France: First vegan restaurant to earn a Michelin star

Wpis dostępny jest także w języku: polski

The vegan restaurant ONA (Origine Non-Animale) is the first restaurant in France serving exclusively animal product-free dishes to win a Michelin star. Their success would not have been possible without the help of a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2016.

It is the first vegan restaurant in France and the third in the world to have won such an award. Michelin also awarded ONA a green star – in a new category, dedicated to locales that promote a sustainable and ecological approach to gastronomy.

The restaurant is located in the small town of Ares, near Bordeaux, and is run by chef Claire Vallee. The beginnings were difficult – banks refused to grant loans, arguing that the investment risk was too high. Eventually, some of the fund goals were reached owing to a loan from La Nef bank, which specializes in ethical investments. Ultimately, however, the project was brought to fruition thanks to a successful online crowdfunding, with 80 volunteers paying for the remaining opening costs.

Currently, the restaurant enjoys great success, even in times of a pandemic. This is one of the effects of the growing popularity and demand for vegan cuisine.