Perfectly situated on a little square right in the heart of the Marais district, la Terrasse des Archives is very popular with tourists and locals who gather in droves on its pretty enclosed terrace under the trees, which is heated in winter. The owners are pleasant and efficient, and always attentive even when the place is packed out. The menu isn’t cheap but offers traditional Parisian brasserie cooking, with salads, sandwiches and classic French dishes. Soft drinks are pretty exorbitant (a coke for €4.20), but then you’re paying for the spot and the area.
The alcohol is rather more reasonable. A glass of a Pouilly Fumé, Petit Chablis, Brouilly or Bourgogne Haute-Côtes de Nuit is between €3.50 and €7. All are available by the glass, quarter-litre, half-litre or full jug, and there are classical cocktails (strawberry daquiri, pina colada, caipirinha) for around €10. And there's a secret weapon for those in the know – a choice of 10 mojitos made with 3-year old Havana rum for €7 during happy hour (from 6pm to 9pm).