Stepping into Angelina feels like traveling back to Paris's golden age. This legendary tea room has been serving the city's elite and visitors for over a century, maintaining its Belle Époque charm with ornate moldings, gilded mirrors, and marble-topped tables. Founded in 1903 by Austrian confectioner Antoine Rumpelmayer and named after his daughter-in-law, Angelina quickly became a Parisian institution. The tea room's proximity to the Louvre makes it the perfect post-museum retreat, though be prepared for a queue during peak hours – a testament to its enduring appeal. The interior, designed by the famous architect Edouard-Jean Niermans, creates an atmosphere of refined indulgence where time seems to slow down, allowing you to savor every sip of their famous hot chocolate while watching a parade of fashionable Parisians and tourists alike.

Eric Kayser's bakery near the Louvre represents the pinnacle of French baking. Founded by the eponymous master baker who revolutionized modern bread-making while honoring traditional methods, this location offers the perfect quick bite for museum-goers. The bakery is famous for its natural leavening process using liquid sourdough called "levain," which gives their breads a distinctive flavor and texture that's impossible to replicate. The space itself is modestly sized yet inviting, with the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked goods drawing you in from the street. What distinguishes Kayser from other bakeries is his commitment to quality ingredients and time-honored techniques while continually innovating. Whether you're grabbing a quick sandwich before entering the museum or selecting pastries to enjoy in the nearby Tuileries Garden, Eric Kayser delivers an authentic taste of Paris that lives up to its global reputation.

Just a short walk north of the Louvre, Le Dépôt Légal is the creative playground of Christophe Adam, the visionary behind the famous L'Éclair de Génie brand. This bright, contemporary space combines a bakery, café and restaurant concept that transitions seamlessly from morning pastries to evening cocktails. The name cleverly references its location near France's national library (where publishers must deposit copies of all published works), while also suggesting a 'legal deposit' of culinary treasures. What makes Le Dépôt Légal stand out is its innovative approach to traditional French café fare – everything from the colorful éclairs to the seasonal tartines showcases Adam's talent for reinventing classics with modern twists. The interior design reflects this philosophy with its clean lines and playful touches, including custom library-inspired shelving that displays their baked creations like precious books. Despite its hip concept and design-forward aesthetic, the atmosphere remains welcoming and unpretentious, attracting a diverse crowd from fashion editors to families.

This isn't just any Starbucks – the branch facing the Louvre offers a unique Parisian interpretation of the global coffee chain. Located in a historical building with high ceilings and ornate architectural details, it manages to blend Seattle coffee culture with Parisian charm. What makes this location special is its strategic position directly across from the Louvre's main entrance, making it an ideal meeting point or resting spot during a long day of sightseeing. While purists might scoff at choosing a chain over a local café, this Starbucks has become something of an unofficial tourist hub where visitors can recharge both devices and energy levels while planning their next move. The large windows offer excellent people-watching opportunities, and the staff is particularly adept at handling the international clientele, often speaking multiple languages and offering helpful tips about navigating the museum.