Angelina – Parisian Elegance and Legendary Hot Chocolate
Located just steps from the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden, Angelina is one of Paris’s most iconic tea rooms. Since 1903, this elegant belle époque café has been delighting locals, royalty, and travelers with its luxurious atmosphere, refined pastries, and its world-famous chocolat chaud à l’ancienne—the rich, velvety hot chocolate that has become its signature. A visit to Angelina is a Parisian rite of passage, blending timeless charm with sweet indulgence.
What to Expect at Angelina
- Classic Parisian Décor: Step into a space of golden mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and marble-topped tables. The interior reflects early 20th-century opulence, transporting guests to a more elegant time.
- A Culinary Institution: Angelina has hosted everyone from Coco Chanel to modern-day celebrities. Despite its fame, it retains a refined, peaceful ambiance—especially in the morning hours.
- Full-Service Dining and Boutique: In addition to pastries and drinks, Angelina offers light meals and a takeaway shop where you can bring home their famous hot chocolate mix and signature confections.
What to Eat at Angelina
The menu is a delicate blend of classic French patisserie and seasonal savory dishes, but most visitors come for dessert—and for good reason.
- Must-Try Items:
- Chocolat Chaud “L’Africain”: Incredibly thick and rich hot chocolate made with three kinds of African cocoa beans. Served with a side of fresh whipped cream—indulgence in its purest form.
- Mont-Blanc: Angelina’s signature pastry made with a meringue base, light whipped cream, and chestnut purée. Iconic, unique, and unforgettable.
- Seasonal Pastries: From raspberry éclairs to lemon tarts, every dessert is crafted with precision and artful presentation.
- Quiche & Croque Monsieur: Light savory options are available if you’re stopping in for lunch before dessert.
What to Drink at Angelina
Though the hot chocolate steals the spotlight, Angelina also offers a lovely selection of teas, coffees, and Champagne for those in the mood to toast to the Parisian lifestyle.
- Recommended Drinks:
- Chocolat Chaud “L’Africain”: Yes, it’s so good it’s worth mentioning twice.
- Angelina Signature Teas: Delicate black and herbal teas blended specially for the house—perfect with a Mont-Blanc.
- Champagne by the Glass: For those who want to pair elegance with bubbles.
Tips for Visiting Angelina
- Go Early to Avoid Queues: Angelina is extremely popular, especially the Rue de Rivoli location. Arriving early in the day ensures shorter waits and a quieter atmosphere.
- Dress Smart-Casual: It’s not a formal venue, but a polished outfit matches the surroundings and helps you feel like part of the scene.
- Try the Takeaway Boutique: Grab boxed chocolates, teas, and a tin of their hot chocolate mix to bring a taste of Paris home.
- Save Room for Dessert: Even if you come for lunch, leave space—the pastries are the highlight of the experience.
Final Thoughts
Angelina is more than a café—it’s a Parisian institution steeped in elegance, indulgence, and history. Whether you’re warming up with a cup of thick hot chocolate or savoring a Mont-Blanc under ornate chandeliers, every moment here feels like a delicious step back in time. For a taste of Paris at its most refined, Angelina is simply a must.