Café Paulette French restaurant

Absolutely fantastic experience at Café Paulette! Everything was top-notch, from the attentive service to the charming atmosphere. The steak was cooked to perfection, I recommend ordering it medium for the best texture. Don't leave without trying their freshly squeezed orange juice, it's a real treat!

At Café Paulette, tucked along the quiet, tree-lined South Elliott Place just steps from Fort Greene Park, the experience feels like stumbling upon a slice of Paris hidden in Brooklyn. The café’s corner location, with its charming bistro tables spilling out onto the sidewalk, hums with a subtle European rhythm—laughter drifting between glasses, the clink of cutlery, the soft hum of French pop playing in the background. On a crisp evening, I settled into a small marble-topped table under the amber glow of a vintage lamp and ordered the planche mixte—the signature charcuterie and cheese board—and a glass of Bordeaux red to accompany it. The board arrived on a sturdy slab of wood, artfully arranged but without pretense—rustic yet deliberate. The meats formed a savory mosaic: delicate ribbons of prosciutto di Parma folded into soft petals; slices of saucisson sec, their marbled fat gleaming under the low light; and smoky, peppered coppa that added a touch of spice and warmth. Each bite revealed a different facet of craftsmanship—the prosciutto melting into buttery silk, the saucisson offering a firm, satisfying chew, and the coppa lingering with a bold, almost earthy aroma. The portions were generous but never overwhelming, designed for leisurely grazing rather than hurried consumption. The cheese selection complemented the meats with a careful balance of texture and intensity. A wedge of brie de Meaux oozed gracefully at the edges, rich and decadent, its mild earthiness deepening as it met the Bordeaux. The comté, aged to perfection, carried nutty undertones and a crystalline crunch that spoke to its maturity. A pungent bleu d’Auvergne brought contrast and intrigue—sharp yet creamy, its saltiness offset by a drizzle of honey served on the side. Scattered around the board were small pleasures that tied everything together: crisp cornichons offering bright acidity, tiny mounds of Dijon mustard with just the right bite, and a still-warm baguette with a shattering crust and pillowy center, baked that morning across the street. The Bordeaux was an impeccable companion—a full-bodied red that opened with aromas of plum, black cherry, and cedar. Its tannins were structured but never harsh, allowing it to glide easily alongside the richness of the charcuterie. The first sip deepened the flavors of the meats; the second melted seamlessly into the creaminess of the cheese. Together, wine and board danced in harmony—each amplifying the other, never competing. What truly defines Café Paulette, however, isn’t just the quality of its food and wine but the intimacy of the experience. The servers glide with quiet confidence, happy to discuss the origin of a particular cheese or suggest a pairing without an ounce of pretension. There’s a sense that time slows here—conversations stretch, glasses are refilled, and the night drifts along softly, like a French chanson playing just out of reach. By the time I finished the last piece of baguette, the board was nearly bare—a few smudges of honey, a lone slice of comté, a whisper of mustard. I lingered over the final sip of Bordeaux, savoring the warmth that lingered both in the glass and in the atmosphere. Café Paulette is not just a place to eat; it’s a place to savor—a quiet, elegant reminder that the simple combination of good wine, good food, and good company is still the essence of dining at its finest.

Noisy place. Duck is nice. Escargot I wouldn't recommend. Too sour and without shells. Profiteroles serve with ice cream and black hot chocolate. Delicious

Nice brunch spot with cute views of fort greene park. We ordered eggs benedict which was really good—the ham they use is different from canadian bacon. The ham is sliced thin and has a very nice smoky flavor. The hollandaise sauce is also well seasoned and I’m glad they don’t drench the dish with it. Comes with yummy fries and a side salad to balance things out. The side order of bacon was also good. Giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because the drinks were somewhat disappointing for a cafe spot like this. The oat milk matcha was flat and watery (i think it has to do with lots of melted ice and the type of grainy oat milk they use, also not enough matcha powder) the iced coffee was also just mediocre, ice was pretty much all melted and kinda tasted like weak deli coffee. I will say the fresh squeezed orange juice was refreshing.

Great salmon burger with super crispy and chewy hot off the fryer fries, and came with a delicious mustard. The escargot was meaty, although could have been more flavorful (tasted somewhat bland).

Highly recommend, good bank for your buck here! Love the atmosphere, indoor and out especially if there’s sunshine. Portions were pretty good (NY standards). Service was quick, we had brunch within 45min. A lot of people come here so that they can hang out at Fort Green Park before/after, amazing location for that reason.

Cafe Paulette had phenomenal food and service! Our waiter was so kind and genuinely wanted us to be happy. The food was delicious and extremely flavorful, fresh and cooked super well. I was beyond impressed.