L'esprit de France in Taipei

Word to the wise: A lending library and a fussball table are located in the basement, which is accessed by a set of stairs at the back of the café.

The petit cafe with a wall of bar stools and three sidewalk tables is a hive of expat activity. Francophiles and the like converge for espressos, baguettes, paninis, and crepes – all made from scratch. The flaky quiche and homemade yogurt with honey and granola are divine as are the rich, dense brownies, which sell out quickly.

A chat with proprietor Cédric Guyot, who is almost always behind the bar, over a cup of coffee make you feel like you’ve been transported to a quaint Parisian café, minus the steep tab.