Angelina, Paris

I read and heard so many great things about the hot chocolate here. It was near our hotel so we stopped in late in the afternoon. Lovely atmosphere, but sorry.........I did not like the hot chocolate africains. It was not sweet enough for me and almost had a mocha taste to it. However, my grandson drank it and loved it. Just a matter of taste! The pastries were to die for and service excellent. Also no air conditioning on a very hot day.

Angelina's is a very ritzy place -- gilt and mirrors; think high tea and blue-haired ladies in Ferragamo shoes -- but not at all snooty. When all seven of us trooped in, the waitress didn't bat an eyelash.

I heard that since our last visit, Angelina's has been sold to the owners of Lipp. I hope that the chocolate hasn't changed.

Favorite Dish: Angelina's is famous for its chocolat chaud. It costs 6.5 Euros per person but is so worth it! It comes in pitchers and is THE best hot chocolate I've ever tasted.

It was like smooth liquid fudge, served with generous dollops of whipped cream. It was a whole meal in itself, and even the hardcore chocoholics in the group (naming no names) were chocolated out.

There are many places in Paris said to have the best chocolat chaud (hot chocolate). My girlfriend's favorite is Lenôtre, specifiacally the location on Rue Cler. Another loves the chocolat served at her corner cafe. But for me, and a lot of others, the best, most decedant chocolat chaud served in Paris as at Agelina.

First, the room is charming in a shabby chic sort of way, after all it's been keeping Parisiens and visitors happy since 1903. And it's the whole experience of the service. What makes their chocolat different? The chocolate tastes as if it was just melted (or concocted) as it was brought to your table. It is rich and velvety beyond compare. It is accompanied by a pitcher of whipped (unsweetened) cream. Then you play mad chemist (or chocoholic) and make your mixture. You won't forget it!

I have enjoyed the chocolat chaud at any time of day. As a start to a busy day early in the morning to with croissants, for lunch, after enjoying a delicious quiche Lorraine, and in the afternoon, after a chilly walk in the nearby Tuilleries. There is often a line here, which should tell you soething!

If you LOVE chocolate, make the time to include Angelina in your plans...you won't be sorry!

Favorite Dish: In case you couldn't figure it out, my favorite "dish" here is the chocolat chaud!

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I had heard so much about Angelina's that by the time I got there I was underwhelmed. The surrounding seemed a bit worn and the service was far from solicitous. I was not up for the hot chocolate, needing, as I did, a caffeine jolt, but I did taste my companions -- it certainly is rich and yummy -- but a whole cup? We had between us the pictured "Mont Blanc", a whipped cream concoction covered in chestnut paste [MUCH too sweet for me ...] and the madeline [dry] I WANTED to love Angelina's, but I didn't.

We stumbled upon here on our way to Le Louvre around 10:30AM, no waiting- got right in! I'm not much of a chocoholic (although my wife has been known to indulge), but the chaud chocolat was INCREDIBLE! According to the menu, it's a 100-year old recipe that's zealously guarded. Pastries were delicious too. A bit pricey but not outrageous- must try!

Favorite Dish: Hot chocolate of course.

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Angelina's is as great as everyone says it is. Eating there was the highlight of my trip. Although there can be a line it moves quickly. The menu is fabulous as there is so much to choose from. The service is wonderful and the decor is beautiful.

Favorite Dish: Boeuf, bernaise, gratin
Poulet fermier roti

Don't cry for me Angelina...
I'm sure i still will come back

Despite having gone a bit way down in the last years, the salon de thé/patisserie "Angelina" remains THE temple of hot chocolate (even if the new recipe they introduced some years ago contains way too much sugar for my taste)

This venerable institution (formerly maison Rumpelmeyer) is interesting, not only for the chocolate and the pastries, but also for the patrons : you will come across - among the crowds - celebrities (past, present and wannabe), real "grandes dames" and "p'tites mamies" (and, of course, tourists)

You go there, for the deco, for the name, for the casting, to say you have been there, and, eventually, to eat a morsel.

OK, enough bad things said : the pastries are adequate (even excelent if you like them VERY VERY sweeet (i don't - prefering the -unkilled- strong cacao taste)) and you can't beat the location - under Rue de Rivoli's archway - to have either a light lunch or an afternoon coffee(chocolate) break.

A rather good new is the change of owner end 2004, this may give a new impulse to the tired staff (and the dusty carpets)

PS : closed on tuesday in summer

Favorite Dish: The house speciality : "l'Africain" a thick hot chocolate
Among the pastries : the "Mont-Blanc" : creamy chocolate cake

You can also have a light lunch or just buy some patries or chocolate (powder or plates) to take away

The best way to start your morning is to have a hot chocolate drink at the ‘must visit’ Angelina, at 226 rue de Rivoli. The whole atmosphere of the place adds to the experience.

The service is also second to none. We visited the place on two consecutive days and the maitre immediately recognised us on the second day and sat us on a table in no time.

While enjoying another jug of the heavenly chocolate drink, another maitre brought a second jug of chocolate (!!!), compliment of the first maitre for us being regulars at the place.

Do not leave Paris until you visit this place.

Favorite Dish: We tried the signature products of this popular tea salon. ‘Le Chocolat Africain’ was a jug of real thick hot chocolate, served with a pot of whipped cream, so you can make your own cup. It tasted fantastic and as my friend said, it can make any woman forget her stress and her man!!

We also tried the ‘Fragilite Pistache’ which was a slice of dessert with pistachio flavour and another signature dessert of that place, ‘Mont Blanc’, a meringue base piled with chestnut puree and whipped cream. Bost fantastic.

You can also buy a box of their home made chocolates to take with you.