Café de la Mairie
A classic Parisian brasserie in St. Germain, renowned for its charming 1970s interior and prime terrace seating with views of the Saint-Sulpice church...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Café de la Mairie
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A classic Parisian brasserie in St. Germain, renowned for its charming 1970s interior and prime terrace seating with views of the Saint-Sulpice church.
Consider visiting during off-peak hours
To potentially avoid service issues, it's advised to visit during less busy times.
Dine cautiously
Some reviewers suggest being cautious about food quality and potential issues with billing.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
French Brasserie
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+33 1 43 26 67 82
Address
8 Pl. Saint-Sulpice, 75006 Paris, France
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Prime Location & Ambiance
Enjoy classic Parisian people-watching from a terrace overlooking the beautiful Saint-Sulpice church and fountain.
Authentic St. Germain Vibe
Experience a casual, convivial atmosphere in the heart of the St. Germain-des-Prés district, a true local gem.
Fresh Salads with Unique Toppings
Savor creative salads featuring ingredients like goat cheese and honey, offering a delightful and refreshing meal option.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Consider visiting during off-peak hours
To potentially avoid service issues, it's advised to visit during less busy times.
Dine cautiously
Some reviewers suggest being cautious about food quality and potential issues with billing.
Service can be hit or miss
Be prepared for potentially abrupt or slow service, especially during busy periods.
Tips
from all over the internet
Consider visiting during off-peak hours
To potentially avoid service issues, it's advised to visit during less busy times.
Dine cautiously
Some reviewers suggest being cautious about food quality and potential issues with billing.
Service can be hit or miss
Be prepared for potentially abrupt or slow service, especially during busy periods.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Café de la Mairie offers a prime Parisian location with a beloved view, attracting diners for its ambiance and people-watching opportunities. While many appreciate the classic brasserie feel and some dishes like salads, recurring criticisms point to inconsistent service quality, with some reviewers experiencing abruptness or delays. Food quality also receives mixed reviews, with some finding it underwhelming.
"Best og Cafè Paris.
Only one maintaining the original parisian neighbourhood Cafè style, while the rest of the area tailors to tourism.
Amazing view on the st sulpice church, great wine choice.
Don’t confuse the waiters’s authentic french hospitality style with rudeness, not everyone is from california."
Dario Birindelli
"Don’t eat here! The worst cafe in Paris. The food was not just bad, it was disgusted!"
Margaret Kashuba
"My family and I found this place on a whim this week. It was a casual vibe for dinner and what we were looking for. We really enjoyed the food, ordering salads and French onion soup. I thought the salad was fresh and my salad came with toast that had goat cheese and honey. I didn’t think the price was too bad but to be fair, we are from New York City so eating out might be similar price wise. Our waiter was…a little abrupt. I hesitate on saying he was rude because it was the end of the night and he did seem to chill out a little when there was less people so I’m giving him benefit of the doubt. He did bring out our food right away. I noticed he took our order without writing it down while holding a bunch of dishes he was trying to clean up, then forgot one of the salads we ordered. He was kind of annoyed when we asked for the salad again but whatever we got the extra salad pretty quickly after that. Despite the service, which was not a dealbreaker for us, we were satisfied with the food and the meal/atmosphere was what we wanted anyways."
Jennifer Amador
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
To potentially avoid service issues and enjoy a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during less busy times.
Food quality receives mixed reviews. Some diners enjoy salads and classic French dishes, while others find certain items disappointing.
The atmosphere is described as convivial and casual, with a 1970s retro design indoors and a popular terrace offering views of the church and fountain.
Reservations are typically not mentioned as being required, as it's a casual brasserie. It's advisable to check their policy, especially for larger groups.
Diners often order coffee, wine, salads (especially those with goat cheese and honey), and French onion soup.
Service can be inconsistent, with some reviewers noting abruptness or delays, while others praise friendly staff.
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People Watching, Lit Legends and More of the Best of Paris Cafe Culture
What could be nicer than sitting in a wicker chair at a sidewalk table at the Café de la Mairie 5 (8 place St-Sulpice, 6th arrond.; tel. 01 43 26 67 82; Métro: Mabillon or St-Sulpice; no credit cards) on the place St-Sulpice?. Relatively car-exhaust free (there is one lane of traffic between you and the place), in good weather tables on the wide sidewalk are much in demand; you may have to hover a while to get one. Indoors, it's a 1970s archetype: Formica bar, boxy chairs, too much smoke, and an odd assortment of pensioners, fashion victims, students, and would-be novelists.
Clubs, Bars, Cinemas and Cabaret
You have probably read elsewhere in these pages that the Cafe Mairie is one of my favorite places to hang out and strangely enough when I told this to my friend and fellow Sifnos musician Simon Wroe he told me that this is where he spent much of his time several decades earlier. Later I found that this little cafe had historical significance during the student strikes of May 1968. It is an unpretentious place with interesting people and it is also where Rue de Canettes meets the Place St Sulpice which is loaded with restaurants, bars, Jazz clubs and even a micro-brewery.
Cafes, Bistros & Wine Bars in Paris
Marche Saint Germain on Rue Lobineau & Rue de Seine, very close to Saint-Sulpice has the BEST cheese and meats you can find. I always get my cheeses and some amazing pates here.
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