Lea French Cafe Michigan Avenue — Restaurant in Chicago

The moment you step into Lea French Café, you're instantly transported to a quiet corner of France. The warm lighting, and the scent of freshly baked pastries fill the air, it’s cozy, elegant, and full of charm. It doesn’t just feel like a café, it feels like a small, sunlit morning in Paris.

I came in looking for a little comfort to start my day, and I found exactly what I didn’t know I needed: a chocolate almond croissant and a hot chocolate. This simple pairing turned out to be pure magic.

The croissant was a masterpiece, golden, flaky layers with a buttery richness that left soft crumbs on the plate and warm satisfaction in every bite. The inside was generously filled with rich, velvety chocolate and a subtle almond paste that added just the right amount of nutty sweetness. It wasn’t overly sugary, just balanced, elegant, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

The hot chocolate? Divine. Smooth, thick, and rich with deep cocoa flavor, it wasn’t your average powdered mix—it tasted like real melted chocolate with a silky texture that warmed me to my core.

But the true revelation came when I dipped the croissant into the hot chocolate. The warmth softened the pastry slightly, enhancing its texture, while the chocolate intensified into something indulgent and unforgettable. It was like the two were meant to be together, an irresistible combination that danced across the palate.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful moment alone or a quiet chat with a friend, this place delivers warmth, flavor, and a little slice of France in every bite. Highly recommend starting your morning here, you'll leave with a full heart and a...

You all just lost my business from something so small. I live downtown close by and come here all the time—I’m a regular. It wasn’t very busy but a few customers at the self-order kiosks. I always go right to the counter. This time one of the staff basically yelled at me for standing at the counter and to go to the kiosk. I said I don’t mind waiting here like I usually do and she kind of rolled her eyes and sort of yelled at me. Sorry but I don’t need the attitude. Good luck.

Update: I’d given them another chance with better days, then now just had a similar occurrence yesterday. The staff was nice to me when I was the only one there, then after I went back to the counter to get something additional he asked me to “come back in a few minutes because he was too busy.” So I waited patiently. Then another older gentleman came in and walked up to the counter— the staff guy rudely instructed him to go to the kiosk to order because he “had all these drink orders to make.” Minutes go by and we were both standing there so the gentleman chuckled and said to me “I think he’s trying to teach us a lesson with technology.” We got to talking, with still no response from the staff. Both of us finally walked out and I gave the man directions to the closest Starbucks. Keep up the attitude Lea and even with your amazing pastries you’ll go out of business due to your poor...

There is no service at any point. You sign in on a screen where some differences are not clear. There is no one there to help clarify anything. They ask for tips up front, not sure for what as no one helps or is friendly. If u wanted your coffee before your food - forget it. My quiche was ok. Salad was just a bland pile of lettuce with not enough dressing. There is no salt or pepper. One has to ask counter girls as it is hidden. Tartine sandwich came without bacon. Husband went to counter and girl 🧒 g noted him. He then asked person in dining room, who said that wasn’t his job. I then went to counter girl and asked for the bacon, which she got. Food ok. Service non existent. We would not return ( other than to drink a coffee in...