Paris 2 · Cozy
A refined tea boutique and salon where artisanal infusions meet homemade pastries in the charming Montorgueil quarter.
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Artisanal teas and infusions paired with homemade pastries crafted without preservatives by a talented pâtissière.
The culinary offering at Kodama Tiquetonne centers entirely on the art of tea, complemented by thoughtfully crafted pastries that elevate the experience. This isn't a restaurant in the traditional sense—it's a specialized tea house where the beverage takes absolute priority, supported by food designed specifically to enhance rather than overshadow the delicate flavors of premium tea.
The tea selection represents the core of Kodama's identity. The house offers an impressive range spanning all major tea categories: vibrant green teas with their fresh, vegetal notes; complex black teas offering depth and body; rare oolong teas that bridge the gap between green and black; delicate white teas prized for their subtle sweetness; and caffeine-free rooibos for those seeking alternatives. Beyond pure teas, the selection includes perfumed blends that incorporate natural aromatics, creating unique flavor profiles that range from floral to fruity to spiced.
The infusion program extends beyond traditional tea, offering herbal tisanes and the "grands remèdes" line—therapeutic blends designed with wellness in mind. The organic selections reflect a commitment to quality and sustainability, ensuring that what you're drinking is as pure as possible. The matcha program deserves special attention, featuring premium Japanese matcha powder prepared according to traditional methods, offering both the ceremonial experience and the concentrated flavor that matcha enthusiasts seek.
What distinguishes Kodama's approach is the attention to brewing technique. The house employs cold-infusion methods for certain teas, a time-intensive process that extracts flavors over several hours. This technique reveals nuances that hot brewing can miss, producing cleaner, more refined flavor profiles with reduced bitterness and astringency. Whether you're enjoying your tea on-site or taking it away, the preparation reflects genuine expertise and care.
The pastry program, created by Clémence Marchon, complements the tea selection with equal sophistication. As the sister of acclaimed chef Alexandre Marchon, Clémence brings culinary pedigree to her creations, but more importantly, she brings an understanding of how pastries should interact with tea. Her recipes avoid preservatives, ensuring freshness and pure flavors that won't overwhelm delicate tea notes. The pastries are designed for pairing—their sweetness, texture, and flavor profiles carefully calibrated to enhance specific teas rather than compete with them.
The food and tea pairing concept at Kodama goes beyond casual accompaniment. The staff can guide you toward combinations that create harmonious experiences, where pastry and tea elevate each other. A delicate green tea might pair with a subtly sweet pastry that doesn't mask its grassy notes, while a robust black tea could stand up to something richer and more substantial.
Pricing remains accessible despite the premium quality, with tea starting around €4-5 per cup (a chai latte, for example, begins at €5). This positioning makes regular visits feasible while maintaining the quality standards that define the Kodama experience. Whether you're settling in for an afternoon of leisure or grabbing a quick takeaway, the same attention to quality applies.
A serene, welcoming retreat where the ritual of tea creates moments of calm in the bustling Montorgueil quarter.
Kodama Tiquetonne cultivates an atmosphere of tranquil sophistication that feels like a breath of fresh air in the energetic Montorgueil neighborhood. The moment you step inside, the pace shifts—the outside world's bustle gives way to a space designed for mindful appreciation and genuine relaxation.
The vibe is distinctly cozy yet refined, striking that perfect balance between approachable comfort and elevated experience. This isn't a place for rushing through a quick drink; it's a sanctuary for slowing down, whether you're seeking a peaceful afternoon pause, an intimate conversation with a friend, or a solitary moment of reflection. The atmosphere particularly shines during the traditional tea time hours and into the evening, when the warm lighting and aromatic scents create an especially inviting cocoon.
There's an unmistakable sense of authenticity here—Kodama feels genuine rather than contrived, welcoming rather than exclusive. The ambiance appeals to a diverse crowd: tea enthusiasts who appreciate the serious approach to quality, neighborhood residents treating it as their local haven, and curious visitors discovering a different side of Parisian café culture. The space accommodates both social gatherings and solo visits with equal grace, never feeling too quiet to enjoy company or too bustling to find peace alone.
The overall mood is contemplative without being solemn, knowledgeable without being intimidating. It's the kind of place where you can lose track of time in the best possible way, where the simple act of drinking tea becomes a restorative ritual. The autumn and winter months feel particularly suited to Kodama's embrace, though its calm charm provides welcome respite year-round.
Modern minimalism meets natural warmth in a thoughtfully designed space where wood and raw materials create an understated elegance.
The interior design at Kodama Tiquetonne reflects a contemporary aesthetic that honors both Japanese minimalism and French attention to material quality. The decoration philosophy centers on creating a space that enhances rather than distracts from the tea experience, resulting in an environment that feels both modern and timeless.
Wood plays a starring role in the décor, appearing in various forms throughout the space. The natural grain and warm tones of the wooden elements create an organic foundation that immediately puts visitors at ease. These wood features are complemented by raw, exposed walls that add textural interest and an honest, unpretentious character to the space. The combination of refined wood finishes and deliberately unfinished surfaces creates a sophisticated tension—polished yet authentic, designed yet natural.
The overall aesthetic leans toward minimalism, but it's a warm minimalism rather than a cold one. The space avoids clutter and unnecessary ornamentation, allowing the quality of the materials and the beauty of the tea service itself to take center stage. Display areas showcase the tea selection and accessories with museum-like care, turning functional retail elements into visual features that educate and inspire.
Lighting is handled with subtlety, creating an atmosphere that shifts gracefully from day to evening. Natural light filters through during daytime hours, while carefully positioned artificial lighting maintains the warm, intimate feeling as evening approaches. The boutique section integrates seamlessly with the salon area, creating a cohesive environment where browsing, purchasing, and consuming tea all feel like parts of a unified experience.
The furniture and seating arrangements prioritize comfort while maintaining the clean aesthetic. Everything feels intentional—from the placement of tables to the selection of serving ware—contributing to an environment where you can focus on the sensory experience of tea without visual distractions. The scale of the space feels intimate without being cramped, creating that sought-after sense of discovery that makes you feel you've found something special.
A rare Parisian tea house combining cold-infusion techniques, organic selections, and pastries by a chef's sister in an authentic boutique-salon setting.
Kodama Tiquetonne distinguishes itself in Paris's crowded café landscape through several unique characteristics that set it apart from both traditional tea salons and contemporary coffee shops.
First and foremost is the specialization itself. While Paris has no shortage of places serving tea, few dedicate themselves so completely to the craft. Kodama functions as both creator and curator, developing their own blends while sourcing exceptional teas from around the world. This dual role as boutique and salon creates a unique dynamic—you're not just visiting a shop or a café, but a comprehensive tea destination where you can discover, taste, purchase, and learn all in one location.
The cold-infusion technique represents a significant point of differentiation. This method, which involves steeping tea in cold water for several hours, remains relatively rare in Paris's tea scene. The process requires patience and planning but yields remarkably clean, nuanced flavors that showcase the tea's true character without the bitterness or astringency that can result from hot brewing. This commitment to technique signals a serious, almost scientific approach to tea preparation that appeals to connoisseurs while intriguing newcomers.
The collaboration with pâtissière Clémence Marchon adds another layer of uniqueness. Having a dedicated pastry chef—especially one with culinary pedigree through her brother, chef Alexandre Marchon—creating preservative-free pastries specifically designed to pair with tea elevates Kodama beyond typical tea salon offerings. This isn't about serving any pastry alongside any tea; it's about thoughtful combinations where both elements enhance each other.
The organic and wellness-oriented selections, particularly the "grands remèdes" line, position Kodama at the intersection of pleasure and health. This appeals to the growing number of Parisians who view their food and beverage choices through a wellness lens, seeking experiences that nourish both body and spirit. The therapeutic infusions offer functional benefits without sacrificing the sensory pleasure that makes tea drinking enjoyable.
The boutique component provides another distinctive element. The comprehensive selection of tea accessories—from traditional teapots to specialized matcha tools—allows customers to recreate the Kodama experience at home with proper equipment. This educational aspect, combined with knowledgeable staff who can guide equipment selection and brewing techniques, transforms a simple purchase into an investment in your own tea practice.
The location in the Montorgueil quarter adds to the uniqueness. This vibrant neighborhood, known for its market street and food culture, provides an energetic context that makes Kodama's calm interior feel even more special—a peaceful oasis amid the neighborhood's bustle. The contrast enhances the sense of discovery and escape that makes visiting feel like finding a secret haven.
Finally, the dual-location model (with the second address on boulevard Beaumarchais) demonstrates Kodama's success and commitment to spreading quality tea culture across Paris. Each location maintains the same standards while adapting to its specific neighborhood character, creating a small network of tea sanctuaries for those in the know.
Reserve ahead for weekend visits, explore the cold-infused options, and don't miss the food-tea pairings recommended by knowledgeable staff.
To make the most of your Kodama Tiquetonne experience, several practical insights can enhance your visit significantly.
Timing your visit strategically can make a real difference. While Kodama opens Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM and Sundays from 1 PM to 6 PM, the atmosphere and crowd levels vary throughout the day. The traditional afternoon tea time (roughly 3-5 PM) tends to be busiest, especially on weekends, so reservations are strongly recommended if you're planning to visit during these peak hours. You can book through their website. For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting during the morning hours or early afternoon on weekdays, when you'll have more opportunity for unhurried conversation with staff about tea selections.
Saturday hours extend until 8 PM (according to some sources showing 11 AM to 8 PM), making it an excellent option for an early evening visit when the lighting creates an especially cozy atmosphere. The Sunday afternoon opening (1 PM to 6:30 PM) provides a perfect weekend ritual for those seeking a calm conclusion to their week.
When it comes to ordering, don't hesitate to ask about the cold-infused options. These preparations showcase tea in a different light and are worth trying even if you're accustomed to hot tea. The staff can explain which teas benefit most from this technique and what flavor differences you can expect. Similarly, inquire about the food and tea pairings—the staff's recommendations are based on genuine understanding of how flavors interact, not just upselling.
For matcha enthusiasts or those curious about it, Kodama offers an excellent opportunity to experience properly prepared matcha. Ask about the different grades available and the traditional preparation method. If you're new to matcha, the staff can guide you toward an approachable introduction rather than overwhelming you with the most intense ceremonial grade.
The boutique aspect deserves exploration even if you're primarily visiting for the salon experience. Take time to browse the tea selection and accessories. If you find a tea you particularly enjoy, purchasing it to take home allows you to extend the experience. The staff can advise on proper storage and brewing parameters for home preparation. Remember that orders over €50 qualify for free delivery to relay points, which can be convenient for stocking up on favorites.
For those interested in building their home tea practice, don't overlook the accessories. Proper equipment genuinely improves the tea experience, and Kodama's curated selection ensures you're getting quality tools. The staff can explain which pieces are essential versus nice-to-have, helping you invest wisely.
The takeaway option (available for around €4 per cup) provides flexibility if you're short on time but still want to experience Kodama's quality. However, the salon experience offers significantly more—the ambiance, the proper serving ware, the opportunity to linger—so save takeaway for when necessary rather than making it your default.
If you're visiting with someone unfamiliar with specialty tea, the chai latte (starting at €5) provides an accessible entry point that showcases quality while remaining approachable. From there, you can explore more adventurous options together.
Contact information is available through their website (/posts/kodamaparis.com) and phone (01 45 08 83 44 for the Tiquetonne location, though some sources list 01 41 40 99 80). Following their Instagram (@kodamaparis) and Facebook (KodamaParis) accounts keeps you updated on new tea arrivals, seasonal offerings, and any special events or workshops they might host.
Finally, consider exploring both Kodama locations if you're a true tea enthusiast. The Beaumarchais address (69 boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003) offers a different spatial experience described as more spacious with natural elements, and even features a terrace. Comparing the two locations provides a fuller picture of Kodama's vision and allows you to choose based on your mood and needs.
Matcha (ceremonial grade), "Coup de Foudre" tea blend, "Été Indien" tea blend, Chai latte, Cold-infused teas, Homemade pastries by Clémence Marchon
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