Le Deux Magots is my top pick for breakfast in Paris. I have read other peoples’ comments about this cafe, and most people say that it’s over priced and over rated. Over priced, yes, I would say that is probably true, but frankly, so is everwhere else in Paris. Get any delusions of “value for money” out of your head if you are visiting Paris. You might as well just take it in stride that few things in Paris are cheap. In fact, I would say its even more expensive than visiting London. Plan to spend money. As for it being over rated, on that account, I surely beg to differ. This was TONS better than my breakfast at Laduree, and about 15 eruos cheaper. It also had way more atmosphere. You guys must know by now of my affections for all things Laduree, but in the battle of the breakfasts, they surely lost!
So, what’s with the curious name: Le Deux Magots? Well, the cafe is named for the two wooden carvings of Chinese Confucian wise men which are mounted on the top of one of the central pillars inside the restaurant. According to their website, “the café started life in 1813 as a drapery, selling silk and other luxury items. It took its name ‘Les Deux Magots’ from a successful play of that time: ‘The Two Magots of China’.” Aside from its name, what Le Deux Magots is really famous for, is its many esteemed patrons, considered the intellectual elite of their time. These individuals included Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso and Oscar Wilde, just to name a few.
This is the most awesome place for the favourite Parisian pastime of people watching. Here you are really in a prime location to gawk and squawk (as I like to do LOL). Now I am a person who hates even the slightest bit of winter chill, but did you know that the outdoor seating in most Paris cafes are heated? That means, weather be damned, there is always an opportunity to stare at (and mock) strangers…. not that I do that (a lot).
Mr P and I thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast there. Mr P ordered a cafe creme (coffee with cream) and a plain omelette, which was simple but excellent. It came with a little basket of crusty bread. Moi had Le Petit Dejeuner Des Deux Magots (yeah, not that petit is it?… but don’t worry dears, I can hold my own when it comes to le carbs!).
Just a little mention on this teeny weeny pain au raisan included in the bread basket: YUM! Mr P and I never tasted a pain au raisan before that was actually kind of juicy! It was marvellous. I will surely be ordering the full sized version next time.
It was served with a glass of orange juice, a wonderful hot cocoa which was very flavourful without being overly sweet, and a plate with a cute little butter and an apricot and strawberry jam (yes, I love cute little butters and jams 
. I’m such a sucker for these things).
. I’m such a sucker for these things).
By the way, contrary to things I have read, the service was attentive, and the waiter was very patient with us when we were trying to order in French. It could just be that the place is pretty quiet in the mornings, I don’t know. Maybe it doesn’t really get busy until lunch. I guess that makes going there for breakfast a smart way to visit a very popular cafe. Perhaps this is the way the cafe used to be enjoyed before it became the very touristy place that it is today. Regardless, it was an excellent way to pass a Sunday morning.
After languishing and digesting (hmm… gross right?) I said to Mr P, “I think we found our Paris breakfast place.” Mr P was surprisingly agreeable (this is what happens to men when their belly has been filled with warm and tasty food). Mr P concurred.
