- Located inside the Mauboussin jeweler on Madison, this cafe, owned by the renowned Francois Payard, is a perfect getaway for a chocolate lover. Walk to the back of Maubossin and take the chocolate brown upholstered elevator to the fourth floor. Amidst a cozy chic setting of white and brick walls, hardwood floors, soft chocolate brown and white chairs, and small gleaming white tables you'll enjoy indulging in a panoply of rich treats in this quiet and immaculate atmosphere. Although Francois doesn't carry the full selection of desserts once available at Payard, you'll find rich, complex cakes, verrines, and macarons, along with a selection of cookies, croissants, and sandwiches. The macarons are uninspiring, but the rest of the desserts shine. There is a fantastic selection of elegant chocolates from which to choose. The cappuccino is rich and velvety, and the service is amiable. If you visit at closing time, you might be sent home with complimentary croissants. However, you'll want to arrive well before closing time as Francois is a perfectly pleasant place to linger and enjoy a respite from every day life.
Francois Chocolate Bar