Located on Avenue Parmentier in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, Présent is a vegan restaurant founded by Cheyma Bourguiba and Raphaël Francisco. Set in a cozy, intimate setting, this bistro completely plant-based offers small and large sharing plates that reimagine traditional bistro dishes in a fully vegan version.
Eight years after opening Aujourd'hui Demain, still thriving on rue du Chemin Vert, the duo is taking a new step with Présent: they’re moving from the concept store scene to embrace the style of a night-time bistro, offering an even more authentic experience.
The space spreads across 150 m² featuring exposed stone walls, vintage furniture, and soft lighting. It’s just as suitable for lively group dinners as for intimate date nights, thanks to its cozy bar area, high communal tables, and a charming terrace for warmer days.
In the kitchen, Cheyma Bourguiba crafts an entirely plant-based menu that challenges conventions and expectations. The goal isn’t just to elevate vegetables but to reinterpret classic dishes traditionally made with meat or animal-derived ingredients. The result is simply stunning.
The “Vegetable Cordon Bleu” (€11) impresses with its realistic appearance and indulgent flavors, while the “Shredded Meat in Red Wine” (€12) offers textures reminiscent of slow-cooked, tender meat. The Panko-Crumbed Pleurotes (€10) transform into a crunchy, hearty vegetarian take on fried chicken. Even the couscous (€20) comes topped with “vegetable Kefta”. Behind these dishes are carefully crafted plant-based meats—primarily soy proteins—prepared with finesse and bold flavors, all kept under wraps through secret recipes.
Présent proudly embraces a bold approach: transforming classic, beloved dishes—some deeply rooted in the collective imagination—into plant-based versions. The goal isn’t to preach a lifestyle but to win people over through enjoyment! This way, they break free from the sometimes restrictive label of veganism, aiming to appeal to everyone, including skeptics, with deliciousness.
Currently open only in the evenings, from Tuesday to Saturday, Present unfolds in three stages: from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the space transforms into a wine bar and tasting cellar, serving cocktails, mocktails, beers, natural and organic wines curated by Raphaël Francisco, charcuterie boards (€22), and vegetable tapas.
Starting at 7 p.m., the evening kicks off with hearty, well-crafted dishes and bottles ready for toasts until midnight. The lunchtime menu and brunch will be unveiled later this year.
Ultimately, Présent lives up to its name: a spot rooted in its era that confidently faces tradition head-on and chooses to reinvent it, all while never compromising on flavor and the pleasure it delivers!
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Thursday:
from 05:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Friday:
from 05:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday:
from 05:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Tuesday:
from 05:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Wednesday:
from 05:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Location
Present
13bis Avenue Parmentier
75011 Paris 11
Official website
aujourdhui-demain.com
