ONA (restaurant)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founder | Claire Vallée |
| Defunct | October 2022 |
| Headquarters | Arès , France |
Key people | Claire Vallée (owner and operator) |
| Products | Vegan cuisine, seven-course tasting menu |
ONA was a vegan dining venue located in Arès, France, owned and operated by chef Claire Vallée. It gained distinction as the inaugural vegan restaurant to be honored with a Michelin star. The establishment's name, an acronym for origine non-animale, emphasized its dedication to excluding animal-derived ingredients from its cuisine, interior design, and furnishings. Founded in 2016 by Vallée, who is a self-taught culinary professional, ONA featured a seven-course tasting experience. By the year 2021, the majority of its patrons—approximately 95%—were neither vegan nor vegetarian. The restaurant ceased operations permanently in October 2022.
History
Vallée founded ONA through financing obtained via ethical lending institution La Nef alongside crowdfunding efforts. In 2021, the Michelin Guide awarded the restaurant a single star, marking a first for a vegan establishment, and also recognized it with a Green Star for excellence in sustainable practices among 33 French eateries. Earlier, in 2018, ONA was distinguished with a Michelin Fork award.