Melissa K.
Yelp
3.75 stars
I get lost a lot. I don't usually use a map, and have a tendency to wander aimlessly until I find (or don't) the place I'm looking for. But, I had made plans to meet a group of people at Soya, and figured I should be on time. So, I used a map. While reading said map, and walking down the street, I walked dead-on into a pole. As such, I entered Soya with a bleeding finger, a bruised hand, and a lump on my forehead. Go ahead and laugh. I tell you this story simply to say that it's hard to find Soya. But once you do, it's a great dining experience. Just plan your itinerary ahead of time, and watch out for rogue street poles.
The ambiance is absolutely wonderful. Scrubbed wood tables, both big and small, that are good for groups or intimate 2-tops. Candles, big windows, and a warm, cozy feeling. I've not seen a place as rustically cool as this in Paris. The vibe was quite New York. And it's great to get such a great atmosphere at a vegetarian restaurant in Paris, where the majority of veg-friendly places are tiny, "fast" food spots. This is a place meant for relaxing and having a languorous meal.
The food wasn't incredibly inventive, per se. As the name of the restaurant suggests, most of the dishes were based around tofu. That's fine, but I'm a firm believer that eating vegetarian goes way beyond tofu. Essentially, a little passe. I was pleased to see vegan and gluten-free items on the menu. I wish I'd gotten the couscous meal instead of what I got (essentially a pasta primavera). And, the menu was a bit on the pricy side. Don't get me wrong, the food was good, but I wasn't bowled-over.
All in all, I'd consider this the kind of place that all vegetarians in Paris should eat at once. And, it's a good choice for anyone who has vegetarian friends and family visiting.