Photos: The Paris restaurant that serves food without plates

Diners at the vegetarian, eco-friendly Ora eat (almost) directly off the table with dishes arranged artfully on layers of recycled paper. The aim is to be original and to save on water for washing up

No plates necessary: Ora restaurant serves everything on recycled paper directly onto the table (photo for illustration)
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A vegetarian restaurant in Paris has become well-known for more than just the originality of its meat-free food as it serves everything without plates.

Diners at the Ora restaurant in the 10th arrondissement eat (almost) directly off the table, after dishes are arranged artfully on layers of recycled paper, which is changed after every course.

Everything from cheese to hummus, vegetable puree to roasted vegetables, seasoning, sauces, starters and desserts are piled up creatively across the table, for guests to simply dig in directly. Cutlery is used as normal.

Some items are served in their own twist of recycled paper to keep them together, including burgers and cornets of fries.

The restaurant’s name comes from Hebrew etymology, and means “light that brightens, reassures, and inspires growth”.

The aim of the unusual serving style is not only to create an interesting dining experience but also to save water on washing crockery.

The restaurant also uses candles rather than relying on electric light, and the space is furnished with furniture that is either antique or recycled.

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