Nestled down Rue des Saints-Pères in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this tea salon gives a charming first impression. Concealed at the rear of a small apartment courtyard and surrounded by potted greenery, 13’s bijou décor is bright and airy when the sun’s out, as light streams through huge front windows. However, as if to squander the brilliant potential of the setting (bad luck, you might infer from the salon’s name), the atmosphere inside is cold and hushed, verging on awkward. The room itself is practically deserted (when we visit, just three couples perch at the wooden bar tables).
It may just be an off day, and it’s a shame, because the drinks are generally well executed. Carafes of fresh fruit juice are lovely, with the carrot, orange and ginger (€6) proving particularly refreshing. They also serve a beautifully creamy carrot cake and some decent café lattes. But don't go too over the top, as the bill creeps up scarily fast (for a cake, juice and coffee, expect to pay €15-€20).