Les Deux Magots has a long history of famous literary authors and writers frequenting the café and thus became a popular spot for Parisians and tourists. I would say that Les Deux Magots is just as popular as Café de Flore if not more so. Also, I found out that Les Deux Magots translates to “two Chinese figurines” that still occupy the space when it used to be a novelty shop back in the early 1800s. By 1885, the shop changed into a café but still kept the “Les Deux Magots” name. I wish I knew this sooner before I went so I could have looked for the two Chinese figurines, but if anyone else sees them, let me know!

LES DEUX MAGOTS REVIEW

// Food //

Since this café is literally a block away from Café de Flore, we decided to cheat and try Les Deux Magots right after our Café de Flore visit. Usually, we would try a different café each day but since our hotel was at least a 30-minute metro ride away and we didn’t want to make the trek again just to come to the exact same area. I decided to order another coffee and my friend ordered a fresh fruit cup. You might be thinking that this probably isn’t a fair review, but what we ordered wasn’t because we were full from Café de Flore. It was because Les Deux Magots is EXPENSIVE.

// Cost //

Les Deux Magots did have the usual combo (coffee and croissant) deal we’ve seen at most cafés, but the big difference is the price. Usually, it would be no more than 9 euros that we’ve seen but it was a whopping 13 euros here. Granted, I guess you get some extra bread and butter but still!

// Where to Sit //

There are four different seating areas: the regular outdoor patio, the enclosed sunroom, indoors, and a special detached covered patio on the church side. This is one of the busiest cafés that we went to so it would explain why there are so many seating options. Most people opted for the outdoor patio or the detached covered patio. We sat on the outdoor patio on the side of the restaurant. It actually felt really nice to be out in the sun too. Otherwise, I would have tried out the detached covered patio since you don’t see too many of those in Paris. It is elevated and gives you a good view of the church across the street.

// Service //

The service was great as to be expected. They have a separate line next to the detached covered patio where you will have to queue up first. This is where they will check for your French Health Pass or QR code and then assign you a place to sit. After we got sat, our server came over and took our order right away. He kept apologizing for his bad English but I totally thought it was fine. I should have told him that I was sorry for not knowing French!

// French Health Pass //

Yes, they do check for your French Health Pass or temporary QR code, but I was able to just use my CDC vaccination card and passport. Be aware that there is a line to the side of the restaurant that you will need to stand in first. Do not just go into the restaurant. 

// Would I Come Again //

Like Café de Flore, even though this is a popular place, I probably will want to try other cafés the next time I’m in Paris. There are literally thousands of them and they ALL look cute so I want to make sure I can try as many possible! But if you are in the area and you haven’t been, you definitely need to try Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore.