Lactem — Restaurant in Paris

Disappointing Experience, Poor Customer Service

I am deeply disappointed by the recent encounter I had. I had purchased a delicious little chocolate from my favorite chocolate shop and decided to enjoy it with a recommended Cortado at Lactem café, just a couple of blocks away.

Upon arriving and sitting at a table, I opened my small piece of chocolate, only to be abruptly told that I couldn't consume outside food on the premises. I tried to explain that it was just a tiny piece, but the staff insisted I couldn't have it. This left me puzzled, as I understand their policy if I were bringing a full meal, but a small chocolate seemed excessive to enforce.

In an effort to comply, I apologized and offered to buy some chocolate from their selection, hoping to find something gluten and sugar-free, which I usually eat due to dietary restrictions. Surprisingly, there was nothing suitable for me, which I found odd for a café that prides itself on offering a diverse assortment of treats.

Feeling uneasy, I asked if I could have my coffee to-go instead. To my dismay, my beautifully crafted coffee, complete with a milk foam heart, was poured into a large disposable paper cup. It was evident that they were capable of preparing take-out coffee in proper containers but chose not to do so.

Throughout the interaction, the service felt cold and uncaring. I was left with the impression that the staff had little regard for the satisfaction of their customers.

I couldn't help but wonder if I had put a piece of chewing gum or had a lollipop in my mouth, would I have been treated the same way and asked to leave the premises too?

As someone with experience in the restaurant industry, I genuinely advise others to steer clear of this establishment. A café should prioritize customer satisfaction and offer flexibility when possible. I hope the café's management takes note of this feedback and considers making improvements to enhance their customers'...

The coffee was good but the experience was not. I dont speak french thus didnt realize that under the menu it was written with a very small font, that computers are not allowed during the weekend. I have entered inside 1 hour before the closing time to have a coffee and work. The place is very small, only 4 little tables and i sat down at the last one. I have ordered the coffee and before they served it, they have seen that I have opened up my computer and started working. Meanwhile, they have served other people, so for 10 minutes they have seen me work on my computer. After 10 minutes, the owner came with my coffee and told me that computers are not allowed. You could have told me this the moment that I opened up my computer before making the coffee so I could cancel it and go work somewhere else. When I asked what is the reason, the waiteress told me it is the rule since people are coming in for brunch and it is written outside with saying sorry, which I completely understand but still it was one hour before the closing time and at 15.30, no one is coming to have brunch.. Still, the coffee was good, for 5.5 euros, it is standard coffee in Paris; but the...

Delicious homemade drinks and food in this cute and cozy little café. Hoelle the owner is welcoming and the vibe in here is just lovely! I find it hard to come across non dairy milk options in most cafés in Paris, to go with my coffee or granola for example. At LACTEM you'll find regular cow milk as well as almond, soy, hazelnut, rice, coconut, and oat milks !! Dream come true for me. :) I got the avocado toast which was nicely spiced and the homemade pesto was a nice touch. I also got the turmeric latte which was really good. When it comes to the pastries, they were AMAZING. We shared the chocolate bun, apple cake and the chocolate cake : so so good, and it's only after eating them that we found out that each pastry was either gluten free or vegan. I highly recommend this place, it's my favorite café in the 9th...