Where to Find the Best Carrot Cakes in Paris?

Did you know that carrot cake originally came about for economic reasons? In the Middle Ages, sugar was a rare and expensive commodity, so people baked cakes with naturally sweet vegetables like carrots. While it has European origins, this snack-time favorite became widely popularized in the United States. Now, it’s a staple on the menu of every Parisian coffee shop. At the editorial team, we looooove this sweet little comfort treat! But while it can be the ultimate indulgence, beware of cakes that are too dry or stingy with the frosting. We want fluffiness and cream galore! Here’s a closer look at the carrot cakes that have won over our picky palates.

We’ve made Café Pimpin our go-to spot for brunch and avocado toasts. Their lovely carrot cake is made with hazelnuts, walnuts, and cinnamon, while its delicious frosting combines Saint Moret cheese and honey. Computer-friendly, their Parisian locations are perfect for a remote work session between bites of this little delight that we never get tired of.

 Café Pimpin, 64 rue Ramey, Paris 18th - 7 rue Guy Môquet, Paris 17th - 17 rue des Panoyaux, Paris 20th.

You’ve probably already heard of Rose Bakery’s cakes, the organic coffee shop that’s a true institution in Paris, with its café-boutique on Rue des Martyrs and its tea room, where celebrities flock, on the second floor of Le Bon Marché. It’s simple: their carrot cake is considered (by far) the best in Paris, easy to devour thanks to its cylindrical shape and never skimping on the frosting (€6). Pssst: we even managed to get our hands on their recipe… follow it to the letter!

Rose Bakery, 46 rue des Martyrs, Paris 9th, and in the Tea Room of Le Bon Marché, 24 rue de Sèvres, Paris 7th.

 © Elsa Billgren on Instagram

In Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this peaceful coffee shop with an ultra-minimalist atmosphere is a haven for overstressed Parisians, especially in the cozy upstairs room bathed in soft light. Besides their signature drinks (Dear Summer Coffee, Crème Fraise, €7), the public’s favorite food item remains the sublime carrot cake (€6)—as fluffy as a cloud and drizzled with their homemade "Cream Chez" (pronounced cheese!).

 CHĒZ Coffee & Co, 76 rue de Seine, Paris 6th, open Monday to Sunday from 8:30 AM to 7 PM.

 © Chez Coffee Shop on Instagram

When we heard that a new dürüm spot had opened in Paris, we didn’t waste a second. We rushed to Sentier to grab a seat at Leven, a tiny eatery launched by Franco-Kurdish chef Victor Yasar. Cool: even the desserts are impressive, with a super moist carrot cake (€7). On top? Whipped cream sweetened with sugar and purple carrots marinated in Espelette pepper syrup. And because chef Or Bittan is super generous, you can find her recipe right here.

 Leven, 110 rue Montmartre, Paris 2nd. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sundays and Mondays for lunch.

 © Clémence Renoux

Pavillon des Canaux is a unique spot designed like a home, complete with a veranda overlooking the Quai de Loire and bathtubs used as sofas. A cultural and feminist third place where you can also eat and drink! Our favorite snack? The spice-infused carrot cake (€5) sourced from Nomie, which stands out thanks to its mascarpone-honey whipped cream frosting. Perfect for an afternoon treat in the sun with a view of the Seine.

 Pavillon des Canaux, 39 Quai de la Loire, Paris 19th.

The vegan paradise is located on Rue Notre-Dame de Lorette and also in Sentier at Cloud Cakes, a 100% plant-based coffee shop. We love their cinnamon and vanilla carrot cake (€4.50), topped with a vegan cream cheese frosting. Also available for delivery on Deliveroo and UberEats, as well as in an XXL version for birthdays.

Cloud Cakes, 6 rue Mandar, Paris 2nd - 32 rue Notre-Dame de Lorette, Paris 9th.

While we adore their delicious lunch plates, the Gramme location on Rue des Archives (there’s another one in the 11th with a different menu) serves up a hearty yet elegant carrot cake (€6). Rectangular and perfect for sharing, it’s topped with a thick layer of frosting and slices of kumquat. We’re addicted to its fluffy texture and generous helping of walnuts. And of course, while you're there, don’t forget to try their stunning salads that will make you rethink vegetables.

 Gramme, 86 rue des Archives, Paris 3rd.

 © Clémence Renoux

One of our absolute favorite carrot cakes can be found at Melt, the temple of barbecue that delights meat lovers. Its biggest strength? Its generosity, with two layers of frosting and plenty of pecans (€7.50). So, make sure to save room for dessert, even after devouring Paris’s best ribs! Cool: Melt is available on UberEats and has three locations in Paris (Oberkampf, Batignolles, and Cambronne), satisfying foodies all over the city.

 MELT, 83 rue Legendre, Paris 17th - 74 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, Paris 11th - 103 rue Cambronne, Paris 15th.

Also, discover Rose Bakery’s carrot cake recipe and a gluten-free carrot cake recipe in just 10 minutes!