“In every walk with nature one receives far more than one seeks” – John Muir, American most famous naturalist.
In an increasingly urbanized world, nature-inspired design is crucial for creating healthier, less stressful environments. Without realising it, we miss and seek the connection with nature by surrounding ourselves with greenery. Biophilic design integrates natural elements in our lives and affects positively our well-being. We want to spend time in spaces that inspire, restore, and contribute to overall health weather it is our apartment, office or a dining place.
If you seek a dining spot with a plant-filled and romantic setting, Paris will not disappoint you. This city never fails to captivate curious explorers. Currently, many of the trendiest restaurants incorporate plants and greenery in innovative ways to create a distinctive atmosphere and enhance the overall dining experience.
Continuously, I’ll revise my bucket list to include destinations with verdant interiors, emphasizing the fact that offering excellent cuisine alone is no longer sufficient.
Let’s bring the outdoors inside
Certain restaurants are reshaping the foodie experience, integrating the outdoors into their interiors. By infusing elements such as vibrant greenery, abundant natural light, and expansive open-air seating, they craft a distinctive and immersive environment that proves difficult to compete with. The following guide will introduce you to the most enchanting restaurants inspired by nature:
Pink Mama. Start the Italian journey across four floors
18th arr., 20bis Rue de Douai, M: Saint-Georges
It’s part of the Big Mamma group, renown for its Italian restaurants in Paris, including another gem, La Félicita. Considered a “must-visit” by those exploring Paris, it captures attention with a lively and upbeat atmosphere. The interior design of Pink Mamma trattoria is a prime example of the biophilic design concept. Experiencing this place feels like embarking on a multi-sensory journey through distinct styles on each of its four floors. You cannot compare this space to anything else.
Your sensory adventure will start on the first flour in an elegent cocktail-bar. One floor exudes a retro ambiance with vintage tapestries, while another draws inspiration from Florence. Additionally, there is a trattoria-themed area adorned with antique plates on the wall, providing guests with a view of the kitchen. If you are not satisfied, go upstairs for the tea time and enjoy a nice choice of pastries. It’s on the top, gazebo-like, floor, with a glass roof, abundant light streaming in through the windows.
There is a small card attached to the menu explaining that there is also a speakeasy bar, hidden in the basement with a huge selection of cocktails. You can grab a cocktail while you wait for a table or have one after eating.
Pink Mamma’s biophilic interior is evident throughout its décor. You can observe it in the climbing leaves adorning the building facade, green plants grace nearly every corner or the glass rooftop ceiling is decorated with wine creepers.
The average prices: pizza: 17 EUR, first course: 19 EUR, second course: 20 EUR, dessert: 9 EUR.
Zola Paris. Try Pizza & Pasta spot hidden behind the Parisian Passage.
2nd arr., 62 Pass. des Panoramas, M: Grands Boulevards
The Passage des Panoramas is filled with little surprises, and Zola, the Pizza & Pasta spot, is definitely one of them. In the middle of of the passage, the talented designers, Les Naturistes have adorned the ceiling with carefully chosen hanging plants, creating a unique and charming atmosphere. Hanging down among the leaves are lights shaped like round glass balls.
In the back of the room, a big old-fashioned mirror covers the whole wall, making the neon lights brighter and the space look deeper. The basement’s small but cozy room has a unique and pretty decoration with green plants.
The average prices: pizza: 13 EUR, pasta: 15 EUR, dessert: 7.5 EUR.
Les Pavillon des Canaux. Enjoy people watching with a view on a canal.
19th arr., 39 Quai de la Loire
The Pavillon des Canaux has a truly unique and concept. I was looking for a quirky cafe, somewhere close to my favorite Quai de la Seine and i found it walking around the district! A small house with a beautiful glass roof where you can gather for a drink and feel like at home chatting in spaces resembling a bathroom, kitchen, living room, and bedroom, each with its own special decoration.
Numerous visitors discover the Pavillon des Canals ideal for indulging in a brunch while relishing a relaxing view. Personally, what I sought was the experience of sitting on the terrace beneath the enchanting glass roof and enjoying my meal.
The waterside setting of the terrace is truly picturesque with a view on a Canal de l’Ourcq. The brunch was delightful and satisfying, and we explored the upstairs rooms like a museum. This place is a must-visit and one of my most delightful discoveries, a true favorite!
The average prices: tapas: 7 EUR, brunch: 28 EUR, dessert: 4 EUR.
Maison Sauvage. Have a relaxing brunch place in the heart of Saint Germain des Prés.
6th arr., 5 Rue de Buci, M: Saint-Sulpice
I could describe Maison Sauvage as a breakfast or a brunch place to go. I enjoy sitting outside and people watch while tasting some delicious coffee and savory breakfast.
It’s famous for its flowery facade encompassing the whole building in the heart of Saint Germain des Prés. It does not really matter that they are actually fake flowers. The decoration is styled into a country-house spirit.
It’s surely the place that all my Parisian friends were talking about, but i was not disappointed. The bacon, cheddar, egg, and avocado breakfast sandwich I ordered was delicious and came in fresh bread and the croissants were exactly as I expected: buttery and mouth-melting.
The average prices: for tapas: 11 EUR, main dish: 18 EUR.
Bellefeuille. Your unique dining experience on a verdant terrace.
16th arr., 5 Pl. du Chancelier Adenauer, M: Rue de la Pompe and Porte Dauphine
Paris is home to many luxurious restaurants but I was looking for an unique dining experience on a verdant terrace. I wanted to celebrate a special occasion in a relaxing place, where no-one will rush you to finish your meal. Bellefeuille offers an alternative summer dinner menu that can be enjoyed on the quiet and intimate terrace from May to August.
The 6-course tasting menu was served within 2.5hours and it was a real journey through the forest, sea and Paris. Dishes were beautifully named and presented. I was more than happy to taste delightful seafood which are treated by the chef with the outmost respect. It’s what this place is famous for!
The restaurant integrates nature in the heart of guests experience through its decor, garden experience and in its menu. To my surprise I have learned that the chefs are using vegetables from their own garden located south of Paris, and honey from the beehives situated in Saint James’s garden. I love the concept!
The place is incredibly romantic wether you stay in the winter garden or at the terrace watching the nature and the stunning architecture of Saint James hotel.
The average prices: for a menu 3: 140 EUR, menu 4: 170 EUR, menu 6: 210 EUR.
Brach. Sit on a verdant rooftop terrace with a view on Eifel Tower.
16th arr., 1-7 Rue Jean Richepin, M: La Muette
Imagine a building, a home to a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar on a 7th floor, hidden somewhere within the garden of berries, aromatic herbs and flowers. You can visit the restaurant terrace on the ground floor to try fusion Mediterranean menu or Asian menu on the first floor.
My favourite option was the rooftop vegetable garden and a summer cocktail bar with a panoramic view on different sides of Paris. There are other surprises on the same floor such as a Norwegian bath and… hens! The setting is magnificent, spacious and simply magical at the sunset! They also serve some really delicious tasty sushi rolls but you have to be patient as the wait is long for the food to come.
Brach seems to know well how to play with natural materials and combines it with metal and leather. They nestled wooden seats within the herb garden and surrounded them with vegetable beds which gives a bit of rural vibe into the overall chic space.
The average prices: for a starter: 31 EUR, for a pasta: 34 EUR, for a main meal with meat: 50 EUR, for a dessert: 18 EUR.
