The Great Parisian Plate Debate

2, Place Contrescarpe, 75005
Tel. 01.43.26.05.09

One day while pathetically jogging through the streets behind my apartment I came across a hidden gem which, although potentially well down because of a crowded market and Hemingway connections, had remained unknown to me for about eight months. It was none other than the Mouffetard neighborhood, and it swiftly became a favorite Sunday afternoon destination. At the point where Rue Mouffetard gives way to Rue Descartes lies Place Contrescarpe, an extremely pleasant and bustling plaza that is just about as picturesque as one can imagine. And Delmas, a café on the northern end of Place Contrescarpe, has a front row seat.
Delmas is smart – they stack their chairs several rows deep along the café entrance, ensuring ample opportunity for people watching, enjoying the weather, or in my case quizzing Nick on how to get the best score on the bowling game that comes preloaded on our company phones. It’s impossible to go wrong with a bottle of wine combined with the energy of the neighborhood. Delmas did a bang-up job with their interior as well. Comfortable looking chairs are scattered around the café, a piano near the window cheerfully beckons, and bookcases stand against the walls – purpose unknown, since I found it difficult to believe the common customer would waltz in, saunter over to the bookcase, and pluck a bright yellow Cliffs Notes off the shelves.
Yes, Delmas seems to be a four season café given its outdoor seating is prime for the warm weather months, while those colder times can be spent basking in the welcoming atmosphere within. If you find yourself in Mouffetard, pop in for a coffee or a glass of wine and enjoy Delmas and the Place Contrescarpe.