Gran Café de Paris review: our verdict
The decor has barely changed, making it seem as though time has stood still, and that is precisely its charm. Opened in 1927, the Gran Café de Paris remains a living page of Tangier's history. Churchill used to take his coffee here, and writers like Genet and Bowles left their shadows behind, while the waiters, if prompted, are all too happy to recount the establishment's anecdotes.
Service is old-school and attentive, and the coffee remains very affordable for such a central location on Place de France. The terrace, facing the city's bustle, is the spot to aim for, and it is a rarity. People come for a mint tea, a fresh orange juice, or a break in the middle of a day of sightseeing—not for a meal: pastries and simple dishes are adequate but unremarkable, and not the entire menu is always available.
The best tip: the mint tea or fresh orange juice, offering modest value given the location. The best time to visit: early in the morning, as soon as 6:30, to have a chance of securing a table on the terrace.
