I went to Angelina, the most famous tea room in Paris, to see what it’s really like. It’s known for beautiful pastries, Belle Époque décor, and rich hot chocolate (which I didn’t order!). Here’s what I saw, what I ate, and why this place still draws people from all over the world.
The Legendary Tea Room on Rue de Rivoli
When I walked into Angelina on Rue de Rivoli, it felt like stepping into old Paris.
The place is fancy but warm, with pretty lights, big mirrors, and lots of little details from over 100 years ago.
It first opened in 1903, and people still come today for the beautiful cakes and elegant atmosphere.
Origins of Angelina
Angelina’s story begins in 1903, when visionary confectioner Antoine Rumpelmayer opened the first tearoom at 226 Rue de Rivoli in Paris.
Determined to offer a refined space for Parisian high society, he named the venue in honor of his daughter-in-law.
Designed in the elegant Belle Époque style by renowned architect Edouard-Jean Niermans, the tea room quickly became known for its exquisite pastries—like the famed Mont-Blanc dessert—and its secret-recipe hot chocolate.
This blend of high-quality culinary artistry and sophisticated décor helped establish Angelina as an enduring symbol of Parisian refinement.
Why It Became Famous
Angelina became famous for two things: the Mont-Blanc dessert and its rich hot chocolate.
The Mont-Blanc is a pastry made with sweet chestnut cream, whipped cream, and a crisp meringue in the center. It looks like a little mountain (that’s where the name comes from), and it’s been on the menu for over 100 years. People come just to try it.
Then there’s the hot chocolate, known as “l’Africain.” It’s thick, dark, and served with whipped cream on the side. Some say it’s like drinking melted chocolate bars. Even if I didn’t try it, I saw many tables ordering it—and it’s easy to see why it’s their signature drink.
These two treats helped make Angelina one of the most well-known cafés in Paris.
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Its Connection to Parisian High Society
Angelina wasn’t just any tea room—it was a favorite spot for Paris’s most famous and stylish people.
Writers like Marcel Proust and fashion icons like Coco Chanel used to come here to drink coffee, write, or meet friends. Chanel even had her regular table.
Back then, having tea at Angelina meant you were part of the elegant Paris crowd.
Today, it still feels special—like a place where you can slow down, enjoy a pastry, and imagine what it was like in those glamorous times.
Inside Angelina Today
What It Looks Like Now
Today, Angelina’s interior stands as a masterclass in elegant preservation.
The tea room features classic Belle Époque décor, with intricately restored moldings, vintage lighting fixtures, and elegant seating that hark back to early 20th-century Paris.
Every detail—from hand-painted frescoes to polished marble tables—has been carefully maintained, blending historical authenticity with modern comfort.
This thoughtful balance ensures visitors enjoy a luxurious setting that is both timeless and contemporary.
The Setting, Crowd, and How It Feels to Sit There
I went to Angelina on a Tuesday afternoon, around 2:30 pm, and I was surprised—there was almost no line.
I found out later that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, so there are fewer tourists in the area, which probably explains why it was quiet.
Inside, it felt calm and elegant.
The room is full of light, with big mirrors, soft colors, and little details that make it feel fancy but welcoming.
Even though it’s a popular spot, it didn’t feel rushed. I had time to enjoy my pastry and look around. It’s a relaxing place to sit, especially on a weekday.
What To Order (Spoiler: I Didn’t Take the Hot Chocolate!)
Most people go to Angelina for the famous hot chocolate—it’s called l’Africain, and it’s super thick, like drinking melted chocolate. A lot of people love it. But to be honest, that kind of drink isn’t really for me. I find it a bit too rich and heavy, so I skipped it.
Don’t worry though—there’s plenty more to enjoy on the menu.
You can order cakes, pastries, teas, coffee, light lunches, and more.
If you want to try their two most famous desserts, go for the Mont-Blanc and the Mille-Feuille. Both are beautiful and full of flavor.
That’s exactly what we got:
- The Mont-Blanc has chestnut cream, whipped cream, and a crunchy meringue in the middle. It’s sweet, soft, and really unique.
- The Mille-Feuille is a classic French dessert with layers of puff pastry and vanilla cream. Flaky, creamy, and super satisfying.
- We also had a cappuccino and a café au lait—both were smooth, hot, and nicely served.
Is It Just About the Hot Chocolate?
Why People Go
A lot of people think of Angelina as the place for hot chocolate—and yes, that’s a big reason it’s famous. But honestly, it’s about more than just one drink.
People go because the whole experience feels special. The room is beautiful, the desserts are made with care, and the service is calm and professional.
You sit down and feel like you’ve stepped into old Paris.
Even without ordering the hot chocolate, I still felt like I got the full Angelina experience.
It’s a mix of history, elegance, and sweet treats—that’s why people keep coming back.
What Else Is on the Menu
Angelina isn’t just about desserts and hot drinks. The menu is bigger than you might expect, with both sweet and savory options.
You’ll find salads, quiches, croque-monsieurs, and even full breakfast and brunch plates if you’re hungry for more than a pastry.
There are also lots of cakes, tarts, éclairs, and seasonal specials that change during the year.
Everything looks pretty, and most of it feels classic and French.
So even if you’re not into sweets, you can still enjoy a full meal here.
It’s a nice place to sit down and take a slow break, no matter what you’re in the mood for.
Should You Go? A Few Things to Know First
Here’s what stood out during my visit—both the good and the not-so-good:
What I liked:
- The room is stunning, with Belle Époque decor that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
- The pastries are high quality and beautifully made.
- The whole experience feels calm, elegant, and very Parisian—especially if you go on a quiet weekday.
What to keep in mind:
- It’s not cheap. You’re paying for the name, the setting, and the experience.
- If you go at the wrong time (like weekends or peak hours), you might have to wait in line.
- It’s not a casual café—it feels more formal, so maybe not the place for a quick snack.
Best Time to Visit
I went to Angelina on a Tuesday around 2:30 pm, and it was the perfect time—almost no line.
I found out later that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, so there are fewer people nearby. That made the tearoom much quieter than usual.
If you want to enjoy the elegant setting without waiting, try going on a weekday, in the early afternoon. It’s calmer, and you’ll have more time to relax, look around, and enjoy your pastry.
Check the video of my visit here:
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
