Mori café

Cuisine

Authentic Japanese cuisine reimagined entirely with plant-based ingredients, from rich ramen broths to traditional homemade desserts.

The Vibe

A peaceful, convivial atmosphere where Japanese serenity meets Parisian neighborhood warmth.

Mori Café cultivates an atmosphere of tranquil conviviality that reflects its Japanese roots while embracing the relaxed energy of Paris's 11th arrondissement. The space functions as both a café and restaurant, creating a versatile environment that adapts to different moments throughout the day. The overall ambiance is decidedly peaceful, offering a welcome respite from the bustling Bastille neighborhood just steps away. This calm atmosphere doesn't translate to stuffiness or formality—instead, you'll find a genuinely friendly, casual environment where you can settle in comfortably whether you're dining alone with a book, catching up with friends, or enjoying a quiet date. The restaurant's decontracted (relaxed) approach to service enhances this welcoming vibe. There's no pretension here, just genuine hospitality and a focus on letting the food and the experience speak for themselves. The café aspect of Mori means you can drop in for a quality matcha and a slice of sesame cake without committing to a full meal, adding to the establishment's accessibility and neighborhood-café feel. This combination of Japanese-inspired serenity and Parisian casual dining creates a unique atmosphere—contemplative enough for solo diners seeking a peaceful meal, yet warm and social enough for groups to enjoy animated conversations over shared plates of ramen and donburi.

Decoration

Simple, understated décor that honors Japanese minimalist aesthetics while maintaining neighborhood café warmth.

While specific details about Mori Café's interior design aren't extensively documented, the establishment's character as a Japanese café and restaurant suggests a décor that balances minimalist Japanese aesthetics with the approachable warmth of a Parisian neighborhood spot. The space likely embraces the Japanese principle of simplicity, avoiding excessive ornamentation in favor of clean lines and functional beauty. This minimalist approach creates a calm visual environment that complements the peaceful atmosphere and allows diners to focus on the culinary experience. As a dual-purpose café and restaurant, the layout probably accommodates both quick visits and longer dining experiences, with seating arrangements that work for solo diners enjoying a matcha as well as groups sharing multiple dishes. The décor strikes a balance between the contemplative quality of a Japanese tea house and the convivial accessibility of a Parisian café, creating a space that feels both authentic to its Japanese culinary roots and genuinely welcoming to the diverse neighborhood clientele.

Uniqueness

Paris's destination for 100% vegan Japanese cuisine that honors authentic traditions while pioneering plant-based innovation.

Mori Café occupies a distinctive position in Paris's dining landscape as one of the few establishments offering entirely plant-based Japanese cuisine that maintains authentic culinary traditions. This isn't a restaurant that happens to have vegan options—it's a fully vegan establishment that has reimagined Japanese cuisine from the ground up. The restaurant's commitment to authenticity within vegan parameters sets it apart. Rather than creating fusion dishes or approximations, Mori Café prepares traditional Japanese dishes using plant-based ingredients and techniques that honor the original recipes' spirit and flavor profiles. This approach requires exceptional culinary skill, particularly in dishes like ramen where the broth's depth and complexity are paramount. The dual identity as both café and restaurant adds versatility that many specialized establishments lack. You can visit for a quick matcha and dessert, enjoy a casual lunch, or settle in for a full dinner experience. This flexibility, combined with the Click & Collect option, makes authentic Japanese vegan cuisine accessible in multiple ways. The inclusion of gluten-free options for several dishes demonstrates an understanding that dietary needs often overlap, and that creating an inclusive dining experience means accommodating multiple restrictions simultaneously. This thoughtful approach extends to the pricing, which remains accessible despite the specialized nature of the cuisine. Since opening in September 2018, Mori Café has established itself as a pioneer in plant-based Japanese dining in Paris, proving that vegan cuisine can achieve the depth, complexity, and authenticity that define traditional Japanese cooking. For those seeking Japanese food that aligns with plant-based values, or for anyone curious about how traditional cuisine translates into vegan interpretations, Mori Café offers an experience that's both unique and genuinely satisfying.

Insider Tips

Reserve ahead for groups, arrive during lunch for a peaceful experience, and don't skip the homemade desserts and quality matcha.

To make the most of your Mori Café experience, timing and planning can significantly enhance your visit. Reservations are recommended for groups of five or more and should be made by phone at 01 48 06 19 72. For smaller parties, walk-ins are generally accommodated, though arriving early during peak lunch and dinner hours increases your chances of immediate seating. The restaurant's schedule follows a traditional Japanese rhythm with a midday break. Lunch service runs from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, then the kitchen closes until 6:30 PM, reopening for dinner service until 9:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday. On Mondays, only lunch service is available from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and the restaurant is closed on Sundays. Understanding this schedule helps you plan your visit—if you're hoping for a late afternoon meal, you'll need to arrive before 3:00 PM or wait until 6:30 PM. The location near Bastille makes access straightforward. Metro lines 1, 5, and 8 all serve the area (Bastille and Ledru-Rollin stations), while bus lines 61 (Charonne-Keller stop) and 29 (Bastille stop) provide additional options. The rue des Taillandiers location places you in one of Paris's most vibrant neighborhoods, perfect for exploring before or after your meal. For those with time constraints or preferring to enjoy the food at home, take advantage of the Click & Collect option available through their website (moricafeparis.com). This allows you to order ahead and pick up your meal without waiting, particularly useful during busy periods. Don't overlook the desserts and beverages—the homemade sweets like the black sesame flan and the quality matcha are as carefully prepared as the main dishes and represent an essential part of the complete Japanese dining experience. If you're new to plant-based Japanese cuisine, the ramen offerings provide an excellent introduction to how traditional dishes translate into vegan versions. Finally, if you have gluten sensitivities, ask about the gluten-free options when ordering, as several dishes can be prepared to accommodate this dietary need. The staff's familiarity with various dietary requirements means they can guide you toward the best options for your specific needs.

Must-try Dishes

Tantanmen, Miso ramen, Sakana-don, Teriyaki don, Flan au sésame noir, Cake au sésame blanc, Tartelettes aux marrons, Dango mochi au kinako, Matcha