Substance Café - Paris

Ryan Carlson

I was in Paris for the Olympics and was glad to visit Substance Cafe since I missed it on my last trip after hearing about it from a Paris coffee roaster who recommend it. Most Olympic athletic events I will forget, but watching Joachim host such a great coffee experience is something I’ll always remember.

For coffee lovers, this is an amazing experience because Joachim is so passionate about specialty coffee and he created a great environment to enjoy amazing coffees amongst other coffee enthusiasts.

Because the concept is so unique and special, it’s hard to fully find words for it and I urge you to check it out yourself. Be sure to make a reservation online which is easy to do. Joachim is very inviting and open to sharing his observations and opinions if you ask on coffee. He’s also a fun and lively host who creates one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in Paris!

Google Maps User

It is more than just a “coffee shop.” This is a tasting experience ran by one person (the owner) who is the person most passionate about coffee I have ever met. It was an incredible sushi omakase type of feeling where he explained all of his mechanisms and processes about his beans (roasted in house of course) and how scientific his brewing of coffee is. We don’t speak much French but his English was perfect. One of the most wonderful events from our entire trip. Reservation only, no walk ins. Merci!

Stefan Sonneveld

Slightly delayed review I was first told about substance a few years ago and finally had the chance to visit with some good coffee friends.

They didn't lie Joachim puts his heart and soul in every cup he brews and with much enthusiasm he will explain the story about a coffee and his vision and how he brews each coffee.
In short I had a fantastic time and will definitely be back in the future.

Katarzyna Siemiątkowska

I had the pleasure of visiting Substance few months ago. I did not come to drink coffee but to pick some beans for my son. I was welcomed with warmth and an explanation about the reservation system. I was advised that I can wait for the owner to come and recommend something for me and meanwhile I can watch him talk about the coffee. I was mesmerized by the passion that the owner had for coffee. Before that day I’ve only seen so much love coffee with my son and I never expected that there were other so passionate individuals. It was a lovely experience and even though I don’t drink fancy coffee I’d love to come back to enjoy a chat and passion of Joachim again. Thank you ?

Hagai Shapira

Visited twice, once before reservations and once after. Both times were exquisite and Joe is the best host a coffee drinker can think of.
We had a couple who are not big coffee lovers with us for the second time and they completely loved the unique experience and the amazing coffee Joe produces.

Wade Hannah Aaron

The best coffee experience ever! I’ve been many places to drink speciality coffee and this was the best! Great espresso and great filter coffee and very insightful on coffee! Schedule a reservation asap!

Tomas Premoli

Amazing experience! Joachim did an amazing job of explaining everything, was extremely helpful, and brewed the best cups of coffee I've ever had in my life- all back to back. This place is a must go for all coffee lovers in Paris, and I will go again!

Elijah Ng

This is an irreplaceable experience and turned out to be the best way to start our trip in France.
It's not just a place to get good coffee, it's also a gathering of people with tastes and opinions. The owner is also extremely passionate and opinionated (in a really good way) about not just coffee, but also of cuisines, Paris, and even places around the world.

The owner has a refined process of making coffee, right down to using his own blend of water, and he takes you on a coffee adventure where you uncover your tastes.

You'll find here a curated menu, a "curated" crowd, and overall a really unique coffee experience.