Le Boréal: the Parisian address that elevates plant-based cuisine
A 100% vegetarian menu tested in Paris, France.
Located at the corner of Rue Montcalm and Rue du Pôle Nord, Le Boréal has elegantly settled in Paris’s 18th arrondissement. A name that evokes the north, a discreet location, and cuisine that leaves a mark.
From the moment you enter, you’re charmed by the typical Parisian atmosphere: glass façade, brass counter, soft lighting, and an intimate ambience. You feel truly at ease. The team is friendly and attentive to guests.
In the kitchen, a duo united in life and work: Philippine Jaillet and Charles Neyers.
Two complementary personalities bring a distinctive energy to the table. Philippine, who trained at Pierre Hermé and Taillevent, brings precision, attention to detail, and a real talent for delicate pairings. Charles, self-taught, has built his culinary culture between street food and gastronomy. Together, they offer creative, easily understandable, and deeply personal cuisine.
They were both contestants on the famous Top Chef show, where they progressively revealed a strong culinary identity and a keen interest in plant-based cuisine—something that immediately intrigued me about them.
Le Boréal offers two five-course tasting menus at €88 each (an omnivore menu and a vegetarian one).
And it’s the latter that captured my full attention.
All too often, the vegetarian menu is a pared-down version of the main menu. Here, it’s quite the opposite: plant-based cooking is designed for what it is, with logic, surprising pairings, controlled cooking, and freshness—especially appreciated in hot weather.
Menu La Canopée
Artichaut poivrade, gelée vin de mai, dukkah
Courgette trompette, pesto ail des ours
Chawanmushi champignon
Fleur de courgette, brocciu, vierge geranium, verveine
Gnocchi, cresson, légumes verts
Haricots beurre et piatone, miso vanille, ajo blanco de pignons de pin, citron meyer, cerise
Sorbet sapin, pomme de pin, Granny Smith, liqueur sapin
Tarte crème brûlée vin jaune, fromages du Jura, caramel morilles
Vacherin, crémeux vinaigre, sorbet aux herbes, cueillette sauvage, chantilly miel, pollen frais
I was blown away by the creativity of the dishes and their harmony of flavors. One standout example: butter beans served with white miso, vanilla, and cherries—a pairing you’d never dare to imagine… and yet it works wonderfully.
But the dish that impressed me most was the crème brûlée tart with vin jaune and Jura cheeses. I admit I was very skeptical at first—crème brûlée, vin jaune, cheese… really?—but it was absolutely brilliant. An unexpected gustatory kick, halfway between a main dish and a pre-dessert. The balance and surprise were spot-on.
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A plant-based menu that commands respect
Beyond the plate, the service deserves praise: a team that listens, is attentive without being intrusive, and shows real attention to detail. The experience is thoughtful and polished from start to finish.
At €88 for a five-course menu, the value for money is excellent—especially for a restaurant led by two former Top Chef contestants, where the promise of high standards is fully delivered—without any fuss.
Best Veggie Tables' opinion
In summary : A true favorite, highly recommended for anyone wanting to discover a different side of Parisian bistronomy—greener, more audacious, and resolutely modern.
Areas for improvement: I’m still looking…
Last visit: June 2025 (1 visit)
Where to find this exceptional table
Le Boréal
39 Rue Montcalm, 75018 Paris
09 78 81 17 38
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 7:00 p.m.