ANGELINA

Overhyped Experience – Disappointing Service

We visited Angelina around 8 a.m. and were seated near the cashier not the most comfortable spot, as the noise from the register was right behind us. The café wasn’t busy, and we noticed another two Asians who also looked uncomfortable and were later allowed to switch to a nicer table for four.

Seeing that, we tried to subtly get the attention of the original hostess (in all black), but instead, another waitress (in white top and black bottoms) misunderstood and abruptly told us, “Be patient, I’m only a waitress,” in a mix of French and English. I wasn’t even trying to get her attention, but I calmly asked if we could switch tables anyway. She refused, saying the table was for four people even though we’d just seen others allowed to do the same.

It felt unfair and honestly a bit discriminatory. We’re Southeast Asian, and the other guests had fairer skin it’s hard not to wonder if that played a part.

Eventually, the original hostess came by and allowed us to switch, though she told us to wait five minutes before being served. The chubby waitress who took our order never returned perhaps she felt we were being difficult, which wasn’t the case at all.

We ordered the signature Parisian breakfast and hot chocolate. The hot chocolate looked rich but tasted just okay. The pastries (croissant, pain au chocolat, baguette) were mediocre and not worth the hype. We didn’t finish the pain au chocolat.

We left feeling disappointed. The space is beautiful, and the location is great, but the service was unwelcoming and inconsistent. We were given a 10% discount coupon which we won’t be using. There are thousands of cafés in Paris; no need to return here.

Would I recommend it?
Only for a quick try of the hot chocolate otherwise, there are much better options for food, service, and atmosphere in Paris.

The team were swift and helpful, the food was wonderful. The scrambled eggs were soft, moist, buttery and perfectly seasoned. The hot chocolate is a thick rich delight. Come at opening unless you are okay queuing. Those on a budget pop into the boutique - they have something for all prices, individual cakes, pastries, etc. The only negative was, given how marvellous everything else is, it stands out that the Ladies toilet needs a bit of repair and upkeep, which is a shame but the only thing that detracted from an otherwise grand experience.

Used to be so good. Now it's terrible & ridiculously overpriced. I was there very recently.

Terrible. Trop cher et la soupe à l'oignon n'a pas un gout!!

Previously, I posted a review. Got a request for a private email from Angelina. Sent one. Never heard back. Hope they are savvy enough to check spam. Then: and oddly, my review disappeared.

Here's what I wrote to them:

I went to your restaurant Tuesday afternoon as soon as I had checked into & settled at my hotel not far. I picked that hotel because it was close.

I waited in line which I rarely do anywhere. Your people there wete great.

I had never sat upstairs. I never noticed there was one. For me, a little too dark.

I literally had just sat down & the waiter wanted my order. I politely said I haven't looked at the menu yet.

When I had, I closed it to signal I was now ready.

He passed me by several times. I finally called to him while he was at his station not 2 meters from me. He ignored me until the third time. I ordered onion soup.

It truly was tasteless. I tried putting in some salt but it didn't make a difference.

When I finished, I put my spoon on the side to signal I was finished. Another 15 minutes. Again, I had to call to him 3 times. I told him I would take the bread home so as not to waste it (per your menu re doggy bags). I ordered a Mont Blanc.

He whipped the bread away till I stopped him verbally.

(I speak French & was speaking in French).

He finally brought the Mont Blanc. It was a little challenging to eat in its paper. But there was virtually no meringue & what there was, was hard to get out.
I have told so many friends who were going to Paris that they must stop at Angelina‘s and have a Mont Blanc. Best dessert ever.. or it used to be. I won't be telling them to do so again.

I had to ask for my bill after being ignored again. It took a long time.

BTW: upstairs was not full-the waiter was not stressed with too many tables at all. My new friends at their table of five 2 tables away, & a table next door (all sat down & ordered at same time but different waitperson were out long, long before me.

I immediately gave him my card when he brought he bill so I wouldnt have to wait.

I then stopped at the store, did not get a Mont Blanc to go as I had usually done in the past, & purchased 4 tubes of creme marron. I went straight back to my hotel and only found 2 were in the bag. Not cheap.

It is one of the most famous cafés of Paris. The line is shorter if you visit during early hours. The quality of the food is definitely good, but to some extent, disappointing. Although everything was tasty, some of pastries were definitely not fresh. The coffee was okay, and the hot chocolate was one of the best I've had. It definitely is a place that you have to visit if you are in Paris. I recommend one hot chocolate for two people (it is more than enough) and two mont-blanc. I was very disappointed with the croissant and the pain au chocolat. For the following we paid around 70 euros. I recommend skipping the line and getting a mont-blanc from the boutique. This way you save yourselves time and money, given the fact that everything is cheaper at the boutique. Fingers crossed, they are serving hot chocolate for takeaway ????

I had a wonderful breakfast experience here. I really enjoyed the Angelina’s breakfast with hot chocolate. The hot chocolate was perfect! I would absolute go here again. I recommend going early as this place is very popular.