About
Welcome to Books & Coffee, a delightful haven nestled in the heart of Bordeaux at 26 Rue Saint-James. This charming café strikes a perfect balance between a cozy ambiance and a vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for book lovers and coffee aficionados alike. If ever you find yourself in this French city, a visit to this gem should be high on your agenda.
Many patrons have raved about the culinary offerings here, with a particular highlight being the beautifully presented dishes bursting with fresh flavors. The set menu offers not just mouthwatering brunch and lunch options but also exceptional value, ensuring you can indulge without breaking the bank. As expressed by one enthusiastic customer, James Bell, the restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking a delightful meal in a convivial setting.
The coffee at Books & Coffee is another standout feature. Jennifer Alphonse proclaimed it the best she had tasted since arriving in France. For those looking for more than just pastries, the yogurt is commendable and leaves a lasting impression. Most importantly, the warm and welcoming staff, especially the attentive Chloe, elevate the experience with their hospitality, ensuring that all guests feel right at home.
However, it’s worth mentioning that while many dishes shine, there have been a few critiques; for instance, Fiona van Lieshout pointed out some inconsistencies in the grilled aubergine sandwich. Yet, the café’s swift handling of the matter reflects their commitment to customer satisfaction.
All in all, Books & Coffee offers a rich array of culinary delights, from flaky, buttery croissants to expertly cooked scrambled eggs and bacon, encapsulating the spirit of a classic French café. It’s a place where you can unwind with a good book, savor excellent coffee, and enjoy pastries that you will undoubtedly want to come back for again and again. If you’re in Bordeaux, make sure to stop by; this café promises a truly memorable experience!
“ Not only was this the best cup of coffee I’ve had since arriving in France, I was hanging out for breakfast without bread or pastries. The yogurt was delicious. Good value. ”
“ I was recommended this gem by a close friend the opinion of whom I'd value. She wasn't wrong FOODGASM!!! The tart with pistachio cream will have you dreaming! Also the tart with Vanilla custard is outstanding! Be warned the later you leave it the harder it is to get a table, we sat outside because it was raining, we dried our table and chairs! There was a huge queue inside for tables and service! Which is not the fastest, but the cakes and tarts which are all homemade will make up for that! ”
“ What a find ! Delicious Rosti Bacon breakfast. With a view of a beautiful clock tower, Grosse Cloche. Crisp hash brown patty topped with egg and nicely cooked bacon in a pond of cheddar cheese sauce. Like a rarebit. Absolutely great ! I hope this a compliment but it’s the closest I’ve had to an American breakfast in France in a month. Delicious. And the women who work here are very nice and speak English perfectly. C’est bon ”
“ A good place to have a snack or brunch. The cakes and pastries are really good. I wouldn’t have lunch here again. I ordered the sandwich of the moment with grilled aubergine and the aubergine was black and crispy (clearly burned). I told the waitress and after some discussion (why?) the sandwich was taken back and taken of the bill like I requested. ”
“ Lovely cafe located on St James Street which I love. The food is very nice but this time I went for a coffee only. I got the peanut and dark chocolate cookie with the homemade lemonade. The combination was perfect. The staff was very friendly and efficient (rare enough in other places to be pointed out). ”
“ The establishment presented a quintessential French café ambiance. The culinary offerings were of satisfactory quality, with the scrambled eggs and bacon prepared to perfection. However, the croissant did not meet expected French standards, appearing to be stale rather than freshly baked. Service was both prompt and amiable. ”
“ An absolute gem in Bordeaux! We stumbled upon Books and Coffee during our stay in Bordeaux and were so impressed we ended up going back a second time! The food was superb; fresh, full of flavour and beautifully presented. The set menu offer is great value and makes this a must-visit for anyone looking for a delicious and well-priced brunch/lunch in a convivial setting. A very special mention for Chloé, the most wonderful and attentive waitress I've been fortunate to come across. She was incredibly kind and welcoming, and went out of her way to ensure we were able to enjoy vegetarian sandwiches. She was a great host. Thank you, Chloé, for your warmth and hospitality! James Stephen Bell ”
“ Books & Coffee in Bordeaux is an absolute gem! The atmosphere is cozy yet vibrant, the perfect place to relax with a good book or catch up with friends over an excellent cup of coffee. The staff is warm, welcoming, and attentive, which really elevates the whole experience. And the croissant… oh my goodness. Flaky, buttery perfection! It was so delicious that I completely forgot to take a picture. Sometimes the best things are the ones you just enjoy in the moment. Highly recommend this spot for anyone visiting Bordeaux. Great coffee, amazing pastries, and a place you will want to return to again and again! ”