Where To Eat Healthy/Find A Vegetable In Paris
Text and Photography by Deana Saukam (unless otherwise noted)
After a few days in Paris binging on rich, decadent cheeses, duck confit, foie gras, steak frites, poulet roti, crepes with nutella and chantilly, the best pastries in the world and guzzling wine on every terrace you can find, you might want to take a break and eat something “healthy” like a vegetable or maybe even some fruit. Below is a list of places where to find tasty, interesting and satisfying vegetable-focused dishes and meals in the City of Light. (All photos by Deana Saukam unless otherwise noted)
L’Arpege
Dedicated to creating dishes where vegetables are the stars of the show, the famed 3-Michelin star L’Arpege pays tribute to all things green (or purple, red, yellow, white, orange….). If you’re looking for the quintessential veggie-centric French meal while in Paris, then head straight to L’Arpege and get ready for a mind-blowing, detailed tasting menu and legume orgy – make sure to book a table in advance. Passard utilizes the freshest produce sourced directly from his three organic gardens and orchards located throughout France, and prepares them in a way that is innovatively captures vivid flavors and sublime textures, while paying homage to French techniques. Although the menu changes daily, sometimes even by the minute, expect to find dishes such as an assortment of vegetable ravioli floating in a delicate consomme; bright and vivacious beet tartare; and a glorious, flaky, buttery apple tart that more resembles a bouquet of roses than your typical apple pie.
84, rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
+33 1 47 05 09 06
www.alain-passard.com/
Le Meurice
Alain Ducasse is one of the most famous chefs in the world today. In fact, the celebrated chef holds a total of 19 Michelin stars throughout his numerous restaurants around the globe. At Le Meurice, which has received two Michelin stars, vegetables are held in high esteem, and a full vegetarian menu is also available upon request. The Philippe Starck designed dining room is classic, elegant and contemporary – set in a 19th-century palace – overlooking the Jardins des Tuileries. One of the signature dishes at Le Meurice is delicately steamed seasonal baby vegetables surrounded by Himalayan salt crystals, served in a bamboo steamer. The pristine veggies are bright and vivid, perfectly seasoned and flavorful. Reserve a table in advance at Le Meurice for a grand French fine-dining experience.
828, rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
+33 1 58 00 21 20
www.alain-ducasse.com/en/restaurant/restaurant-le-meurice-alain-ducasse
Le Bichat
Founded by Augustin Legrand, Le Bichat is a family-run operation that aims to provide nutritious, organic, seasonal, filling and affordable meals. Located near Canal St. Martin and Republique, Le Bichat is open seven days a week, continuously from 9 am to 11 pm, making it an easy choice for health and budget-conscious travelers seeking a break from the gluttony and overspending that tends to happen during the throes of vacation. The menu is composed of plentiful rice bowls overflowing with raw and cooked vegetables prepared daily with the choice of egg, beef, pork, chicken or mackerel for 8 to 9€ (vegan bowls are also offered); a daily vegetarian and gluten free soup of the day, and three daily desserts (one of which is always vegan and gluten-free). Wash it all down with freshly-pressed juices, lemonade, teas, beer and organic wines on tap.
11, rue Bichat, 75010 Paris
+33 9 54 27 68 97
www.lebichat.fr
Nanashi
Nanashi serves “Parisian bentos” and snacks with a healthy, Japanese influence. Perfect for dining-in or take-away, Nanashi offers guests a menu filled with fresh and organic dishes. The bentos change daily and there is always a vegetarian, meat and fish option served with various salads and grains. Other items include veggie soba with tofu and carrots, salmon chirashi bowl, chicken or vegetable spring rolls, and a tofu burger (available on weekends only). Sip on a matcha banana veggie milk shake, fresh fruit juice, tea, sake or even Japanese Nikka whiskey.
Two locations:
Nanashi Charlot
57, rue Charlot, 75003 Paris
+33 1 44 61 45 49
Nanashi Paradis
31, rue de Paradis, 75010 Paris
+33 1 40 22 05 55
www.nanashi.fr
Photo: Christine Doublet
Soya Cantine Bio
An organic, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free cafe located in a former atelier that’s been transformed into a loft-like, airy space. Guests can enjoy mezze platters of the day with seaweed tartare, beet and umeboshi plum puree, tofu caviar and hummus with dukkah; curry masala, vegan lasagna, and couscous with quinoa, eggplant, zucchini, turnip, fennel, tomato, candied sultanas and hot homemade harissa. Weekend brunches are an all-you-care-to-enjoy affair, with a buffet of appetizing dishes and desserts.
20, rue de la Pierre Levée, 75011 Paris
+33 1 48 06 33 02
www.soya-cantine-bio.fr
Miznon
Israeli celebrity chef Eyal Shani is credited for giving whole roasted cauliflower its rise to stardom, a super delicious dish that can also be enjoyed at his Paris outlet of Miznon (there are locations in Tel Aviv and Vienna as well). Miznon is also known for its fluffy, perfectly-stuffed pitas filled with chicken salad, kefta lamb kebab, ratatouille, spicy fish or beef and egg, and they’re worth lining up for. When you’re craving a veggie fix or just something tasty and light, head to the Miznon in the Marais, and don’t forget to snag some of the complimentary pitas and dips while you’re waiting for your order.
22, rue des Ecouffes, 75004 Paris
+33 1 42 74 83 58
www.facebook.com/miznonparis
Cafe Oberkampf
This small and trendy coffee shop serves up really great coffee, and their “all day brunch” menu menu is also wholesome and inviting. Dishes include shakshuka, green eggs and feta, avocado toasts, granola and muesli bowls, and couscous salads.
3, rue Neuve Popincourt, 75011 Paris
cafeoberkampf@gmail.com (no phone number)
www.cafeoberkampf.com
Juice It
Located near the Louvre and Palais-Royal, Juice It is a tiny organic, gluten-free juice bar near the that serves with organic, cold-pressed juices, as well as acai bowls, daily soups, quiches, salads, zucchini noodles with pesto, lentil and quinoa bowls and vegan maki. Ideal for a detoxifying pick-me-up or a light lunch on-the-go in between the sights in Paris.
8, rue de la Vrillière, 75001 Paris
+33 1 73 71 27 31
juice-it.fr/html/menu.html
Chambelland
A gluten-free boulangerie in PARIS? Oui! Chambelland is a must-visit for anyone in search of tasty organic, gluten-free sourdough bread, focaccia, sweet bread (similar to a brioche but made with rice), cookies, cakes, tartlets, brownies cheesecakes, and lactose-free lemon meringue pie in Paris. Guests can also sip on tea, coffee, lemonade and the juice of the day and nosh on sandwiches, fresh salads in the spring and summer, and hot soups in the autumn and winter.
14, rue Ternaux, 75011 Paris
+33 1 43 55 07 30
chambelland.com
Le Tricycle and Jah Jah
If you’re mood for a hip, chill, vegetarian and vegan hot-dog shop? Look no more! Le Tricycle serves soy-wheat wieners in sesame buns loaded with various toppings such as teriyaki eggplant confit, grated daikon and onion on the Teriyaki Dog; guacamole, spiced tomato-coriander sauce and caramelized onion for the Dogtor Dre; fried and caramelized onions, and pickled cabbage and carrots for the Snoop Dogg. Also on the menu are vegan bowls, daily salads, soup, plantains, matcha cake, muesli and fresh juices. They’ve recently opened Jah Jah, which boasts an expanded menu with offerings similar to Le Tricycle, and with more spots to feast on that good vegan grub.
Le Tricycle
51, rue de Paradis, 75010 Paris
www.instagram.com/letricycle
Jah Jah
11, rue des Petites Écuries, 75010 Paris
+33 1 46 27 38 03
Umami Matcha Cafe
The first matcha cafe to open in Paris, Umami specializes in all things matcha as well as healthy breakfasts, lunches and snacks in a sleek and modern space near Republique. Stop by for a matcha cappuccino, matcha latte with white chocolate, matcha brioche, or a matcha smoothie bowl with fresh fruit. Not in the mood for matcha? Espresso, coffee and Japanese teas are also available, as well as vegetarian soba bowls with zucchini tagliatelle, curry cream, chives and roasted buckwheat; fresh Japanese-inspired salads with cucumber, green beans, sesame and nori; a citrusy chicken donburi with red pepper puree, cabbage and nori; and chocolate hojicha tarts.
22, rue Béranger, 75003 Paris
+33 1 43 94 97 91
umamiparis.com/matchacafe
Wild and the Moon
A hip and inviting vegan and gluten-free cafe that opened earlier this year, located in the heart of the Marais. Founded by Emma Swako, a New Yorker, Wild and the Moon specializes in organic cold-pressed juices, smoothies, vitality shots, veggie milks, soups, snacks, desserts, herb teas and coffees. The decor is filled with lush green plants from floor to ceiling, and the menu is healthy and delicious: chia pudding, sprouted buckwheat granola, avocado “toast”, guacamole with nori chips, and super bowls such as soba noodles with kale, ginger, spinach, pumpkin and sunflowers seeds with an avocado and sesame oil dressing.
55, rue Charlot, 75003 Paris
+33 9 51 80 22 33
www.wildandthemoon.com
Bob’s Juice Bar
The Original Gangsta of juice bars and healthy food in Paris, Brooklynite, Harvard grad and former aspiring filmmaker Marc Grossman opened Bob’s Juice Bar in 2006 based on a rather vague fantasy. A cult following ensued, and a decade later the Bob’s Food chain has grown to include Bob’s Kitchen and Bob’s Bakery as well. Bob’s Juice Bar serves organic filtered juices, cold-pressed juices, smoothies and milkshakes made with veggie milk. Meals in non-liquid form include muesli with yogurt and fruit; futomaki with whole grain rice, avocado, mango, cucumber, chives and wasabi; veggie bagel sandwiches; and daily soups and salads.
15, rue Lucien Sampaix, 75010 Paris
+33 9 50 06 36 18
www.bobsjuicebar.com/juice-bar.html
