Paris is beautiful in every season, but feels particularly romantic and special in summer when the historic buildings glow in the sun and the squares are filled with people enjoying the city of love. I recently stopped by the French capital for a quick update on the newest restaurants and cafes.

I followed the fashionistas to the Palais Royal gardens where Cafe Kitsune is hidden beneath the historic arches. The tiny design cafe has all kinds of treats to enjoy after a tiring shopping spree. Order a creamy coffee and a fox shortbread and enjoy on an outdoor table in the sunshine.

The L’Eclair de Genie pastries are very Instagrammable and have become a must on any foodie’s visit to Paris. Try the salted caramel butter flavour, from one of the patisserie branches located around the city.

Japanese pastry chef Mori Yoshida‘s shop in Paris is a pristine gallery of beautiful cakes and sweets. It was almost impossible to choose from the cabinets of delicate and sugary works of art. If you visit in the morning opt for a croissant, or for an afternoon snack you can’t beat the colourful macarons.

Telescope coffee shop is rumoured to serve the best caffeine in Paris, and I was certainly impressed when I stopped by one morning. Tucked away in the 1st Arrondissement the premium speciality coffee here is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Liberte Patisserie Boulangerie by Benoit Castel is a stylish and modern bakery nearby to the Canal St Martin. Whether you choose a perfect baguette or a cream vanilla tart, the prices are reasonable and the taste is second to none.

Many consider Boulangerie du Pain et Des Idees to be the maker and seller of the best croissants in town. This cosy traditional bakery is unmissable for its buttery and indulgent croissants, pain au chocolat and pistachio escargot (spiral pastries). But visit early in the day as they sell out fast.

Saturne (an anagram for natures) is one of the newer Michelin star restaurants in Paris. This minimalist contemporary restaurant is run by chef Sven Chartier and sommelier Ewen Lemoigne who present a simple but refined menu that is creative and seasonal.

It is not easy to get a table at Bertrand Grébaut’s hip and beautiful Septime restaurant. The chic industrial dining room is a lovely place to spend time enjoying a delicious lunch with friends. If you can’t get a reservation try the sister seafood restaurant, Clamato, a few doors down.

When it comes to eating American food in Paris there are plenty of exemplary venues to choose from. Ellsworth is a newer addition to the scene with a particularly delicious brunch menu. Don’t miss the irresistible fried chicken.