Berthillon — Restaurant in Paris

Every time I travel to France, a stop at Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis is a non-negotiable part of my trip. It had been 18 years since my last visit, and I’m thrilled to say the quality is just as exquisite as I remembered it—perhaps even better.

This time, I indulged in a fondant au chocolat noir that was perfectly rich, followed by an unforgettable ice cream cone stacked with pistachio, vanilla, and strawberry—each scoop a masterpiece of flavor. I topped it all off with a cozy cup of cappuccino, the ideal finish to a dreamy late morning dessert (they open at 10:00 and it is 10:30).

The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, answering questions and guiding customers through the many mouth-watering choices. One of the things I love most about Berthillon is the layout: there's a take-out counter where you can quickly grab ice cream, fondants, and other treats, and then there’s a sit-down area where you can relax and savor everything at your own pace. Interestingly, the storefront is actually on both sides of the street, adding to its unique charm.

The exterior, decorated in classic wood paneling, gives off a warm, traditional vibe, almost like stepping back in time. You can feel the legacy of Monsieur Berthillon, who began it all in 1954 with a humble café and hotel named Le Bourgogne. They continue to uphold his dedication to excellence by using only the freshest ingredients and guarding their secret recipes closely.

This ice cream is truly next level—so much so that I’ve even heard of celebrities having it flown in overnight (cannot confirm this although that was what was told to me when I first came here years ago). Whether you're visiting Paris for the first time or returning after years (like me), Berthillon is a must. It’s the perfect treat on a hot summer day or simply a lovely way to enjoy a quiet moment in the heart of the city.

Pro tip: The best time to go is early in the day. I’ve been here when there was a line stretching out the door, but arriving early means you can avoid the crowd and enjoy the experience at your leisure.

I sincerely hope Berthillon becomes your favorite ice cream spot too—because it has truly been mine for two decades.

Bon...

I used to come here a lot, but the last time I was there, the staff was extremely rude and condescending.

I was traveling with my sister and my mom and we dragged her here and insisted she had to try the ice cream. We waited 20 minutes to even order which was fine as it was summer and we expected a queue. When we got to the front of the line, the woman serving the ice cream looked moody and immediately got very impatient when we asked her a question about the flavor.

When we placed our order and she started scooping out the first scoop, it accidentally fell from her ice cream scooper and onto the marble counter.

I was horrified as she tried to put it back on the cone! I used my intermediate french to ask her to throw our the now fallen ice cream which I mistakely called “salé” (salty) rather than “sale” (dirty). Not only did she not hesitate to get a new serving of ice cream, she rolled her eyes, sucked her teeth and then proceeded to laugh at the misuse of french on our part with her colleagues. Her colleagues then also joined in on the sniggering while we stood there and waited.

When we pressed further she acted like we were asking for some earth-shattering request, when all we wanted was a scoop of ice cream that didn’t sit on their work counter. Not a huge demand.

I know these women deal with an onslaught on tourists on a daily basis but I work in retail and I don’t patronize my clients. I would think the standards for such an established brand and one in the food industry, no less, would have had...

An incredible ice cream and sorbet spot that’s always busy, right in the center of Paris.

If you’re looking for the best ice cream and sorbet around, you’ve found it here. It’s a classic place that has been around for ages, and deserves to be. There’s absolutely always a line out the door, and it’s completely warranted.

The main part of the shop is essentially just a walk up, and there’s also a second room now that had table service. The design and ambiance is upscale traditional, with beautiful wooden walls. The staff is extremely friendly and let you take your time, even when they’re busy.

They have an extensive list of extremely high quality flavors that are all delicious. From fruity flavors like grapefruit to rich caramels and nuts, they’ve really mastered it all. Everything is so flavorful, creamy, and smooth, and absolutely not too sweet. Scoops are small, but prices are reasonable for the quality.

I make sure to always swing by whenever I can, and...