Which sentence is correct?
1. One good thing about Paris is its trendy cafes.
2. One good thing about Paris are its trendy cafes.

Should the verb match "one good thing" or "trendy cafes"? Thanks in advance.

Question

Which sentence is correct?
1. One good thing about Paris is its trendy cafes.
2. One good thing about Paris are its trendy cafes.

Should the verb match "one good thing" or "trendy cafes"? Thanks in advance.

Answer

Number one is correct in English. The first noun ("thing") is always the subject, and governs the verb. The second noun (cafes) is always the predicate nominative, and does not govern the verb.
Other European languages follow different rules.

Answer

Number 1. The subject is "thing."

Answer

You will hear both being used about equally in the UK probably because of The UK's closeness and immigration influence upon the language. Playing out on a daily basis. 
I instinctively went for the first one but had to think about the second because I hear that used equally in The UK