A pioneer of feel-good plant-based cooking, star foodie and naturopath Angèle Ferreux-Maeght has created the menu at Jardin Folia, her new restaurant nestled in the heart of the Jardin des Plantes. Think eye-catching interiors, colourful plates celebrating the seasons and wholesome cooking that never compromises on indulgence. The perfect excuse for a little green escape in the heart of Paris, it’s also an ideal pit stop during a stroll through the Latin Quarter.
A Chic Urban Jungle in the Heart of the Jardin des Plantes
Forget your typical dreary museum cafeteria: Jardin Folia is determined to turn lunch into an experience in its own right. Located on rue Cuvier, inside the Jardin des Plantes, this cheerful restaurant is the result of a collaboration with the French National Museum of Natural History and Sodexo Live!, bringing the botanical world straight to the plate. Inside, the charming décor combines natural materials, a counter clad in deep green tiles, touches of wood and glowing pendant lights. The pièce de résistance? A gorgeous floral wallpaper that makes you feel as though you’re dining in a bucolic country cottage, or even stepping into an Impressionist painting.
With 90 indoor seats and a 150-seat terrace, the restaurant is spacious without losing its sense of escapism. Drop by after exploring the greenhouses, meet friends for lunch, enjoy an afternoon treat with the family or take a breather away from the Parisian hustle and bustle. It’s just the kind of reliable address that brings cultural outings and the pleasure of good food together beautifully.
Plant-Based Cooking Meets Pure Indulgence
At the helm of the menu, Angèle Ferreux-Maeght, a leading name in wholesome, generous cooking, champions a vibrant, colourful and accessible approach to plant-forward cuisine. No preaching here, and certainly no blanket ban on animal protein: seasonal vegetables take centre stage, while fish and meat also have their place. Conscious cooking, yes, but above all, food that makes you want to dive straight in, with playful textures and punchy seasonings that bring every plate to life.
To kick things off, share a generous platter of fresh herb falafels, hummus, zesty avocado cream and butternut squash, crunchy vegetables and pita bread (€20). Alternatively, opt for the velvety pumpkin soup with miso almond cream and toasted kasha (€10), a beautifully balanced bowl full of depth, or crispy sheep’s cheese bites with tarragon mayonnaise, crunchy on the outside and irresistibly gooey in the middle (€10). Already a signature dish, the Folia salad brings together organic red quinoa, falafels, Chioggia beetroot, butternut squash, avocado, pomegranate and hummus for a colourful, satisfying all-in-one meal (€20). Fish lovers will be tempted by the sea bass fillet, served with turmeric carrot mousseline, za’atar-fried purple cauliflower and miso sauce (€25). And for a seriously indulgent finish, there’s chocolate mousse with almond and hazelnut praline, olive oil and flaky sea salt (€10), or pumpkin pavlova with chestnut cream and toasted hazelnuts (€10). The best news for weekday lunches? A main course and dessert set menu for €20, changing according to the chef’s inspiration and seasonal arrivals. We’re already looking forward to our next visit.
Open daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm, with continuous service.
© Jessica Bascou
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