Café Procope, opened by Sicilian immigrant Procopio dei Coltelli in 1686, became a cultural landmark in Paris. Located near the Comédie-Française theater, it was one of the first cafés to serve ice cream, attracting a diverse clientele. The café played a significant role in the social and cultural life of Paris, contributing to the rise of café culture in Europe.

The opening of Café Procope in 1686 became a hub for Enlightenment thinkers and writers, linking frozen treats to intellectual discourse and poetry salons. Poets like Voltaire frequented the café, where discussions on art and philosophy flourished, influencing the literary culture of the time.