Paris 18 · Authentic
A pioneering eco-responsible café-cantine housed in a former Petite Ceinture railway station, combining urban farming, DIY workshops, and sustainable dining since 2014.
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Simple, eco-responsible cuisine featuring organic ingredients and hyperlocal produce from the on-site urban farm.
La Recyclerie's culinary approach embodies its environmental mission through straightforward, honest cooking that lets quality ingredients shine. The kitchen operates on principles of sustainability, seasonality, and minimal waste, creating a menu that's both accessible and thoughtful.
The cuisine draws inspiration from diverse traditions, with notable influences from African and Lebanese cooking. The signature chicken shawarma, served in warm pita bread, exemplifies this approach—flavorful, satisfying, and reasonably priced at around €20 for two people. The menu emphasizes vegetarian options and plant-based dishes, reflecting both environmental consciousness and the bounty of the urban farm.
What makes the food experience truly special is the hyperlocal sourcing. Fruits and vegetables grown in La Recyclerie's own urban farm make their way directly to your plate, offering unparalleled freshness and traceability. This farm-to-table approach isn't just a concept here—it's visible reality, as you can literally see where your food comes from by stepping outside to the gardens. Beyond the on-site production, the kitchen sources from small local producers, supporting the kind of sustainable agriculture that La Recyclerie champions.
The cooking style is deliberately simple and unfussy, focusing on natural flavors and wholesome preparations. You won't find molecular gastronomy or elaborate presentations here; instead, expect honest, nourishing food that respects both ingredients and diners. The menu changes with the seasons and farm production, ensuring variety and optimal freshness throughout the year.
Organic and natural products form the foundation of every dish, with attention paid to the entire supply chain. The kitchen's commitment to zero waste means creative use of all ingredients, with scraps and trimmings going to the on-site composting system rather than the trash. This circular approach extends to the dining experience itself, with an emphasis on reducing packaging and unnecessary waste.
The café-cantine format means the food is approachable and relatively quick, suitable for casual lunches, relaxed dinners, or afternoon snacks. The corner area offers lighter options throughout the day, while the main dining room serves more substantial meals. Click & collect service allows you to enjoy La Recyclerie's eco-responsible cuisine at home, extending the mission beyond the physical space.
A relaxed, convivial atmosphere where environmental consciousness meets urban conviviality in a uniquely green setting.
La Recyclerie cultivates an atmosphere that's simultaneously laid-back and purposeful—a rare combination that makes you feel both relaxed and inspired. The vibe here is decidedly collaborative and community-oriented, drawing a diverse crowd of eco-conscious Parisians, curious visitors, and anyone seeking an alternative to conventional dining experiences.
The energy shifts throughout the day and week. Mornings bring a quieter, café-like ambiance as locals stop by the corner for coffee and pastries. Lunch service buzzes with conversation as the dining room fills with people drawn by the simple, honest food and the unique setting. As evening approaches, particularly on Wednesday nights and weekends, the atmosphere becomes more animated, with the terrace transforming into a lively gathering spot where friends share meals surrounded by greenery.
What makes La Recyclerie special is its authentic commitment to its mission—this isn't eco-consciousness as marketing, but as a genuine way of life. You'll find people engaged in repair workshops, browsing products from small producers, or simply enjoying the rare pleasure of dining in nature within Paris. The space encourages lingering and exploration, whether you're here for a quick bite or spending an afternoon discovering the urban farm and attending a workshop.
The crowd reflects the neighborhood's diversity and the venue's inclusive ethos. Families appreciate the kid-friendly environment and outdoor space, while young professionals gather for after-work drinks on the terrace. The presence of the urban farm and regular cultural events creates natural conversation starters, fostering connections between strangers united by shared values. There's no pretension here—just genuine warmth, environmental passion, and the simple pleasure of good food in an extraordinary setting.
Industrial railway heritage meets urban garden oasis, where reclaimed materials and abundant greenery create an unexpectedly lush environment.
La Recyclerie's décor is a masterclass in adaptive reuse, honoring the building's railway heritage while transforming it into a green sanctuary. The original train station architecture provides the bones—exposed beams, industrial fixtures, and the linear layout of the former platform—creating an authentic sense of place that immediately transports you to another era.
The interior embraces the raw, unfinished aesthetic of the original structure, with weathered materials and vintage elements that speak to the venue's commitment to reuse and recycling. Rather than covering up the building's history, the design celebrates it, allowing the patina of time to add character and warmth. Reclaimed wood features prominently in furniture and fixtures, while salvaged objects find new life as decorative elements, each piece telling its own story of transformation.
What truly distinguishes La Recyclerie's aesthetic is the seamless integration of nature throughout the space. Plants cascade from shelves, herbs grow in repurposed containers, and the boundary between indoor and outdoor blurs deliberately. Large windows and openings frame views of the urban farm and gardens, making the greenery an integral part of the visual experience even when you're inside.
The terrace represents the pinnacle of this nature-meets-industry aesthetic. Stretching along the former railway line, it offers an expansive outdoor area where dining tables nestle among plants and garden beds. The views over the shared gardens and urban farm create an almost countryside atmosphere, a remarkable feat in the heart of Paris. The space feels simultaneously wild and intentional, with the structured elements of the old railway infrastructure providing framework for the organic growth of the gardens.
Throughout the venue, the décor reflects the DIY ethos central to La Recyclerie's mission. Nothing feels overly designed or precious; instead, there's a functional beauty to the space that invites you to imagine possibilities rather than simply admire finished perfection. This is a living, evolving environment where the decoration serves the larger purpose of demonstrating sustainable, creative approaches to urban living.
An on-site urban farm, repair workshops, and environmental education programs make this far more than a restaurant—it's a living model of sustainable urban living.
La Recyclerie stands alone in Paris's dining landscape by functioning as a comprehensive eco-hub rather than simply a restaurant. The on-site urban farm represents the most visible expression of this uniqueness—a working agricultural space producing fruits and vegetables that travel mere meters from soil to plate. You can watch your food grow, understanding exactly where it comes from in a way that's impossible at conventional restaurants.
The venue's commitment to the 'three Rs'—reduce, reuse, recycle—manifests in every aspect of the operation. Beyond serving food, La Recyclerie hosts regular DIY repair workshops where visitors learn to fix broken items rather than discard them, directly challenging throwaway culture. These repair cafés embody the venue's educational mission, teaching practical skills while building community around shared environmental values.
The location itself contributes to the uniqueness. Situated in a former railway station along the historic Petite Ceinture, La Recyclerie occupies a space that would otherwise remain abandoned. This adaptive reuse of forgotten infrastructure demonstrates the possibilities of urban transformation, turning a relic of industrial Paris into a green oasis for the 21st century.
Environmental education programs and awareness workshops occur regularly, making La Recyclerie a learning center as much as a dining destination. These initiatives go beyond superficial eco-messaging to provide substantive engagement with environmental challenges and solutions. The composting systems visible throughout the space serve as practical demonstrations of waste valorization, showing visitors how organic matter can be transformed into resources rather than trash.
The venue also functions as a marketplace for small producers, offering a platform for local artisans and farmers to reach customers directly. This creates a complete ecosystem of sustainable consumption, where dining, shopping, and learning intersect seamlessly.
Perhaps most significantly, La Recyclerie proves that environmental responsibility and enjoyable dining aren't mutually exclusive. The space never feels preachy or austere; instead, it demonstrates how sustainable practices can enhance rather than diminish the pleasure of eating well. The combination of excellent food, beautiful setting, engaging activities, and genuine environmental impact creates an experience that's truly one-of-a-kind in Paris.
Book ahead for Wednesday evenings, arrive early for terrace seating, and explore the urban farm before or after your meal.
Timing your visit strategically can significantly enhance your La Recyclerie experience. Wednesday evenings draw particularly large crowds, so if you're planning to visit then, arrive early or be prepared for a wait—though individual tables don't require reservations, popular times can fill up quickly. For groups of 5 to 40 people, booking through Privateaser is mandatory and ensures you'll have space for your gathering.
The terrace represents one of La Recyclerie's greatest assets, offering an unparalleled outdoor dining experience in Paris. To secure a coveted terrace table, especially during pleasant weather, plan to arrive when service begins—noon for lunch or early evening for dinner. The terrace operates from noon to 11pm daily, providing flexibility for different meal times.
Don't limit your visit to just eating. Take time to explore the urban farm and shared gardens, which offer fascinating insights into urban agriculture and the source of your meal's ingredients. The farm is most active and interesting during growing season (spring through fall), when you can see the full range of production. Walking through the gardens before or after your meal adds context and appreciation to the dining experience.
If you're interested in the DIY workshops or repair cafés, check the website in advance for the schedule. These events book up quickly and offer unique opportunities to learn practical skills while meeting like-minded people. Combining a workshop with a meal makes for a full, enriching afternoon or evening.
The corner area, open from 8am to 4pm daily, provides a quieter, more casual option than the main dining room. It's perfect for morning coffee, light snacks, or a peaceful spot to work with the free Wi-Fi. This area sees less traffic than the main restaurant, making it ideal if you're seeking a more tranquil experience.
For families, La Recyclerie offers a rare combination of kid-friendly atmosphere and genuinely interesting environment. Children enjoy exploring the farm and gardens, making this an excellent choice for family meals where kids won't be bored. Small pets are also welcome, so you can bring your four-legged companions along.
The venue accepts restaurant vouchers (tickets restaurant), making it more accessible for lunch during the work week. Click & collect service allows you to enjoy La Recyclerie's food at home, perfect for picnics or when you want to support the mission but can't dine in.
Getting there is straightforward via metro line 4, buses 85 and 56, or tram T3 to Porte de Clignancourt. The venue is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy this unique space. Parking is available nearby at Porte de Clignancourt (20 Avenue de la Porte de Clignancourt) if you're driving.
Finally, embrace the collaborative spirit of the place. La Recyclerie thrives on community engagement, so don't hesitate to ask staff about the farm, the workshops, or the environmental initiatives. The team is passionate about the mission and happy to share knowledge, making your visit both delicious and educational.
Chicken shawarma, Seasonal vegetables from the urban farm, Organic vegetarian plates
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