Léa French Cafe Lake Street

4.2 ( 351 reviews )
$10–20
70 E Lake St, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
+1 312-624-8219

Léa French Cafe Lake Street, nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago, offers a charming escape reminiscent of quaint European cafés. With reviews highlighting the comforting ambiance, many patrons, like Gwendolyn Elder, praise its cozy interiors and exceptional pastries, particularly the almond croissant, which rivals those found overseas. The cafe’s self-service tablets streamline ordering, allowing customers to focus on their delicious selections, from rich matcha lattes to flavorful soups that have earned rave reviews from visitors like David Martinez.

The menu features delightful French cuisine at affordable prices, making it an attractive choice for those seeking quality without breaking the bank. While dining space is limited, the well-prepared dishes and the inviting atmosphere still encourage a relaxed experience. Reviewers like ugot2nome appreciate the freshness of each meal, noting that it captures the essence of Parisian dining. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite or a leisurely coffee break, Léa French Cafe Lake Street promises an exceptional culinary journey in a cozy setting that feels both welcoming and vibrant.

Amenities and More

Reviews For Léa French Cafe Lake Street

Gwendolyn Elder
Jul 2,2025
This is one of our favorite little cafes downtown, especially in the colder months of the year. It reminds me of places in Europe, and the farthest ‘cry’ from all the overly commercialized Starbucks that inhabit the city. We’ve been here a few times, and each time we discover something new and wonderful. My husband loves the matcha latte, and the Chai is great as well. The sandwiches, though we’ve not tried them yet, remind me of the Spanish bocadillo de jamon (Iberico ham on baguette). They also smell amazing as they are being warmed. They have one of the best Almond Croissants ever!! We’ve only had that type of quality and deliciousness overseas. The interior is cozy, though the wooden chairs are super uncomfortable, but you are too busy looking at the details, like an accent wall decorated with rolling pins to pay too much attention to the chair backs.
David Martinez
Jun 30,2025
Met with a friend here for coffee and the service was quick, easy, self-guided, and efficient. The ambience is also energetic for a cafe, as many people were there, though even while busy the line was moving for orders. The sandwiches are really good, would recommend the caprese one. The coffee was also pretty good! But the SOUP?! The SOUP was phenomenal. I will go back for a bigger order. I do not remember the name of the soup but it was shockingly delicious.
ugot2nome
Jun 23,2025
A quaint place in downtown Chicago serving delicious French cuisine at rather favorable prices. The meals look great and tastes fresh. Let the experience capture your Parisian senses
Latina.bestfinds
Jun 10,2025
Great location, clean place, easy to order using the self service tablets, the food was well prepared, we ordered overnight oatmeal, croque madame, coffee and pastries, everything delicious. Keep in mind this place is more for to-go orders, there is no much space for dine in then utensils were plastic and containers made of carton which is ok and sustainable.
Doug Shaw
May 25,2025
Was in town and grabbed a light lunch. Everything was fresh and delicious. If I lived in Chicago I would be there all the time.
Bonnie Lentych
May 4,2025
Stopped here for a quick lunch after taking the train in from South Bend. Easy kiosk ordering and very good sandwiches! We will definitely return. The apple tartlette dessert also hit the spot when I heated it up the next morning at our hotel.
peter giles
Apr 30,2025
Lea's is delicious. It's a cafe with counter service, so if you want to grab a sandwich and sit at Millennium Park or takeout back to the office, do it! The inexpensive 10 Parisian baguette is as close to Paris as you can get at this price in Chicago. A crusty baguette, nice ham, Swiss, and butter are all anyone needs. Local ownership—so support these people!
Yen Nguyen
Apr 13,2025
We found this spot on Google Maps, and it was just a stone's throw from our hotel. We decided to give it a try and loved every minute of it. The coffee had a rich, fresh aroma and the pastries were incredibly appetizing. During our Chicago trip, we became daily visitors. You should definitely check it out.

Add a Review

Quality
Location
Price
Space
Service

Location

Appreciated by Others

Janelle’s Kitchen
(236 review)
Janelle’s Kitchen
  • 843 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A1, Canada
Restaurant
+1 416-702-7745
Ribs and Soul BBQ
(546 review)
Ribs and Soul BBQ
  • South Suburbs, 4844 183rd St, Country Club Hills, IL 60478, United States
barbecue restaurant
+1 708-799-4755
The Kop Coffee Roasters
(135 review)
The Kop Coffee Roasters
  • 1080 Cliveden Ave #13, Delta, BC V3M 6G6, Canada
coffee roasters
+1 604-800-4605
Bamboo House - Asian Bistro, Sushi & Grill
(410 review)
Bamboo House - Asian Bistro, Sushi & Grill
  • 3012 Vlg Pk Dr, Plover, WI 54467, United States
Chinese restaurant
+1 715-342-0988
406 Coffee Cabin
(125 review)
406 Coffee Cabin
  • 903 Main St, Deer Lodge, MT 59722, United States
cafe
+1 406-846-7603
Aloha Baltimore
(134 review)
Aloha Baltimore
  • 1218 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
Restaurant
+1 443-759-8531
Colonial House Restaurant & Bar
(3564 review)
Colonial House Restaurant & Bar
  • 2315 Mt Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States
American restaurant
+1 605-342-4640
Penny's Diner
(332 review)
Penny's Diner
  • 120 15th St NE, Glenwood, MN 56334, United States
american restaurant
+1 320-634-1944
Balmoral Restaurant
(668 review)
Balmoral Restaurant
  • 40W099 IL-64, St. Charles, IL 60175, United States
Fine dining restaurant
+1 331-901-5224
Sabroso! Mexican Grill
(753 review)
Sabroso! Mexican Grill
  • 624 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States
Mexican restaurant
+1 773-290-8400