Review: La Fontaine de Belleville

Okay, you’ve just walked in. First impressions?
This relaxed corner café is quintessentially Parisian—the morning starts off calm and by afternoon the place is bustling.

Who else was there?
Regulars are a mix of retirees, entrepreneurs, writers, artists, etc. It's exactly this kind of diversity in age and background that makes La Fontaine such a special place.

The raison d’être: the coffee. How was it?
When the team from Belleville Brûlerie, one of the city's leading coffee roasters, took over this old corner café, they changed very little save for a fresh coat of paint, new furniture—and better beverages. Coffee is available around the clock, as are craft beers, natural wines, and artisanal juices.

Was there food, too, and if so, worth getting?
The menu is blissfully uncomplicated and full of Parisian café staples: croque monsieur, green bean salad, ham-and-cheese baguette sandwiches, deviled eggs, and mixed cheese and cured meat platters. Order the shared plate during apéritif hour; it includes homemade cheese biscuits, dips, veggies, and endless rustic bread.

How about the staff: what did you think?
Like most bustling cafés, staff is often in short supply—but they're friendlier and more efficient than elsewhere. It may still require a wave or two to get their attention, or just set up camp at the counter directly in front of them.

Who should go here?
La Fontaine is a destination hangout any time of day: Come for an early breakfast meeting, a light lunch with friends, a mid-afternoon espresso, or an after-work drink. It's also a great place to catch live jazz on Saturday afternoons.