VIBE

In days gone by, Paris’s most fashionable lounged in this grand Belle Époque tearoom, sipping chocolat chaud, nibbling on delicate pastries, and swapping Enlightenment-inspired ideas. These days, the sumptuous mirrors-and-drapes décor has taken on a romantically shabby edge and the crowd is more tourist than literati, but the hot chocolate and sweets remain as decadent as ever. Highlights of the menu include the chocolat à l’ancien (pure molten chocolate served with a pitcher of steamed milk for a mix-your-own treat) and the Mont Blanc (a sweet meringue topped with cream and candied chestnut), although you really can’t go wrong with any of the sugar-dusted items from the antique glass cases at the patisserie counter.

CROWD

A mix of chocolate-hungry tourists and devoted locals willing to brave the crowds for the rich treats.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

It’s fairly relaxed (many a tourist turns up in sneakers and a fanny pack), but an elegant, understated outfit (think a simple black sundress and flats) paired with a chic Parisian-style accessory or two can definitely improve your service experience.

GO HERE WITH

Chocoholics; friends; family

WHY WE LIKE IT

The hot chocolate is one of the most decadent delicacies we’ve ever sampled. We adore the creamiest brew, “L’Africain,” which is so thick and gooey you can practically eat it with a spoon–especially once you mix in the silver pot of hand-whipped cream served alongside it. We’d recommend skipping the “real” food and ordering a table full of pastries, desserts, and hot chocolate.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Waits on the weekends are measured in hours, especially at peak tourist times. Another downer: the service is usually off-puttingly grumpy.

GOOD TO KNOW

If you want to skip the lines, get your hot chocolate to go (the takeaway counter is next to the door) and take a stroll through the nearby Jardins des Tuileries as you sip. And if you really can’t get enough of the hot chocolate, Angelina sells instant packages in the boutique at the front of the restaurant so you can take some home with you in your suitcase.

CLOSEST COMPS

Ladurée (Paris)

Read more about Angelina in The Diary

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