5 Bookish Cafes Around the World You Need to Visit Now!

It doesn't matter whether you pair a good book with coffee, wine or tea, it is, ultimately, a match made in heaven. For a book lover, there is something eternally alluring about visiting a cafe, sitting by the window, and reading a beloved novel, while looking out now and then to watch the world go by. However, this experience elevates to a whole different level when the cafe you visit also celebrates books. To revel in the joy of delicious food and great reading, here are five wonderful eateries across the continents that have a charmingly bookish temperament about them.

1. Literati - Goa, India

(Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/LiteratiBookshop/photos)

Literati is unique because it is first and foremost a bookshop, one which radiates an old-world charm from the moment you lay your eyes on it. Located in a 100-year-old bungalow in India's leading beach destination, Goa, the rather homely space of the shop is filled with bestsellers and antiquarian books, with enough variety to keep readers of all genres occupied. In addition to being booksellers, Literati is also an event space, where bookworms can attend author talks or screenings of hard to find classics. Most importantly, it has a lovely courtyard that doubles up as a cafe serving simple yet delicious bites. Unsurprisingly, hours go by at Literati, without realising, lost in its collection of books, while drinking a warm cup of coffee, a chilled beer, or a soothing glass of wine.

Address: E/1-282, Gauravaddo, Calangute, Goa 403516, India

2. Paper Back Cafe - Tokyo, Japan

(Image Source: http://www.tokyodo-web.co.jp/cafe/about_pbc)

If there ever was a fitting spot for a bookish cafe, it is in Jimbocho, Tokyo's bustling district known for its second-hand bookshops. Situated in the heart of Jimbocho is the adorable Paper Back Cafe. Customers coming in can browse through contemporary and classic titles at the interconnected Books Tokyodo and then sit down to enjoy a select menu featuring coffee, tea, rice dishes, sandwiches, cakes and ice-cream. Paper Back has a Japanese zen-like aura about it, with subdued interiors consisting of bare-brick walls and occasional use of colour. Yet, there is beauty in its simplicity. The cafe is a favourite with the locals, who can be seen making the most of the free wifi, working on their laptops or reading in the much quieter second-floor seating section. Another reason for the popularity of the cafe is its low prices, making it a genuinely pocket-friendly bookish affair.

Address: 1 Chome-17 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan

3. Book Trader Cafe - New Haven, USA

(Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/booktradercafe)

Book Trader is a place where you feel a sense of scholarly enlightenment as soon as you step inside. Situated on Yale University's campus in New Haven, it is independently owned and holds over 16,000 titles, many of which are used books in good condition. The bookstore primarily features academic and art publications, but the collection is big enough to entice all reading preferences. Furthermore, true to its name, Book Trader is more than happy to exchange or buy books, CDs, and DVDs. The cafe, on the other hand, is as eccentric as the book collection here, with artisanal sandwiches named after authors, options for vegans, and of course copious amounts of freshly brewed coffee on offer. Frequented by the local student population, the cafe is typically packed during the day, but come in early, and you can enjoy a quick read and a cuppa in peace.

Address: 1140 Chapel St #4843, New Haven, CT 06511, United States

4. Famous Last Words – Toronto, Canada

(Image Source: https://www.famouslastwordsbar.com/about)

More of a bar than a cafe, Famous Last Words is as bookish an eatery can get. The bookshelf wallpaper is highly Insta-worthy, there are comfortable couches and chairs to sink in, and loads of books to read. Furthermore, a bespoke bar-top made entirely of Scrabble tiles, and a menu done up like a book, increases the cafe's appeal. That is not all, for the cafe regularly hosts interactive events for readers and cocktail making classes for drinkers. Still, the real pleasure of spending time at the bar comes from their unusual drinks that make the entire experience a refreshingly new literary affair.

Address: 392 Pacific Ave, Toronto, ON M6P2R1, Canada

5. The Reading Room - Singapore

(Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/TheReadingRoom.com.sg/)

The Reading Room is a quaint little cafe that impresses book lovers with its excellent food options and a massive collection of books, proudly displayed on wall-to-wall shelves. The ambience is cosy enough for a lovely catch-up with friends or to quietly sit and read a book. Vintage antiquities, mood lighting, busy wall decor, and the cafe's laidback open space makes it all the more welcoming. As for the menu, it's classic cafe food with multiple egg options, buttermilk pancakes, sandwiches, cheese platters, and burgers. If you do get an opportunity, make sure you try their absolutely delectable Himalayan sea salt coffee.

Address: 19 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089833