Business Breakfasts with Nicolas Bordas

As VP pf the advertising agency TBWA Europe, Nicolas knows how to wow clients in Paris He’s a professor of communications at the Institute of Political Science in Paris and the author of The Killer Idea. He can tell a good breakfast joint by the quality of its croissants.

Café de Flore

Café de Flore is a mythical place -- I love its unique French atmosphere, with mahogany chairs, crimson leather benches, and warm lighting. They serve a traditional French breakfast of baguette with jam and baked goods. I get a double espresso and a full butter croissant.

Insider Tip 

If you need privacy, get a table upstairs.

The terrace, which overlooks the corner of boulevard Saint Germain and rue Saint Benoît, is used as a frequent backdrop in film and celebrity photos.

Le Meurice

Inspired by the Palace of Versailles and reinterpreted by designer Philippe Starck, Le Meurice is where elegance meets conviviality. The kitchen is supervised by Alain Ducasse, so I know I’ll get the best of French cooking. In the morning, I order fresh baked goods from pastry chef Cedric Grolet and the Antioxidant cold press juice. 

Insider Tip 

Ask for table number five. It’s near the window, so you can impress colleagues with a view of the Tuileries garden. 

Carette

Carette has specialized in pastries since 1927. Their macarons are some of the best in Paris, and they even have their own special recipe for hot chocolate. The terrace has views of the Eiffel Tower. Their macarons are some of the best in Paris, but if I want something savory, and to fill up for a busy day ahead, I’ll order an omelet with fresh herbs, ham, or cheese. There’s also a wide selection of teas and coffees, and they even have their own special recipe for hot chocolate. 

Insider Tip

When the weather is warm, get there early for a table on the terrace and a grade-A view of the Eiffel Tower.

Le Royal Monceau 

In the old days, you’d spot Josephine Baker at this luxurious hotel. Today, it’s where people come with high-end execs from the Mideast or Asia to dine and deal over inventive dishes like buckwheat blinis or crepes with a whipped honey butter and Goji berries. For a coffee meeting where style counts, head to the bar. 

Insider Tip

If a weekday coffee isn’t enough to seal a deal, carve a moment out of your weekend schedule to impress a client with their unbeatable brunch, which includes pancakes and waffles from master pastry chef Pierre Hermé, Scottish smoked salmon with yuzu and soy sauce, and more.

Molitor 

This Art Deco hotel and pool makes you feel like you’ve gone on a seaside vacation. If it’s a quick meeting, grab coffee at the bar. And for privacy, choose one of the tables in the corner with pool views. The restaurant overlooks the historic swimming pool (which is heated and open year round). Clients who have seen it all are always transported at this meeting location. It was renovated beautifully, using the same golden yellow and turquoise color scheme that it had in 1929. 

Insider Tip 

If it’s a quick meeting, opt for a coffee in the bar. The menu is lighter, but the atmosphere is still warm. For confidentiality, choose one of the two quiet tables in the corner with a view of the second interior pool.