Cloud nine

Violetta & Alfredo (9th arr)

GOODS & SERVICES • FOUND Café

Some mornings feel ordinary. And then there are mornings when you sit down in a cozy Paris tearoom, and the world suddenly turns soft, sweet, and theatrical. I discovered Violetta & Alfredo on one of those mornings, and haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

Inspired by Verdi’s La Traviata, it’s a small, charming tea salon dressed up beautifully: colourful Alsatian porcelain, a refined operatic touch, sunlit outdoor tables in summer, and a crackling fireplace in winter.

Now, the pancakes. These are Violetta & Alfredo’s own creations, born from comfort, childhood nostalgia, and a hint of Breton charm, and they are extraordinary. Fluffy like little clouds, the pancakes arrive warm. Caramelised apples melt into the stack. Salted butter caramel ribbons over the edges. A buckwheat crumble crackles with each bite, evoking Brittany and its rustic soul. And then, a mascarpone whipped cream so light it barely lands on the spoon.

I should mention: this place draws serious talent. Sopranos Pretty Yende, Marina Viotti and Adriana Gonzalez have all passed through, the latter two presenting albums, occasionally breaking into spontaneous performance. Regulars like me still talk about it.

I tried an indulgent cheddar toast last visit (wonderfully satisfying) and watched my friend devour an avocado toast. Then came those fluffy pancakes again, this time crowned with blueberries, raspberries, mascarpone, vanilla cream, and raspberry coulis.

And the tea, what a discovery. Their Assam is among the finest I’ve ever tasted. The boutique sells a marvellous range, perfect as gifts. –Hanae Verlinde

→ Violetta & Alfredo (9th arr) • 30 Rue de Trévise • Daily 10h-19h • Walk-ins only.