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Paris is a big culinary destination, but since a lot of traditional French cuisine is meat-heavy, vegetarians used to have a really hard time. We say used to because, over the past few years, things have improved A LOT for vegetarians. Many restaurants now offer at least one vegetarian option – and we’re talking about something creative and not merely a salad or steamed vegetables. The city has more and more completely vegetarian places, but we know that you might be with fellow travelers who sample some classic French food. You can please both the vegetarians and carnivores in your group by dining at these best vegetarian-friendly french restaurants in Paris.

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(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)

This is an image of a café with seating out the front and a big bar.

Image Courtesy of Brasserie Bellanger via Facebook

Brasserie Bellanger

This hip restaurant at the edge of South Pigalle and close to Gare du Nord is a great option for vegetarian-friendly dining in Paris. It’s part of a small group of neo-brasseries, modern restaurants that revive the traditions of French brasseries, and they also carefully source ingredients from excellent French producers. It has a fun decor, stylish but very French without being kitschy. The menu changes each season and always with one creative and tasty veggie main course and a few starters. The group has four other restaurants in Paris, all with pretty much the same menu, but with a different look, so if another location is more convenient, you’ll have a great meal there too. They take reservations so it’s best to reserve a few weeks before if possible.

Brasserie Bellanger | South Pigalle

This is an image of a restaurant filled with tables and red, royal interiors.

Image Courtesy of Petit Bouillon Pharamond via Facebook

Petit Bouillon Pharamond

Paris has about a dozen bouillons, which are large restaurants serving classic French dishes at very reasonable prices. Bouillons are a great option if you’re on a budget – but not all fantastic for vegetarians. This centrally-located bouillon has an absolutely gorgeous Art Nouveau interior as well as several vegetarian starters, and one or two mains (one that’s usually vegan). It doesn’t take reservations, so come early or on the later side to avoid waiting in line.  

Petit Bouillon Pharamond | Les Halles-Montorgueil

This is an image of a restaurant with white-clothed tables scattered across the room.

Image Courtesy of Bouillon Pigalle via Facebook

Bouillon Pigalle

This modern bouillon on the edge of Montmartre is another one we can recommend for vegetarians. It has a number of vegetarian starters as well as two vegetarian main courses which usually have some sort of cheese in them. They also take reservations (yah!), so if you’re planning in advance, you can avoid waiting in line, which can get really long here. They also have a restaurant next to Place de la République, which has a lovely historic decor.

Bouillon Pigalle | Montmartre/Pigalle | WA

This is an image of a restaurant exterior with a green blind that says 'Restaurant Au 35'

Image Courtesy of Au 35 via Facebook

Au 35

So, we really recommend not eating (or drinking anything for that matter) at the historic cafés of Saint-Germain as they are expensive and overrated. Instead, right around the corner is this great local bistro. A lesser-known gem, it isn’t touristy and has a cozy feel. On the chalkboard menu are well-prepared French dishes with a modern twist and at least one vegetarian main course.

Au 35 | Saint-Germain

This is an image of a table at Cafe Jade full of a vegetarian breakfast, OJ and a cup of coffee.

Image Courtesy of Café Jade 

Café Jade

If you’re looking for something more casual in the Saint-Germain area, this is a fabulous choice. The local café is on the lively rue de Buci, a lively street we really love. Of all the cafés on the street, it has the best prices and a good ambiance. On the menu are several vegetarian and vegan options including salads, omelets, a veggie burger, a vegan bowl, and an Asian-inspired dish. The food isn’t gastronomic, but it’s pretty tasty and well-suited for families, couples, and single travelers alike. 

Café Jade | Saint-Germain

This is an image of a restaurant fitted with tables that have been set with cutlery and wine glasses.

Image Courtesy of Bistrot Vivienne 

Bistrot Vivienne

This classy bistro near the Palais-Royal is one of the best vegetarian-friendly French restaurants in Paris. You can choose to sit in its relaxed but chic interior or at a table within the beautiful Galerie Vivienne, one of the city’s prettiest historic passageways. It’s perfect for a refined lunch in the area that won’t break the bank. Its menu has both classic French favorites and some modern dishes including both vegan and vegetarian options.

Bistrot Vivienne | Palais-Royal

This is an image of cafe with tables out front, sporting glasses and cutlery.

Bistrot Victoires

For a cheap and cheerful option near the Louvre and the Palais-Royal, track down this old-school restaurant. You’ll love its vintage decor and bargain menu of escargots, duck confit, roasted chicken with fries, and several vegetarian dishes – including a veggie burger they make in-house which is actually really good. 

Bistrot Victoires | Palais-Royal

This is an image of a very chic restaurant with tables and chairs + booths. There is also a nice bar with bar seating.

Image Courtesy of Brasserie Alesti via Instagram

Brasserie Alesti

This stylish modern brasserie is a great match for vegetarians looking to eat something tasty in the Grands Boulevard area. Its menu changes with the season and usually features two vegetarian dishes. So you can enjoy a creative hot goat cheese salad or tomato tart while your carnivorous friends devour a croque-monsieur with truffles or steak with home fries.

Brasserie Alesti | Grands Boulevards

This is an image of a beautiful restaurant filled with art and mood lighting. The tables have glasses on them and cutlery.

Image Courtesy of Brasserie Rosie via Instagram

Brasserie Rosie

Another trendy modern brasserie, this venue near Bastille might be trying to lure in Instagrammers with its picture-perfect setting, but the food is actually pretty tasty too. They have a selection of small plates for sharing in addition to a “vegetarian dish of the moment” and usually another veggie main. It also has a sister restaurant in the Grands Boulevards area.

Brasserie Rosie | Bastille | WA

This is an image of a very bright yellow restaurant full of eccentric art and set tables.

Image Courtesy of Le Petit Rétro

Le Petit Rétro

If you’re looking for a great vegetarian-friendly restaurant in western Paris, then you won’t be disappointed with this beautiful classic bistro near Trocadero. It has stunning Art Nouveau decor with delicate tiles and tables set with crisp white tablecloths. It has a younger chef who’s adding a contemporary touch to traditional French dishes. The menu has a few veggie starters but only has one vegetarian main, so be sure to check its website in advance to make sure it’s something you want to eat.

Le Petit Rétro | Trocadéro | WA

This is an image of a delicious crepe with toppings.

Image Courtesy of Breizh Café via Facebook

Bonus recommendation – crêperies

There are tons of creperies around the city and these are actually among the very best vegetarian-friendly French restaurants in Paris. Sure, there are the “crepe” stands all over the city which make for a great snack on the go, but there are also lovely sit-down creperies that serve both savory crepes (called galettes) and sweet dessert crepes (called crêpes de froment). Creperies always have options for vegetarians. These aren’t vegan as they contain milk and butter (and usually cheese), but if you eat dairy, you’ll be fine in any creperies, so these are great crowd pleasers – and the perfect option for families. You can’t go wrong at Breizh Café (WA), which uses excellent quality ingredients and has a few different locations around the city. The Montparnasse area is known for its creperies and we love la Crêperie de Josselin, which serves up amazing crepes and has a super cute decor.

If you’re looking for other insider recommendations on where to eat in Paris, read these articles next:

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Lily Heise

A long-time Paris resident, Lily Heise is a travel writer whose work has been in Condé Nast Traveler, Huff Post, Fodor’s, AFAR, and Frommer’s, among others. When she’s not uncovering the city’s best secrets, she can be found on a Parisian café terrasse or traveling the globe.

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