Top 5 Vegan Restaurants in Lyon, France

Sea animals are sea life, not seafood. That’s the motto at Bloom Sushi. I didn’t even need to take a bite before I knew I was all in. They had me from the start. In this unicorn of a restaurant, chefs are doing things that have never been done before. I for one am obsessed, and I think you might be too.

One of two branches, I visited the Bloom Sushi in Lyon. The other is in Paris. So take your pick of either, I have no doubt the genius in the kitchen is equal at both. But outside of this fine establishment, it’s a sad fact that vegan sushi often feels like an afterthought with no attempt to recreate the true essence of what the dish actually is. That essence, the sea, has been masterfully harnessed at Bloom Sushi. Yet, they have managed it without any harm, cruelty, or death.

The menu is packed with veganized versions of all the classics, alongside innovative creations straight from the mind of the wonderful Christian Ventura and his team. If you love sushi, you won’t be able to hold back a smile as you peruse the menu and choose what to order. And as uniquely remarkable as the food is, the restaurant is just as breathtaking in its own right. The only way I can describe it is as a Japanese dream in a forest with warm light and pink blossoms, and enough vegan sushi to go around for everyone.

Bloom Sushi has (sadly) yet to make it worldwide, so during your stay in France, be sure not to miss the plant-based sushi experience of a lifetime.

I was slightly apprehensive heading to Like an Elephant for the first time. I’d heard so much good about it and was nervous it may not deliver. But that was all in vain. It was a night to remember and I’ll be straight back on my next visit to Lyon. I still dream of that vegan cheese board to this day. Hear me out. I know it’s a small thing, but even the chairs were fantastic. They were super smart and as comfortable as it comes. You know right away, when a restaurant takes that much care with its furniture, the food’s going to be good.

From fusion bao buns to French classics, there’s something for everyone on the gorgeous menu at Like an Elephant. I started with some sort of upside-down tart that completely blew my mind. It was utterly beautiful and delicate with a nutmeg cream that brought it all together. I can’t do it justice, but each bite of my red wine risotto main with mushrooms and tofu was like taking a mouthful of Europe itself. All of the dishes at Like an Elephant are simply stunning. And what’s even more amazing is the price, €38 for three courses of this quality seems like a steal to me.

You have a lot to live up to when you name your restaurant “Love,” even if it is in Slovak. But that’s exactly what Lukas, founder and head chef at Laska, did. And only after you’ve eaten there will you understand why that bold choice was completely justified. The care and attention they pour into every detail of each dish reflects the restaurant’s fitting name. And the warmth of the whole experience, from the staff to the ambiance, really makes you feel the “laska.” 

Despite Lukas’ Slovak roots, the restaurant isn’t serving up Slovak dishes. What they are producing is 100% plant-based, contemporary masterpieces.

Lukas is well aware that we eat with our eyes before anything else. Picture bright green pea veloutés, edible flowers adorning almost every dish, and elegance on each plate leaving the kitchen. But flavor has not been sacrificed for beauty. Everything I ate was exquisitely balanced, some dishes deep and complex, others subtle and comforting.

I’d never heard of terrine en croûte (pâté baked in pastry) before my trip to Laska. But now, it’s a dish I will never forget. First of all, it’s not an easy thing to make look so graceful. But they managed. Flaky pastry, an umami rich pâté with nuts and mushrooms, all offset by pickled red cabbage and a dash of Dijon mustard. If France was a dish, this would be it.

I wouldn’t be able to name everything else I ate that night, but what I can say with confidence is that they were all stupendous. If you want to feel the love then Laska is a must.

When scouring the net for somewhere to eat vegan in your French city of choice, you won’t be surprised to find that cafés are not in short supply. The French and their coffee culture is something that has (thankfully) translated seamlessly into plant-based eating. But cafés can tend to blur into one another. Despite the great quality on offer across the country, being served the same dishes and pastries on repeat does start to get a bit boring. ZEITGEIST, however, is a breath of fresh air.

As you step through the door at ZEITGEIST, your nose awakens to all those familiar smells that turn a bad day into a good one. The exposed stone walls, beautiful interior design, and high ceilings work together to create a space that feels chic and creative. And then there’s their food. The menu may not be big but it certainly packs a punch. It’s no shock that I chose the most expensive dish on the menu, “The French Vegan” at €15. My plate arrived with a flaky croissant, fluffy scrambled tofu, crunchy vegan bacon bits, plant-based cream cheese, and garlic roasted tomatoes with a rocket salad. Wow, just wow!

If you’ve been keeping up with our France series and have read the last blog on Marseille, you may be familiar with my little weakness. I love a burger. I’m always up for pizza. But if there’s a kebab on the menu, my decision’s already been made. So just imagine my excitement as I strolled through the 7th arrondissement, no real plan but with food on my mind, when I stumbled across Güstavo Gemüse Vebab. An eager jump, hop, and step landed me at their door. And after a quick peek inside, I was already ordering.

Their menu is small but mighty. I was tempted by tacos, a falafel wrap, nuggets, and their katsu burger. But you already know I went for their vebab wrap, stuffed with homemade seitan, a plethora of zingy sauces, and fresh, local vegetables. Everything is homemade, and you can really tell. So fresh. So delicious. And I felt absolutely no shame devouring it all, completely sober in the middle of the day.