Lyon, France – Culina Hortus, the renowned vegetarian gastronomic restaurant, has announced its definitive closure on Saturday, August 29, 2026. The establishment, which opened its doors in October 2018 in Lyon’s 1st arrondissement, gained international recognition in 2020 when it was named the ‘Best Vegetarian Restaurant in the World’ by the ‘We’re Smart Green Guide.’
A Legacy of Eight Years: From Concept to Closure
Over its eight-year tenure, Culina Hortus served nearly 90,000 menus and opened thousands of bottles, creating countless memories for its patrons. The restaurant was a pioneer in the plant-based culinary scene in Lyon, offering a unique gastronomic experience focused on vegetarian cuisine.
The decision to close is not due to a decline in business but rather a deliberate choice to embark on a new chapter, according to a statement released by the restaurant on social media. Thomas Bouanich, the founder of Culina Hortus, expressed his desire to dedicate his full attention to Dialogues, his new gastronomic restaurant that opened in Biarritz in 2025.
Transition in Leadership and the End of a Cycle
The statement highlighted that the departure of Nathan and Robin Clairon, the two brothers who took over the kitchen and management of Culina Hortus in 2025, marked the end of a complete cycle for the restaurant. The team collectively decided to conclude the venture while it could still do so with pride, rather than risk the project losing its original essence and soul.
Culina In Via Also Closed Quietly
In a related development, Culina In Via, the street-food extension of Culina Hortus, which offered vegetarian sandwiches for takeaway in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement, also closed its doors discreetly approximately a year ago. This earlier closure further signals the broader strategic shift for the restaurant group.
The Future for Thomas Bouanich and the Lyon Culinary Scene
Thomas Bouanich’s transition to Biarritz with his new restaurant, Dialogues, indicates a new direction for the acclaimed chef. The closure of Culina Hortus leaves a void in Lyon’s vegetarian fine-dining landscape, which it had significantly shaped over the past eight years. The restaurant’s impact on promoting plant-based gastronomy in the region is undeniable, and its legacy will likely influence future culinary endeavors in the city.
The announcement has sparked discussions among food enthusiasts and industry professionals about the evolving nature of the restaurant business and the challenges and opportunities within the vegetarian and plant-based sectors. While the closure marks the end of an era for Culina Hortus, it also signifies the beginning of new ventures for its key figures.
The final day of service for Culina Hortus will be August 29, 2026, giving patrons a last opportunity to experience the restaurant’s award-winning vegetarian cuisine.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/le-meilleur-restaurant-vegetarien-du-monde-ferme-definitivement-ses-portes-a-lyon-au-bout-de-huit-ans_64543597.html
