It’s not a surprising or especially original location choice, but with its characteristic steep steps and constant glimpses of the Sacre Coeur poking out behind quaint Parisian buildings, this hilly quartier really does have a charm that’s unrivalled by the districts closer to the river, and these favourite finds show that it’s really got its own character, with lots of little edgy and original food places and boutiques, alongside the more touristy offerings. It’s worth the climb.
Imagine
I think this might be my favourite find so far. It’s a vegan cafe in the Montmartre area, not too far from Moulin Rouge. I was greeted by a very friendly server who’s hands were covered in cake mix, and who talked me through the various exciting plant-based latte options on offer, including a delicious tumeric latte (good for anti-oxidents I’m told). Paired beautifully with a coconut-based fruity cheesecake alternative, enjoyed on the way up to the Sacre Coeur, this might have been the best brunch ever. It was a bit too early in the day to try their savory options, but veggie wraps, salads, and a plat du jour sounded good enough to guarantee at least one return visit, and many more after that.
Abattoir Vegetal
Another vegan find, this one is a bit further out, on the way up to Clignacourt, but still easily within the Montmarte area. A bit pricier, it really is vegan creativity at it’s best, with an intriguing and varied menu that doesn’t just try and adapt old classics for a plant-based diet, but instead gets innovative with vegan ingredients. I went for a platter, featuring two types of vegan cheese, and two types of hummus, one hazelnut hummus and one beetroot. As much an aesthetic experience as a culinary one, the place itself was beautifully decorated, and I think this will definitely be one to revisit when we can sit in again.
Soul Kitchen
This foodie hub is located just on the other side of the ascent to the Sacre Coeur, at the foot of a set of characteristic Montmartre steps, on a street corner, for the moment serving out of a little hatch. Open Mon-Fri with a daily changing selection posted on their facebook page each morning, it’s not always vegan friendly, but often plant-based, and you get the impression that the ingredients are good quality and responsibly sourced. As the name suggests, the dishes strike the perfect balance between nourishing and satisfying, exemplified by my vegan lentil curry, served with a little salad.
