A Guide To The Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Paris
The vegetarian and vegan restaurant scene in Paris has exploded over the past few years. From gourmet bistros to trendy cafes, these hotspots are proof that mouth-watering plant-based dining is here to stay in the City of Lights.
French cuisine has never exactly been known for being vegetarian-friendly, but what can you really expect from a traditional menu that celebrates canard, boeuf bourguignon, and foie gras in one place?
We both went vegetarian about 6 years ago, and not long after making the switch, we booked a Christmas trip to Paris and Lyon. When I tell you we struggled to find good vegetarian options in the city that trip, especially ones that didn't involve a bland side salad with a serve of potatoes, or giving up and traipsing to the nearest falafel shop to cure our hunger.... we really struggled.
Imagine our surprise then, during our visit in November this year, in discovering that there has been a veritable explosion of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, bistros, and cafes opening across the city over the past few years.
What's more, in true French style, they're all seriously stylish and committed to serving up high-quality, more-ish nosh. From fusion cuisines and high-end bistros to juicy vegan burgers and trendy cafes, there's now something for every plant-based foodies palate.
We spent a lot of time on this trip exploring the best of vegetarian and vegan cuisine in Paris — something you guys seemed to really enjoy (it was the most asked-for recommendation on our Instagram!).
So, here's our pick of the best plant-based eats, plus a few non-veggie restaurants that have brilliant veggie options in the City of Lights. Prepare your tastebuds for an absolute flavour sensation!
VEGETARIAN & VEGAN PARIS SNAPSHOT
Our top #5 delicious vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Paris
#1 Le Perchoir Porte de Versailles
#2 Le Potager de Charlotte
#3 L'Abattoir Vegetal
#4 Douze Paris
#5 La Recyclerie
VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN RESTAURANTS IN PARIS
L’ABATTOIR VEGETAL
Opening a trendy vegan eatery in a former butcher's shop is either a bold move or a stroke of genius depending on your persuasions.
But L'Abattoir Vegetal (literally 'vegetable slaughterhouse') did just that and is now making a killing serving up organic, vegan, gluten-free food and cocktails to please any foodies tastebuds.
With rustic white-washed walls, plush pink chairs, and pops of hanging green, the space reflects the organic, natural menu.
Speaking of the menu, it's a great mix of curries, French faves, and modern kitchen-style food.
If the mushroom and truffle risotto is available when you visit, it's absolutely to die for. Especially when washed down with one of their tasty cocktails or mocktails (the commitment to wellness and natural living extends to their drinks list too!).
We love a place that's unashamedly value-driven, and their commitment to reducing waste, eating seasonal, and keeping sourcing chains to a minimum is as refreshing as their Kahlo pineapple mocktail was.
You can now find L'Abattoir Vegetal on both banks of the Seine; the original butcher's location on Rue Ramey in the 18th, as well as their new location in St Germain / Rive Gauche (which is where we ate)
THE DETAILS
Where | 9 Rue Guisarde, St Germain (6th arrondissement) or 61 Rue Ramey, 18th arrondissement
LE POTAGER DE CHARLOTTE
Quality vegan food and Paris were basically made synonymous by Le Potager de Charlotte, one of the city's original and most popular plant-based eateries.
Founded by two vegan brothers, David and Adrien, the sons of an innkeeper and culinary photographer, with a shared passion for proving the power (and deliciousness!) of plant-based cuisine.
The local and organic menu rotates with the seasons and is the antithesis of the idea that vegan food has to be bland or flavourless.
The sesame tofu was crisp and melt-in-your-mouth, and the chanterelle and shiitake mushrooms with lentils were a flavour sensation.
They also have a fab selection of natural wines and homemade juices to boast too.
Le Potager de Charlotte can be found in two locations, the original (where we ate) is a modest but cheerful restaurant in the 9th, while their new opening in the 17th is a slick and stylish affair. Both are home to lovely, attentive staff!
THE DETAILS
Where | 12 Rue Louise-Émilie de la Tour d'Auvergne, 9th arrondissement or 21 Rue Rennequin, 17th arrondissement
Opening hours | Hours vary across venues, check before you go
L'AS DU FALAFEL
Prepare to have your falafel-loving world rocked.
Amongst all the sweet treats and butter-laden dishes, you might not realise that Paris is also home to some of the best falafel in the world.
In the crooked, medieval streets of the super trendy le Marais area, the Jewish quarter of Paris has existed in some form since the 13th century. Today, Rue des Rosiers is its thriving heart, packed with traditional bakeries, delis, and middle eastern delights.
Several falafel shops compete along this stretch of road, but our favourite pick is L’As du Fallafel. We visit every time we’re in Paris and are always blown away by their perfectly crisp falafel balls, creamy hummus, and fresh tangy vegetables all bundled up in a pillowy pita.
It’s definitely our favourite easy vegan meal in Paris.
You’ll spot L’As du Fallafel by the large queue that seems to permanently be planted out the front but don’t be put off by it, we’ve never waited more than 5 minutes!
THE DETAILS
Where | 34 Rue des Rosiers, Marais
Opening hours | 11am - 11:30pm Sunday - Thursday, 11am - 3pm Friday, closed Saturdays
Note | L'As du Fallafel do also serve meat if this is of concern
MAISIE CAFE
Maisie Cafe was on our itinerary during our trip and we were super excited to grab some lunch there in between sightseeing stops — but alas, it was closed the day we visited.
That said, we did gawk at it from the outside and fell in love with its super cute, stylish interior, and it consistently ranks as one of the best vegan cafes in the city.
Its location right in the action of the first arrondissement, tucked a few streets back from the Jardin de Tuileries, means it's also a great place to grab some tasty, quick food in the midst of exploring the historic heart of the city.
THE DETAILS
Where | 32 Rue du Mont Thabor, 1st arrondissement
Opening hours | 9am-4pm, Monday - Friday
HANK VEGAN BURGER
Bistros and gourmet food are a wonderful indulgence, but sometimes you just want to be able to sink your teeth into a thick, juicy, dirty burger with everything.
HANK burger (short for Have A Nice Karma, which we love!) is very much a vegan institution here in Paris, with an ethos centred on organic, healthy food and ethical practices.
You can choose from their menu of 5 burgers, with sides and drinks, and you can also upgrade your patty to a Beyond Meat burger too. It's cheap and cheerful junk food done with heart (and a lot of flavour!).
There are three Hank locations in Paris: 55 rue des Archives (3rd), 8 rue de Rochechouart (9th), 123 rue Oberkampf (11th).
And if the junk food cravings haven't subsided post burger feast? They also recently opened HANK Pizza serving up steaming hot vegan pizza in the heart of the Marais.
THE DETAILS
Where | 55 rue des Archives (3rd), 8 rue de Rochechouart (9th), 123 rue Oberkampf (11th).
Opening hours | Hours vary across venues, check before you go.
JAH JAH BY LE TRICYCLE
The little sister restaurant of Le Tricycle (which seems to have closed at the time of writing), Jah Jah is a Caribbean-inspired plant-based restaurant serving up a fusion of Creole and global cuisine.
It's a no-frills dining affair; diners perch on reclaimed furniture with Bob Marley tunes playing, and devour everything from healthy brown rice bowls to vegan hot dogs, fried plantain to cauliflower wings.
Get there early to grab a table as this is a one of the more popular vegan restaurants in Paris, especially around the lively Canal St Martin area!
THE DETAILS
Where | 11 Rue des Petites Écuries, 10th arrondissement
Opening hours | 12-3pm Monday - Saturday, Closed Sundays.
NON-VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN PARIS WITH GREAT VEGGIE OFFERINGS
Plant-based restaurants might be growing in number in the French capital, but there's still quite a long way to go before the veggie/vegan in standard bistros and restaurants really match up across the board.
So, in the spirit of celebrating the places that do still think of our fellow veggie friends here when creating their menus, we've included a list of meat-eating restaurants that also cater super well for veggies — and that we can vouch for, having personally had good vegetarian meals there!
LE PERCHOIR PORTE DE VERSAILLES
The Le Perchoir group is a well-known Parisian institution, particularly for their unique, stylish rooftop bars scattered across the city (check out Le Perchoir Marais and the original Le Perchoir Menilmont for 360-degree views to accompany your cocktails).
Their latest offering is Le Perchoir Porte de Versaille; perched on the rooftop of the recently renovated Porte de Versailles expo centre and right in the middle of Nature Urbaine, Europe's largest urban farm.
While they're not exclusively vegetarian, we're including them here because:
We had one of the best vegetarian meals we ate in Paris here
They source their produce from the Nature Urbaine farm next door
We still talk about the roasted butternut main months later.
Bright, leafy, and very bohemian, Le Perchoir PDV celebrates nature and natural materials and is the kind of too-cool place you'd happily spend a long and lazy lunch with friends.
THE DETAILS
Where | 2 Av. de la Porte de la Plaine, 15th arrondissement
Opening hours | Hours vary across days, check before you go
LA RECYCLERIE
In the heart of the multicultural, vibrant suburb of Porte de Glignancourt — just a stone's throw from the suburb's famous flea market — La Recyclerie is one of the coolest, most eclectic hangout spaces in Paris.
Much more than simply a trendy cafe, this former railway station has transformed into a thriving 'third place'; a location separate from your home or workplace where you can come and connect with others and new ideas.
While there's plenty more to La Recyclerie than just its cafe (it's a recycling/upcycling hub, sustainability education centre and urban farm), it is the warm and cosy beating heart of the centre. It's the kind of space you could easily hang out in for a few hours, make some new friends, or lose yourself in a good book.
Nestled under the old station clock, with huge windows overlooking the green space that was once the railway, the cafe focuses on local, seasonal, predominantly vegetarian comfort food that fills the soul. On Thursdays, they have an entirely vegan menu too.
We had the veggie parmentier and a veggie curry burger, both of which were the perfect remedy to a very moody, very wet late Autumn day outside.
THE DETAILS
Where | 83 Boulevard Ornano, 18th arrondissement
Opening hours | Hours differ according to the day, check before you go. Closed Mondays.
DOUZE PARIS
In a quiet area of the 12th arrondissement, an old military barracks has been transformed into an eco-friendly gourmet food market: Douze Paris.
Bringing together ten artisanal producers, from bakers and greengrocers to delicatessen and merchants of cheese and wine, it celebrates quality seasonal produce and the passion of those who bring them to life.
Rather than traipse off to a supermarket for generic and soulless consuming, the idea is that you can get your artisanal baguette at one stand, your fresh produce or deli items from the next, and top it off with a carefully selected cheese and bottle of wine as you head out.
Upstairs, the Douze restaurant is bright and airy — even on a dreary Paris day! — where you can stop by for a beautifully prepared and cooked meal using produce from downstairs.
We had the vegetarian version of their Sunday formule menu, a butternut squash roasted with a mushroom, chanterelle and lentil filling. Drool!
THE DETAILS
Where | Passage Jaqueline Giraud, 12th arrondissement
Opening hours | 8am - 11pm Tuesday - Friday, 9am - 11pm Saturday, 9am-4pm Sunday. Closed Mondays.
WHERE NOT TO EAT IN PARIS
WILD & THE MOON
After seeing this one pop up on various websites and social media prior to our visit (it was even featured by Vogue!), we were pretty excited to stop past and grab some tasty plant-based food during our recent Paris trip.
Well.
At best we can say: avoid at all costs.
The service was cold and dismissive, the food was tasteless and microwaved (!), and the prices seriously outmatched for the tiny size and extremely poor quality.
Our vegan banh mi had been microwaved into some horribly soggy, lukewarm, flavourless gross oblivion, was also served with peanuts despite checking 3 times that it wouldn't (Mark's allergic), our jackfruit bowl was bland and definitely not fresh, and our coffee was beyond burnt.
Skip the insta-fame and trendy-looking interior and spend your time and money somewhere actually good.
TIPS FOR EATING VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN IN PARIS
Before we get into the rest of this guide, here are a few tips we've worked out over the past few years of visits that will make your trip as a plant-based eater so much easier:
STICK TO MORE MODERN OR ETHNIC ESTABLISHMENTS
One thing we've noticed is that the more traditional, famous bistros and establishments are far less progressive when it comes to plant-based cooking.
And that's totally fine - they're traditional for a reason.
But if you're going to places like Le Deux Magots, Brasserie Lipp, or Le Bouillon Chartier that are famous for traditional fare, expect to be disappointed in the variety of veggie options available.
Instead, opt for newer, more modern establishments (especially those with fusion or foreign cuisines!) as many are far more willing to play with ingredients, incorporate new flavours, and introduce meat-free dishes.
ALWAYS CHECK THE MENU BEFORE YOU GO
Historically vegetarian dishes have been hard to come by at most restaurants, but the growing awareness of meat-free eating in the city means that plenty of non-vegetarian restaurants in Paris has added a swathe of meat-free options for diners.
Check the menu online before heading out and you'll already have a good idea of what to expect... or whether you need to book a table somewhere else!
JUST ASK
Overwhelmingly, when we've asked whether there are vegetarian options, or a meal could be made meat-free, most places have been super accommodating.
For example, when we visited Douze Paris (above), their Sunday menu had a mushroom and mince-stuffed butternut pumpkin — but they were happy to swap it for a mushroom and lentil option instead.
Don't be afraid to ask (politely!)
STREET FOOD & PICNICS CAN BE A SAVIOUR
In a pinch, French street food like crepes can be a great option for a meat-free eater. Simply ask for your crepe or galette with only cheese (or another topping, if you're vegan) and you'll also get to watch it being prepared.
There are also plenty of falafel shops, plus the French custom of picnics means you can pick up a baguette (which are incidentally vegan!), some food of your choice and enjoy a meal al fresco without the fuss.
PARIS TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
WHERE TO STAY IN PARIS
The French capital is teeming with accommodation options, and there’s something for absolutely every budget and comfort style.
On our most recent visit, we stayed in three different hotels — check out our recommendations below!
HOTEL LOUVRE MONTANA
With views over the Louvre and Jardin de Tuileries, dreamy Hausmannian balconies overlooking a beautiful 1st arrondissement street, and some of the best interior styling we’ve ever seen, the Louvre Montana is a true Parisian dream.
Part of the Emeraude group, the recently renovated former mansion is all about luxury and comfort. The service is amazing, the breakfast delicious, and the bed conducive to one of the best night’s sleep we’ve had in a long, long time.
BOOK | Hotel Louvre Montana
EDEN LODGE PARIS
Eden Lodge is a jungle hideaway right in the heart of the city; a true retreat from some of the chaos outside. Eden Lodge is Paris’ most sustainable hotel lodge, with a zero-carbon footprint and ecological mindset.
Built in 2015, it uses renewable energy, practices to reduce water consumption, and natural materials to create a luxury retreat. They also have a sister property in Madagascar!
BOOK | Eden Lodge Paris
HOTEL MARAIS HOME
A stone’s throw from Place de la Republique, Hotel Marais Home is another of the Emeraude group hotels and a perfect stay during your time in the city.
Rooms are spacious and luxurious — we had a duplex room with a clawfoot bathtub in the bedroom loft! — service is impeccable, and there’s a rooftop terrace with some of the best views in the city
BOOK | Hotel Marais Home
HOW TO GET AROUND PARIS
Previously, we’ve almost exclusively used the Metro to get around Paris on our visits - it’s fast, cheap, convenient, and obviously avoids the traffic the clogs Paris’ streets.
But on our recent trip, we decided to ditch the crowds of the metro and instead jump aboard an electric scooter for an efficient, clean, and fun way to explore the city.
Scooters and e-bikes adorn almost every corner of the city now, and there are over a thousand kilometres of bike lanes available to use.
Plus on some Sundays and public holidays, streets in certain areas are closed to traffic as part of the ‘Paris Respire’ (Paris Breathes) project, so you’ll have the streets to yourself!
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN PARIS
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
For all travellers | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out of pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
*In normal times, we recommend using World Nomads travel insurance, but unfortunately they're not currently covering COVID-19 related claims right now.
READ THESE POSTS BEFORE VISITING PARIS
THE BEST OF PARIS | Our favourite things to do in Paris, plus a Paris foodies guide
THE HOXTON, PARIS | Our review of the Hoxton Hotel, Paris’ hipster hotel
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t leave home without travel insurance (seriously, don’t!). Click here to get the best deals with World Nomads, our trusted travel insurance provider
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world?
Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT.
Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
DISCOVER MORE OF EUROPE WITH OUR GUIDES
Our visit to Paris was supported by Atout France as part of their ‘What Really Matters’ campaign.
As always, all opinions and musings are very much our own! Thanks to Atout France for their support.
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