Substance Café

You can taste truly exceptional coffee here! It’s run on a reservation basis, and even though I arrived a bit earlier than my time, Joachim welcomed me so warmly. Although I don’t have much knowledge about coffee beans or roasting, I love drinking good coffee, so I wanted to try this tasting experience. He asked for my feedback on the flavors and aromas I like or dislike and recommended coffees accordingly. The flat white was incredibly smooth, and just as he described, it had a cheesecake-like texture with a hint of citrus. I really enjoyed spending some time in this space, where I could get a glimpse of his passion for coffee. Many of the customers seemed to be true coffee enthusiasts, but even if you don’t know much about coffee, as long as you love it, this is a place you should definitely visit!

Incredible experience with Joachim. We stayed for nearly 3 hours and learned so much. Coffee was incredible and the barista is incredibly knowledgeable and warm/friendly. Will definitely be back. Be warned, reservations are required! No walk ins at all.

I’ve visited hundreds of cafes across the world but this experience undoubtedly takes the crown. From the moment you walk in to Substance, you feel like as if you are being welcomed into Joachim’s home as long time friend. The cafe is just a one man operation, just Joachim taking the orders and brewing the coffee. However, Joachim still gives you his unwavering attention and hospitality. While making coffee, he is telling you the story behind each bean, making jokes and friendly banter with guests, and figuring out what you like or don’t like so that he can make you a drink he hopes you will love. Although he is scientific and laser focused on his craft, it is a friendly, approachable space and I feel I was able to learn a lot about the coffee industry in a casual way. Substance’s beans are sourced and roasted by Joachim himself. There is a huge selection on the menu, including over a dozen Panama Geishas. Drinks are made on v60 as well as on espresso. If you are looking for dark roast, very traditional style coffee, or co-fermented flavors, you are better off looking elsewhere. The beans are very high quality, so drinks start at around 7 Euros and can go up to 20, depending on how rare of a bean you want to try. I personally think the drinks are fairly priced given the quality of the farms and Joachim’s roasting. Overall, I’d place Substance as the best cafe in the world. If you’re visiting Paris and you want to try championship level brews and chat coffee, you must see Joachim. Just make sure you make a reservation a week ahead of time as the cafe is intimate and only has a a few seatings at a time.

Most enlightening experience by champion Barista Joaquim. Overpouring with passion and knowledge on the wonders of single origin coffees from around the world. Think of it as a personalised curated coffee experience by a professional, who can tease out all the subtle tasting notes of rare coffees from renowned plantations. Meticulous down to ingeniously using a Portafilter stored in the fridge to preserve the taste and notes of the first few drops of Panama Elipse coffee. Coffee is truly meant to be shared with the community and Joaquim is doing his best by putting aside personal ambition and serving the community in such a special way. Ignore those who gave a negative rating because he doesn't do take away or accept walk ins, they wouldn't have the capacity to appreciate his dedication to the coffee community anyway. Totally blown away by the experience. A must do for anyone who's into single origin or interested to try beans used for competition.

It was on my Wish list of coffee shop to visit since a while and after couple of years I managed to have this experience last year. Apologies for the delay. The experience is formal not with attitude. Joaquim is explaining perfectly his process and research. You can drink as many coffe you want but maybe you want to have a coffee every half an hour with the same amount of water to don’t have headache or been over caffeinated. I had an espresso that was just taste blueberry 🫐round,full body I believe it was a washed from Ethiopia on regular menu layered,complex you almost could bite fruits at this stage. Then I had a geisha from Specials Ethiopia Village again I believe it was Experimental one (joaquim correct me if it wasn’t) One of the best geisha I had, Delicate to the palate,very floral. Smelling Roses 🌹 Thank you for this experience and I will definitely come back.

Magnificent coffee experience for all. Best coffee I had in my life. Will definitely be back whenever I visit Paris.

Here’s the revised version with your addition: A wonderful experience in Paris. Despite the language barrier, I could genuinely feel the barista’s passion for coffee. Here, you can find the best filter coffee, carefully crafted with dedication. I truly appreciate the barista’s philosophy: serving coffee that he personally loves rather than catering to the masses. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable about coffee, but he also understands exactly how to bring out the best in his beans. Apologies for the trouble caused by not booking in advance. If I ever return to Paris, I’ll definitely be back. Recommend for all!

It is more than just a “coffee shop.” This is a tasting experience ran by one person (the owner) who is the person most passionate about coffee I have ever met. It was an incredible sushi omakase type of feeling where he explained all of his mechanisms and processes about his beans (roasted in house of course) and how scientific his brewing of coffee is. We don’t speak much French but his English was perfect. One of the most wonderful events from our entire trip. Reservation only, no walk ins. Merci!

When you think you are a coffee aficionado, there is Joachin who is from another dimension. This is a place to enjoy and learn about coffee, all your questions will be answered. Expect to enjoy this coffee experience for 30 minutes or 3 hours--it's up to you.

This was an amazing, personalized coffee experience. It's worth the effort to find this place. The owner is very passionate about coffee and welcoming to everyone who walks through his doors.

Amazing experience. Michelin 3 star equivalent of coffee. Joachim is a master, virtuoso. Great place to enjoy competition level coffee, coffee conversation around the bar with fellow coffee geeks.

This is one of the most specialty coffee places, even among specialty places. It's totally coffee focused. No food. Just a super knowledgeable barista, "expensive" coffee, and lots of interesting origins. For the serious coffee drinker, this is one of your must stops in town.

The coffee bean is king here! Joe's immaculate coffee shop has been my morning ritual while visiting Paris with the family for a week. He is passionate about creating a true French coffee experience to all who come. If you love your coffee this is the place to be! I would not recommend Substance for a quick cafe americain to go however. It is to stay and savor the experience. Perfect for an expression or a nice pour over- Merci Joe!

Coffee temple non the less. Coffee are just amazing!! And the way barista and the owner serve it makes you feel that exceptional experience of tasting something unique

Amazing coffee, I've never had anything like it honestly. The barista/owner is knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Very kind to speak English with us and even recommend a few good spots in Paris!

Incredible coffee with an incredibly friendly, passionate barista! The hype is well earned