Alexandra Boquet

With Café Oberkampf’s queue often snaking around the block, it was only a matter of time before the team added another string to their bow to deal with demand. Thankfully, there’s no eating with your elbows in someone else’s breakfast here – Café Mericourt is much more spacious. Brit owner Guy Griffin has gone for a similar vibe with the décor – clean and minimalist, with cacti, suspended wicker planters and stacks of indie magazines. The famed shakshuka remains a winner – tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, spices, harissa and a baked egg, and is a generous serving even in the smaller size (€14 for a large). The breakfast roll (€8.50) with fried eggs, bacon and chilli jam is a tonic for anyone feeling the effects of a heavy night. Don’t miss the maple syrup-drenched pancakes (€10.50) with fruit and cream – they were light and melt-in-the-mouth, without being too heavy. With an expanded brunch and lunch selection, plus awesome coffee, €20 for a meal like this feels like great value. Even better? You can reserve online, which is a rarity in Paris.