Rue des Taillandiers) coffee shop and roaster with third-wave coffees and great cold brew.
• Café Lino (81 Boulevard de Charonne) mentioned by Lisa above.
• Café Mericourt (22 Rue de la Folie Méricourt) pretty light-filled cafe with a good Sunday brunch.
• Café Oberkampf (3 Rue Neuve Popincourt) cute blue-painted cafe.
• Désirée Fleurs (5 Rue de la Folie Méricourt) cafe and flower shop!
• Dreamin Man (140 Rue Amelot) coffee and pastries.
• Glace Room (4 Rue de la Roquette) French ice cream and sorbets made with Normandy cream.
• L'Autre Café (62 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud) good neighborhood no-frills coffee spot.
• Nomade Coffee (8 Rue Paul Bert) specialty coffee shop.
• Passenger (107 Av Ledru Rollin) cozy coffee spot with very good bagels.
• Tapisserie (65 Rue de Charonne) artisanal and seasonal pastries.
• Ten Belles Bread (17–19 bis Rue Bréguet) go for the coffee, stay for the pastries.

11eme/11th Arrondissement Bars

• Aux Deux Amis (45 Rue Oberkampf) small plates wine bar.
• Aux Deux Cygnes (36 Rue Keller) natural wines and Vietnamese bites.
• Bar Principal (5 Rue du Général Renault) a perfect terrace and delicious small plates.
• Bluebird (12 Rue Saint-Bernard) great cocktails.
• Café des Anges (66 Rue de la Roquette) mentioned by Lisa above.
• Café Charbon (109 Rue Oberkampf) long time bar with cheap drinks.
• Café Titon (34 Rue Titon) fun German-style bar.
• Chez Justin (127B Boulevard Voltaire) mentioned by Lisa above.
• Dirty Lemon (24 Rue de la Folie Méricourt) an inclusive cocktail bar that is woman owned and led.
• Fréquence (20 Rue Keller) an interesting cocktail and whiskey menu.
• House Garden Paris (8 Rue Richard Lenoir) award-winning cocktail bar.
• La Fine Mousse (4 bis Avenue Jean Aicard) craft beers.
• Le Clown (114 Rue Amelot) wine bar with seasonal bites.
• Le Plein Soleil (90 Ave Parmentier) mentioned by Lisa above.
• Le Perchoir (14 Rue Crespin du Gast) one of the most famous rooftop terraces in Paris.
• Le Red House (1bis Rue de la Forge Royale) a hipster bar where you can dance on the tables!
• Liquiderie (9 Rue des Trois Bornes, and 7 rue de la Présentation) craft beer and wine.
• Martin (24 Boulevard du Temple) best bar food in the city, good drinks too!
• Moonshiner (5 Rue Sedaine) a speakeasy hidden in a busy pizzeria.
• Pas de Loup (108 Rue Amelot) cocktail bar with vegetable-forward small bites.
• Septime Cave (3 Rue Basfroi) great wine selection including a ton of natural wines.

11eme/11th Arrondissement Parks, Museums & Things to Do

• Bataclan (50 blvd Voltaire) attend a concert or have a drink in this (infamous) café-concert music hall.
• Cour Damoye (14 Cr Damoye) just off the Place de la Bastille is a hidden cobbled alley that can be reached by a simple door between two cafes.
• L'Atelier des Lumières (38 rue Saint Maur) immersive exhibitions of classical pieces.
• Les Espaces de coworking Cool & Workers (2 Rue du Dahomey; 30 Rue de Chemin Vert) friendly and relaxed co-working space.
• Les cités du Figuier et Durmar (104-106 rue Oberkampf) Walk along this flowery street made for Instagram.
• Musée Edith Piaf (5 rue Crespin du Gast) this tiny spot dedicated to the larger-than-life singer is a must.
• Opéra Bastille (Place de la Bastille) there IS more than one opera house in Paris!
• Rue De Lappe, a great strolling street well-known for its nightlife.

11eme/11th Arrondissement Shopping

• AXS Design (12 Rue St Sabin) a creative workshop and store for all things interior.
• Bio Bazar (13 rue boulle) eco-responsible and ethical concept store.
• Cour Damoye (near Place de la Bastille) paved pedestrian alley lined with boutique shops.
• Distribution (108 avenue Ledru-Rollin) trendy kids clothing
• Fromagerie Goncourt (1, rue Abel Rabaud) Cheese shop.
• La Carte des Vins (26 Boulevard Beaumarchais) excellent wine shop.
• Marché Bastille (Boulevard Richard Lenoir) open-air market on Thursdays and Sundays.
• Marché Popincourt (111 Boulevard Richard-Lenoir) open-air market on Tuesdays and Fridays.
• Nuits de Satin (9 Rue Oberkampf) vintage clothing.
• Pooow! (24 Rue Popincourt) artist collective shop with an ever-changing amount of cool things!
• Rue de Charonne winding street with fun shops.
• Sissi Holleis (93 Rue de Nemours) women's clothing and vintage accessories.

11eme/11th Arrondissement Lodging

• BLC Design Hotel (4 Rue Richard Lenoir) as the name indicates, lots of design touches, each room has a mural of a woman.
• Gardette Park Hotel (1 Rue du Général Blaise) lots of rooms facing the charming Maurice Gardette Square.
• Hôtel Fabric (31 rue de la Folie Méricourt) former textile factory hotel.
• Hotel L’Antoine (12 Rue de Charonne) rooms designed by Christian Lacroix.
• Hôtel La Nouvelle République (9 Rue Moret) sleek contemporary style near Belleville Park.
• Hôtel Les Deux Girafes (23 Passage Beslay) whimsical spot with chic design.
• Le Général Hôtel (5-7 rue Rampon) boutique hotel 5-minute walk from Republique Square with great restaurant: Mon Coco.
• Maison Bréguet (8 rue Bréguet) stylish rooms with modern minimalism in a former washing machine factory.
• Oh la la! (6 Rue de la Roquette) speakeasy hotel.
• The 11eme also has a lot of FABULOUS apartments and homes that you can rent via VRBO and Airbnb.

Fin!

You can connect with Lisa of My Part Time Paris Life, on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

How about you? Do you have any 11th arrondissement of Paris additions? Have you been to this area of Paris? Did you find this post helpful for a future trip?

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