By Luna Sky and Elisabeth Thieriot
Paris has always lived a step ahead of the curve. From fashion to art to culture, the city sets the tone and now plant-based dining has joined the spotlight. Vegan food in Paris is no longer a niche curiosity. It is woven into daily life, from indulgent pastries to refined fine dining, all with unmistakable French flair. For vegans, plant-based explorers, or anyone curious about reducing meat and dairy, Paris has quietly transformed into a city where exceptional vegan food is everywhere.
Despite centuries of culinary traditions built around butter, cheese, cream, and meat, Paris now offers satisfying vegan options in nearly every neighborhood. The city’s long-standing love for organic, seasonal ingredients paired with a growing embrace of plant based living has sparked a new era of creativity. From fully vegan boulangeries to elegant restaurants pushing culinary boundaries, Paris proves that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully.
So, is Paris truly vegan friendly?
The idea of vegetable forward cuisine is not new to France. In fact, French gastronomy has played a pivotal role in the evolution of plant-based cooking. In 2001, legendary chef Alain Passard stunned the culinary world by removing meat entirely from the menu at his renowned Paris restaurant Arpége. The bold move did not cost him his Michelin star. Instead, it reinforced his vision of cuisine centered on vegetables, seasonality, and emotion. Passard even purchased farmland outside Paris to grow his own produce, deepening his commitment to organic and local ingredients.
Although fish and poultry eventually returned to the menu, Passard made headlines again in 2025 by shifting Arpége back to an almost entirely plant-based concept. In an interview with Reuters, he reflected on his evolution, explaining that while his work with animal-based cuisine remains a treasured memory, his current approach feels more artistic, emotional, and expressive. For him, cooking has become closer to painting or sewing, a reflection of growth rather than repetition.
France continued to make waves in 2021 when chef Claire Vallée earned a Michelin star for ONA, the first fully vegan restaurant in the country to receive the honor. Located near Bordeaux, ONA operated without a single animal product, extending its philosophy to furniture and decor. Although the restaurant later closed due to the pandemic, its impact on French plant-based cuisine remains undeniable.
That same year, Michelin starred chef Alain Ducasse introduced Sapid in Paris’ 10th arrondissement. The concept focused on mostly plant based dishes, sustainability,
reducing food waste, and using natural ingredients at approachable prices. Ducasse later launched Burgal, a vegan burger pop up at Place de la Bastille in 2022. While both ventures have since closed, Ducasse has long incorporated vegetarian dishes into his restaurants, not only for guests but as part of his own environmental values. His philosophy emphasizes care for the planet, respect for limited resources, and appreciation for those who grow, harvest, and cultivate food.
Paris also proudly hosts a vegan fromagerie. Jay and Joy, founded in 2016, blends modern plant-based innovation with classic artisan cheesemaking traditions. Their cheeses can be found in shops across France and in select vegan friendly restaurants, offering a dairy free experience that feels unmistakably French.
Parisian charm is deeply rooted in history, but that has not stopped the city from embracing modern ideas through plant-based cuisine. While mapping out visits to the Eiffel Tower and wandering the City of Light, consider adding these standout vegan destinations to your plans. These eight spots are all fully vegan, yet they represent only a slice of what Paris offers. Beyond these, most restaurants across the city now include vegan options, making Paris an exciting playground for plant-based eaters.
1 VG Patisserie VG Patisserie proudly holds the title of Paris’ first fully plant-based pastry shop. It remains one of the most recommended stops for vegan treats in the city, and for good reason. Inside, you will find beautifully crafted French classics like croissants and pain au chocolat, alongside a variety of sweet and savory creations. Arriving early is key if you want the widest selection, especially when it comes to their delicate, freshly made macarons.
2 Land and Monkeys While it may not have been the first, Land and Monkeys has become one of the most beloved plant-based boulangeries in Paris. The shop delivers virtually every French pastry imaginable, from everyday staples to seasonal favorites like bûche de noël. Alongside pastries, you will find tarts, quiches, and freshly baked breads. With multiple locations throughout the city, Land and Monkeys fits seamlessly into any sightseeing plan and often becomes a repeat stop.
3 The Friendly Kitchen For those seeking vegan fine dining, The Friendly Kitchen stands out as a must visit. Tucked away on a quiet street in the 11th arrondissement, this intimate restaurant serves elegant and indulgent dishes that highlight the depth and sophistication of plant-based cuisine. The drink menu includes vegan French wines, creative cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. The seasonal menu ensures fresh inspiration year-round, and every visit feels worthy of sharing.
4 Aujourd’hui Demain Today Tomorrow This hybrid restaurant and retail space offers a truly unique vegan experience. Stop by for
brunch or dinner and enjoy a relaxed meal featuring burgers, salads, bowls, and a range of beverages. Then wander next door into the shop, which stocks vegan clothing, snacks, frozen foods, and skincare. It is the perfect place to enjoy a satisfying meal while picking up thoughtful souvenirs.
5 Cloud Cakes Cloud Cakes invites you in with irresistible pastries and keeps you there with comforting breakfast options. This charming café is known for its excellent macarons, but the menu goes far beyond sweets. Expect avocado toast, pancakes, granola yogurt parfaits, and more. For a complete experience, order the Cloud Breakfast, which includes a croissant, bread with butter and jam, juice, and your choice of hot coffee.
6 Le Potager du Marais For classic French comfort food made vegan, Le Potager du Marais delivers. This cozy restaurant reimagines traditional French dishes using plant-based ingredients. The menu features favorites like French onion soup, savory crêpes, mushroom pâté, and other familiar flavors. With so many options, it is easy to return more than once and enjoy a different dish each time.
7 Wild and The Moon Wild and The Moon is the ideal stop for a nourishing break during busy days of exploring. This wellness focused café offers fresh juices, wellness shots, salads, smoothie bowls, and warm meals, all organic and gluten free. The takeaway section is equally impressive, filled with healthy snacks for locals and travelers on the move. With eight locations across Paris, finding one along your route is easy.
8 Boneshaker Donuts Known as Paris’ first authentic doughnut shop, Boneshaker Donuts serves an entirely vegan menu. Led by pastry chef and Cordon Bleu alumna Amanda Bankert, the rotating lineup balances classic flavors with creative twists. Guests can enjoy staples like The OG glazed, vanilla, and jam filled doughnuts, or dive into inventive options such as Fluffernutter with peanut butter pastry cream and marshmallow glaze, or La Vie Maple Bacon.
Paris continues to prove that it is a forward-thinking city with a growing appetite for plant based living. With each new café, bakery, and restaurant, the city strengthens its place as a global destination for vegan food lovers. This momentum shows no signs of slowing down, making now the perfect time to experience Paris through a plant-based lens.
