Lomi — Restaurant in Paris

Café Lomi in the 18th arrondissement in Paris is perhaps my favourite coffee shop in Paris, if not in the world. It's a little bit off the beaten track, but well worth the journey, and on the way you can enjoy to explore a neighbourhood in Paris many tourists probably don't see.

At the end of a long day that had started at La tour Eiffel, I descended from the iconic Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre and walked around the Goutte d'Or neighbourhood in the 18th arrondissement to get to Café Lomi.

Café Lomi is a very beautiful roastery and coffee shop that seems to be almost too cool and hipster to be real at first sight.

The café is located in an area, where you would probably not expect such a place. But then, in somewhat deprived neighbourhoods in East London, new coffee shops are also opening in numbers in recent years, so maybe it is actually not all that surprising to see the same happening in Paris.

I immediately noticed that they use top-of-the-line equipment behind the counter - the main grinder and espresso machine looks pretty similar to the setup at the new Kaffeine branch in Eastcastle Street in London. If that tells you anything, then at least that they carefully select their tools, what usually is a good sign.

Browsing the menu, I came across "café fromage" and asked the barista about it. Turns out this is a pairing of coffee, café, and cheese, fromage - just what you could guess from the name. The lovely barista explained that they tested different cheeses and decided to go with a blue cheese as it tasted best in combination with the coffee.

I was not entirely sure about it, but I liked the idea and for once I thought that a coffee shop truly embraced being located in France and having easy access to great, local produce like cheese, so of course I wanted to find out myself if coffee and cheese together is any good. It is. In my experience, if you enjoy wine and cheese, I think you might also like coffee and cheese. At first, it might feel strange to dip a bit of cheese into your coffee, but really, it does taste alright and is something you perhaps won't get everywhere. It is refreshing to see a place going beyond the standard coffee offerings and coming up with something new that connects to the food heritage of the location.

I later ordered a standard flat white which looked beautiful and tasted excellent. It was quite strong, but definitely a decent coffee.

Useful for the tourist, they do also have free wifi in the shop.

Café Lomi is a stunning place with great quality products and a certain arty, hipster kind of vibe. Fortunately, this still doesn't mean that you need a mustache to get served. The atmosphere is really relaxed and very friendly - overall, I think Café Lomi could quickly become my favourite coffee shop in Paris if I would move...

Stepping into this coffee shop was like discovering a hidden treasure. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee embraced us as we walked in, and the experience only got better from there. Surprisingly, the coffee exceeded our expectations and ranked among the best we've had in Paris. The interiors, though simple, exuded a charming appeal, creating a cozy atmosphere that invited both work and relaxation.

What truly set this place apart was their dedication to the art of coffee. From bean to cup, they took the process seriously, and it showed in every sip. The staff's passion was infectious, especially in their coffee workshop training section. As a coffee enthusiast, I felt like I was in a haven that truly understands and respects the craft.

Nestled away from the touristy hustle, this café felt like a neighborhood gem. The welcoming staff and fresh pastries made it even more special. The baristas' expertise was evident, making even the simplest orders delightful.

While the décor and ambience were top-notch, what truly won us over was the coffee. From a perfect cappuccino to delectable chocolate chip cookies, the experience was unmatched. As we enjoyed our treats, the atmosphere allowed us to relax and connect, making Lomi a must-visit café that promises quality and a warm embrace...

I had a few hours of work to do while in Paris this morning, so I searched for good coffee shops, since the flat I was staying in had spotty wifi. Lomi was the first result in the 18th, whose first critical review from Thrillist boasts "creatives on laptops...lured in by its artisanal roasts, free Wi-Fi, and assortment of pastries and other baked goods." So i headed there 30 minutes before my online meeting. Besides a full dining room table full of people on laptops the place was empty, so I took a free table. I was promptly told laptops weren't allowed anywhere but at the big table. They took my order and I squeezed in between the "creatives." I waited and waited for coffee that never came. Eventually I bought a pastry as well and inquired about the wifi password. I was told to go down the street and rent an office space if I wanted to work. They refused to share the wifi. At this point, I only had time to race uphill to my flat, and had to leave the pastry and coffee that is evidently so artisan, it has to be shade grown somewhere in the basement. I the paying patron (a full 7 euros,) was patronized. "We're a coffee shop, so it [working in a coffee shop] is something we're trying to discourage." Duly noted. I am very discouraged--from ever setting foot...