Paris is a place of brilliant lights, romantic atmosphere, captivating art and delicious food. But in a city renowned for dishes like steak frites, coq au vin and foie gras, is there any room for vegetarians? Turns out, the answer is a resounding oui! and the offerings are très magnifique. Here are four spots you won’t want to miss.
Le Grenier de Notre Dame
Opened in 1978, Le Grenier de Notre Dame was the first vegetarian restaurant in Paris. Feast on veggie-friendly adaptations of French classics such as ratatouille or white bean cassoulet, or savor world flavors like Le Grenier’s couscous with raisins and chickpeas, or the macrobiotic plate with vegetables, tofu, white beans and seaweed in a savory tomato dressing. For a sweet ending, try the organic crêpes with vanilla ice cream and caramel.
18 rue de La Bûcherie, 6e, Saint-Michel/Odéon // Metro: Saint Michel
L'As du Fallafel
The line to place your order at this unassuming kosher Middle Eastern sandwich shop sometimes winds around the block. But one bite of Paris’ most authentic, satisfying falafel sandwich, and you’ll realize it was worth the wait. (It’s so good, in fact, the New York Times claimed it might make a vegetarian out of anyone.) Stuffed with crisp chickpea patties, creamy hummus, grilled eggplant slices and crunchy fresh vegetables, it’s guaranteed to keep you full until France’s famously late dinner hour.
34 rue des Rosiers, 4e, Marais // Metro: St-Paul
Rose Bakery
Run by cookbook author Rose Carrarini, this Anglo-French bakery and restaurant prides itself on fresh, simple fare. Go healthy for breakfast with the house-made granola with honey and both sunflower and pumpkin seeds, or opt to indulge in the buttery cranberry scones. At lunchtime, refuel with light, veggie-rich fare like curry carrot coconut soup or butternut squash risotto. For an afternoon treat, don’t miss the carrot cake or sticky toffee pudding — Rose Bakery might be one of the only cafés in Paris to serve these traditional English desserts.
46 rue des Martyrs, 9e, Montmarte // Metro: Notre-Dame-de-Lorette
Pousse-Pousse
You’ll feel healthier just reading the menu of this organic vegetarian restaurant and juice bar. For a balanced meal to power you through an afternoon of sightseeing, try the Pousse-Pousse plate with lentil, chickpea or seaweed caviar, salad with greens and sprouted grains, and seasonal vegetables. Get an extra boost of tasty nutrition with fresh fruit and vegetable juice “cocktails,” or satisfy your sweet tooth with raw, gluten-free chocolate cake.
7 rue Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, 9e, Pigalle // Metro: Notre-Dame-de-Lorette