Looking for a dinner where the music matters as much as the food? In Paris’s 17th arrondissement, SOBO calls itself an “Asian & Listening Restaurant”: 100% plant-based Asian cuisine, served to the sound of vinyl on a high-fidelity sound system designed for the room. A new Paris address you experience as much as you taste.
A Restaurant Designed Like a Listening Bar
The concept draws on Japanese jazz kissa and listening bars: here, music is never just background. Records play throughout the meal, at a volume that still leaves room for conversation.
The hi-fi system was designed by Suave, a French craftsman who built custom speakers for the space. Speakers and vinyl shelves are set into the oak-paneled walls.
Vinyl Sessions Thursday Through Saturday
Thursday through Saturday, SOBO hosts live vinyl sessions. On select nights, resident DJs spin sets ranging from downtempo to new jazz, with touches of minimal and house.
It is the perfect spot for a date night that lingers, drinks with friends or a Paris night out without the club. Check the monthly lineup on the restaurant’s Instagram account.
100% Plant-Based Asian Cuisine
In the kitchen, self-taught chef Gaëlle Delvaux, formerly of Noma in Denmark and Hiša Franko in Slovenia, draws on the flavors of Japan, Thailand, Korea and India. Dishes are designed for sharing.
Expect a futomaki where eggplant stands in for glazed eel, a crispy portobello katsu, tempura broccolini with satay sauce or a chana masala with caramelized tempeh. For dessert: ube cheesecake or matcha tiramisu.
A Setting Inspired by Japanese Ryokans
The roughly 80-square-meter dining room seats about 60 guests and was designed by interior architect Louis Aspar (Studio Louis Morgan). Mahogany-toned oak paneling, colorful banquettes and soft lighting create a warm, enveloping mood.
The details matter: an Isamu Noguchi paper ceiling lamp, Murano glass sconces and plant-fiber acoustic tiles on the ceiling that keep the sound clear, even when the room is full.
Botanical Cocktails, Sake and Wine
The bar follows the same philosophy. Botanical cocktails come with or without alcohol, sometimes infused with adaptogenic mushrooms. A selection of sake and wine rounds out the meal.
Behind the project is Laura Mercier, who previously created France’s first plant-based sushi restaurant, together with partner Benoît Cauffet and his 33 years of experience in international hospitality.
Why ACCESS Recommends SOBO
Because SOBO answers a question more and more people ask in Paris: where can you eat plant-based without giving up pleasure or atmosphere? Creative Asian cuisine, carefully tuned sound and a warm setting are all designed to make the evening last.
Looking for a vegan restaurant in the 17th, a listening bar in Paris or an original spot for dinner with music? Book by phone or online, especially on vinyl session nights.
Don’t waste another minute >> SOBO
📍 Address
99 rue Jouffroy d’Abbans, 75017 Paris
📞 Phone
+33 1 42 27 26 16
🕒 Opening hours
Lunch: from 12 pm
Dinner: hours to be confirmed with the restaurant
🌐 Website
soborestaurant.fr
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