La Grenier de Notre-Dame

La Grenier de Notre-Dame

La Grenier de Notre-Dame is one of the few vegetarian establishments in Paris. I found the recommendation on one of the herbivore websites listing off the best vegetarian restaurants in the city. It’s tucked away on one of the side streets just south of Notre Dame and on the south side of the river.

The seating inside is cozy, which translates to “not typical American friendly”. The restaurant has two floors, with restrooms upstairs, but I doubt the majority of typical Americans could make it up the narrow spiral staircase. Even I had a little bit of trouble shuffling up the stairway, but then again, I can’t really think of many vegetarians who have concerns about their weight. So maybe it’s just a self solving problem.

The menu boasts a variety of options based on the peasant food theme, and portions here are generous. However, the food here just isn’t satisfying. Jen was able to make do and order a nice casserole, and I opted to just get a vegetarian souffle, with the idea of grabbing a meaty crepe once we left. The quality of both of our dishes were pretty good, but they just weren’t doing it for me. The presentation is also a bit lacking. The souffle I ordered could use some garnishing, although the side salad was a nice touch. Jen’s casserole looked like it had followed us from the Air France flight and made its way to the table. Despite the gastro-setbacks, I was happy that we at least found a place that caters to her dietary restrictions more than a meat eating caveman like me. Which is to say, on a vacation, there are none.

The one dish missing on the menu was a ratatouille, which is the quintessential vegetarian peasant dish (according to the movie, that’s right, Disney force feeds me my history lessons). Not that it would have been any better of a dish for either of us, it was just one selection I had expected to see offered.

Ratatouille

Service and food preparation is quick, and they do speak English here (the wait staff is both helpful and friendly). If you’re a diehard vegetarian and you can’t find anything else to eat within a few miles, a meal here will do. Otherwise, I’d say save the Euros and find a better meal elsewhere. You can easily make do with a delicious fresh crepe or fresh pastry from any number of patisseries nearby. Or do both! WHY NOT.

La Grenier de Notre-Dame has two locations in Paris. View a map of them here.

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