Some have argued that Australia’s greatest contribution to the culinary world has been our breakfasts. And while we like to think there’s a bit more to us than smashed avo and flat whites, there’s no denying that we do it well. If you’re in Paris for the Olympics and craving a true blue brekkie, these are the best Australian-owned cafes to hit up.
With venues in Melbourne, Barcelona and Paris you know that the Hardware Société is doing something right. The menu caters to the French locals however the Australian accent slips out with items like bircher muesli, coconut yoghurt, and ‘Australian-style iced coffee.’ 10 Rue Lamarck, Paris; hardwaresociete.com/paris.
While not actually Australian-owned, KB Café Shop is included by technicality. French-born owner Nick Piègay spent two years living in Sydney and wanted to bring the Harbour City’s specialty coffee culture back to Paris. KB (which stands for Kookaburra) is Piègay’s homage to Aussie coffee. 53 Avenue Trudaine, Quartier Pigalle; kbcoffeeroasters.com.
A Swedish-owned cafe in Paris that’s fully staffed by Australians? Talk about a melting pot. Strada Cafe in Le Marais is just a stone’s throw from the famous Seine River and is guaranteed to keep any homesickness at bay, especially after a quick yarn with the Melburnian baristas slinging cold brews in the summer. 23 Rue du Temple, Le Marais; stradacafe.fr.
Lomi Roastery & Café was co-founded by Paul Arnephy, who had been working at a roastery in Melbourne before following his heart to Paris. Initially a wholesaler, Lomi is now a barista school, roastery and cafe where you’ll find pastries, granola, and warm scones with cream and jam. 3 ter rue Marcadet, Goutte D’Or; lomi.cafe.
Australian owner Tom Clark is largely credited with bringing the flat white to Paris as a law student in the early 2000s. While on exchange, Clark found the challenge of getting a good cup of coffee frustrating so took matters into his own hands. Now, Coutume Cafe does everything from work with coffee farmers, train baristas in intimate courses, create and sell cafe equipment and serve familiar Australian classics to the masses of Paris. 47 Rue de Babylone, 7th Arrondissement; coutumecafe.com.
Need a fix of all things Aussie? Look no further than O Coffee Shop. With four kinds of avocado toast, eggs ‘Benny’, Vegemite toast, banana bread, and flat whites dominating the menu, Australian Matthew Sloan and French Tim Teyssier are all in at this bonza Aussie café. 23 Rue de Lourmel, Grenelle; ocoffee.fr.
