A veggie lover in Paris? Here are some vegetarian restaurants and cafes not to miss.
The mecca of foie gras, charcuterie and steak tartare, Paris, is often a challenge for vegetarians. Tell anyone you’re a vegetarian in Paris and you’ll often get the, “well we have a fish dish” response. When it comes to the Parisian diet, pescatarian has yet to make it into the vernacular.
Fortunately, Paris is also a cosmopolitan hub and food preferences from around the world enter the local culinary season. These days it’s possible to find just about anything, and most Parisian restaurants will usually have a vegetarian appetizer or two that will do the trick. But if you’re looking for vegetarian restaurants and places to eat that offer a little more than a cheese plate and crudités, start with these.
1. Soul Kitchen
Homemade granola, organic yogurt, quinoa salads, and hearty soups, Soul Kitchen is a bit of paradise for any food lover, vegetarian or not. Using local and organic ingredients whenever possible, this place is as good for lunch as it is for an afternoon pastry; they even serve locally craft roasted coffee from Coutume. Close to the Montmartre steps it’s also a a prime spot for getting off the beaten track after you have explored the more tourist-dense parts of the neighborhood around Sacre-Coeur.
Soul Kitchen, 33 Rue Lamarck, 75018.
2. Loustic
Not only can you get vegetarian quiche and kale chips here, but owner Channa is committed to serving good coffee, which is hard to come by in the French capital. The cafe is cozy and perfect for a quick breakfast pastry or a light midday meal. Get the lunch menu, which will ensure you get one of the delicious baked goods for dessert paired with a perfectly drawn espresso.
Loustic, 40 rue Chapon, 75003.
3. My Kitch’n
A little off the beaten track in the 17 arrondissement you’ll find My Kitchen, a 100 percent vegan smoothie counter in Marche des Batignolles. More of a snack bar than a vegetarian restaurant, it’s good for an afternoon pick-me-up smoothie after exploring the Montmartre neighborhood. Finish off the afternoon with a walk to Parc Monceau.
My Kitch’n, 24 Rue Brochant, 75017.
4. Rose Bakery
With several locations in Paris, Rose Bakery is a favorite with those that want atypical Parisian baked goods and lunches. Owned by Englishwoman Rose and her French husband Jean-Charles, the bakery has been open since 2002 and since then have become a local favorite. You won’t find croissants or pain au chocolate but you will find various cakes, perfect to go with your soy latte, creative salads that change every day and mini galette style vegetarian pizzas.
46, rue des Martyrs, 75009 / La Maison Rouge, 10, boulevard de la Bastille, 75012 / 30 Rue Debelleyme, 75003.
5. Café Pinson
Homemade vegan Nutella and vegan cashew dill sauce? Café Pinson is hard to beat when it comes to creative cooking options. Most of the menu is vegan, including soy yogurt to go with your breakfast and lattes made with almond milk. On weekdays they offer a 17 three-course lunch menu, and their Sunday brunch is so popular that reservations are recommended. Be sure to get a fresh-pressed juice while you’re at it.
Café Pinson, 6 rue de Fourez, 75003 Paris.
6. Chez Alain
At the back of Paris’ oldest covered market Marché des Enfants Rouges, you’ll find Alain, a grey-haired, friendly man with a round belly. He not only whips up the city’s only socca (typical street food from Nice, gluten free and vegan), but he also makes a killer vegetarian galette, filled with organic vegetables, local chèvre and topped with honey.
Marché des Enfants Rouges, 39 rue de Bretagne, 75003.
7. Tuck Shop
It may come as no surprise that this vegetarian and vegan-friendly cafe is run by three Australians. You’ll find homemade lemonade, tartines with roasted vegetables and the house-drink, the LSD (latte, soymilk and dandelion-infused honey). It’s in the hip Canal St Martin area, so you’re well located to check out some of Paris’ other trendy bars, cafes and boutiques.
Tuck Shop, 13 rue Lucien Sampaix, 75010 Paris
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Image: Anna Brones