Up until recently, the only reason people passed through Porte de Clignancourt, on the outskirts of the 18th arrondissement, was for the famous Marché aux puces antique market in St. Ouen. The creation of Les Jardins du Ruisseau, a community garden located on the abandoned platforms of the city’s former commuter rail system, increased the appeal of this rough-around-the-edges area, attracting urban explorers and city picnickers since the gardens opened their doors almost ten years ago. 
The abandoned train station overlooking the gardens is now home to the neighborhood’s newest addition, La REcyclerie. Headed up by the team behind Le Comptoir Général, the cafeteria-style restaurant and bar has co-opted the spirit of the quartier and created an open, airy space that is host to group gatherings and informative workshops. 
Often based on the theme of recycling, to which its name pays homage, recent events focused on subjects like DIY cosmetics creation, repairing household appliances, and birdhouse making. 
An eclectic food menu ranges from foreign (Finnish-inspired fare, couscous, etc.) to traditional French (beef tartare), with cocktails (7 euro), beer (6 euro a pint) and bulk natural wine (3.50 a glass, 16 euro a bottle) from the 18th’s own En Vrac. 
Ordering is done at the bar, making it easy to enjoy a leisurely self-service evening, either in the spacious dining room or on the picnic tables scattered around the platforms opposite the community garden. 
Le REcyclerie promises many things to come, including a chicken coop, a shop, and an urban garden. Exciting upcoming projects such as these make La REcyclerie, which is quickly becoming a popular spot to eat, drink, and upcycle, an address to keep an eye on. 
La REcyclerie – 83 boulevard Ornano, 75018 Paris. Tel: +33 (0)1 42 57 58 49
Related links:
- Emily Dilling explores the nearby up-and-coming neighborhood of La Goutte d’Or in the 18th arrondissement
- Paris by Mouth’s lists their favorite brunch places in Paris
- Find out more about the current urban farming and agricultural projects happening in Paris
Written by Emily Dilling for the HiP Paris Blog. Images by Isabel Miller-Bottome. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, London, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.
WRITTEN BY
Emily Dilling
Emily Dilling is a France based writer and author of My Paris Market Cookbook: A Culinary Tour of French Flavors and Seasonal Recipes. In 2005 Emily moved to Paris from her native California and began exploring the cities markets, restaurants, and cafés. In 2010 she founded the blog Paris Paysanne, where she writes about her favorite addresses and artisans in the city. Emily currently lives in the Loir-et-Cher region of France, where she writes and works in the grapevines.
Great tips! I definetely most go there 🙂 Thanks for a wonderful site!
What a cool place!