Six Solid Date Spots in Paris
Wine Bars, Experiences, & Solid Date Spots in Paris
Is Paris really the most romantic city in the world? Admittedly this question is a matter of opinion, but I’ll say there’s definitely a reason why countless couples travel to Paris every year for special occasions from anniversaries to birthdays and anything else that calls for celebrating love. Even if it’s pouring rain in the autumn or unbearably hot in the summer, nothing can change the fact that walking down a beautiful Parisian boulevard hand in hand with someone you truly love will feel like a scene straight out of a romantic movie. In other words, everything you do, while you’re here with a loved one, is basically a date.
With that being said, it’s a great idea to plan a few dates along the way that will make the trip feel even more romantic and a little extra special. Keep reading below to discover some date spots in Paris that range from wine bars to coffee experiences and even includes a delicious ice cream spot. I’d also like to note that all of these date ideas make for wonderful friend date spots as well, so definitely don’t shy away from trying these places if you’re traveling alone or with friends!
Coup D’Oeil - Natural Wine & Small Plates
Let’s kick things off with Coup D’Oeil, a natural wine bar, and restaurant that serves small share plates. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for something lowkey but has a bustling ambiance, low lighting, delicious wine, and great food. It’s located in the trendy 11th arrondissement, accepts reservations, and is reasonably priced with share plates averaging around 10-12 euros. You and your loved one will be sure to have an all-around good time!
Folderol - Ice Cream & Natural Wine Bar
10 Rue du Grand Prieuré, 75011 Paris
Folderol might be one of the most delightful combinations of flavors that you can run into while you’re in Paris because they specialize in natural wine and really delicious ice cream. The ice cream flavors change depending on the season, but if you happen to go when they have the olive oil ice cream, you have to try it! No matter what flavor you end up going for, you won’t be disappointed. Folderol has mastered the art of creating perfectly balanced flavors that hit all the right notes of creaminess, and richness, and are never overly sweet. It’s a great spot to chill, soak up the vibes of the cool crowd it attracts, and have some natural wine. Basically, the perfect place to indulge in more than one vice at a time.
Jolia - Mediterranean Restaurant
123 Rue du Chemin Vert, 75011 Paris
After a few nights of dining at traditional French restaurants, you might want to consider mixing things up a bit and heading to Jolia for a little Medittterian twist to your evening. It’s a new restaurant that opened in the 11th arrondissement, has a beautifully decorated interior, perfect lighting, and absolutely delicious Mediterranean shared plates. I suggest trying the fried halloumi with honey drizzled over the top, the Malka bread served with homemade dipping sauces, and the deconstructed chicken shawarma. Be sure to pair your meal with one of their elegant and original alcoholic or nonalcoholic cocktails. The ambiance is always bustling with excitement, making it a fun evening date spot to try with a loved one or friends.
Substance Café - A Unique Coffee Experience
If you’re looking for a fun date experience, then why not go for a coffee tasting at Substance Café? Tucked away on a cute little street in the 2nd arrondissement, the experience is hosted by a competition-level barista who is beyond passionate about coffee. He takes pure joy in sharing his extensive coffee knowledge, to the point that Substance is more a passion project than a business. During the session, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about how to properly taste coffees and get insights into how to make different types while learning about the extremes to which preparation and brewing can go. It’s a joint experience with strangers sharing the bar, who are also there to learn, so probably not the best first date spot, but perfect for couples (or friends) who have a keen interest in specialty coffee!
Cavewoman Wines - Private Wine Tasting
52 Rue du Chemin Vert, 75011 Paris
Cavewoman is a delightful wine shop in the 11th arrondissement, where you can enjoy a wine tasting hosted by wine expert, owner, and our friend Alison. She has a wonderful wine selection and upon request will do a private wine tasting, paired with some delicious cheese and charcuterie. Alison is an excellent host who makes learning about wine fun and interesting without an ounce of snobbiness in her approach. I highly recommend booking a tasting, as you’re guaranteed to have a fun time by indulging in two things the French have mastered: wine & cheese. Even if you’re not interested in a full wine tasting, you can still stop by to pick up a bottle for your next picnic or at-home date night.
Daroco 16 - Italian Restaurant
3 Pl. Clément Ader, 75016 Paris
Let’s say you’re at the Eiffel Tower in the evening and you’d like to go somewhere that’s not where the tourists are going. Walk towards the giant skyscrapers to the southwest, take a stroll up to Bir Hakeim, down Île des Cygnes (aka Swan Island), up to the Statue of Liberty, take a right and you’ll find the fantastic Italian restaurant, Daroco 16. While the food is a bit more upscale, the atmosphere is fun and casual. Daroco serves classic Italian dishes that you crave the minute you leave Italy, including wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta. Overall, it’s a great spot to spend the evening sipping on cocktails and indulging in delicious Italian food!
Et Voilá
There you have it, a handful of date spots that I think are a little bit off the beaten path and not the obvious tourist date night spots. As I mentioned before, whatever you do in Paris with someone you love is going to feel like a romantic date. Being here is only going to make that love seem that much more vibrant, especially at any of these spots that add a little something extra to the day or evening!
If you’re looking for more recommendations of things to do, eat, and see while you’re in Paris, then be sure to purchase the comprehensive 2023 edition of Jay’s Paris in my Pocket Guide, available now for purchase as a PDF digital download!