Paris’s Naked Dinner Party Is Packing Up
For a short‑lived slot since November 2017, O’Naturel stole the spotlight in the French capital. The spot promised a table‑for‑one (or two) experience where you’d trade your T‑shirt for fresh oysters, snails, foie gras and asparagus—no shirt required. But in February, the twins running the place (Mike and Stephane Saada) have to shut the doors, ending the city’s first nude restaurant.
Why the Curtain Has to Draw
- “It’s now or never,” the brothers wrote in a Facebook squeeze‑mail, appealing for a last‑minute buck to buy more comfortable seats.
- They admit that “not enough bums on seats” keeps the business from breaking the bank.
- They’re asking the crowd to “support us” before the final open‑mic (well, actual sign‑off) on 16 February.
What It Was Like Inside
Customers were instructed to toss their clothes into a cloakroom—along with phones, lest anyone try to snap a peek at the other diners. Then they were given comfy slippers; ladies, representing 40 % of the clientele, could keep their heels.
Exiting the become‑fashion‑trend, the Saada dares to keep themselves clothed, citing French law.
Keeping Calm and Carrying On
Stephane even mentioned that he personally escorts guests to their tables, reassuring them that the room is “not like the whole place is staring at them.” The heavy white curtain and discreetly switched black chair covers add to the privacy.
A Gentle Blow for Naturalists
France, a top destination for nude tourists, boasts an annual “au naturel” count of four million vacationers. The new Parisian nudist zone, stand‑up comedy nights and museum perms show the movement’s growing momentum.
Yet O’Naturel may have been “a little early” for an all‑year‑round spot—no terrace and a residential locale became a snag, according to campaigner Cédric Amato. He admitted having many positive experiences but lamented the lack of good weather and parking.
Looking Back on the Good Times
The chefs say they’ll cherish the fun moments and all those people they met—i.e., the crowd that braved a diet of oysters and snails while dropping their apparel.
So here’s to the last nude dinner in Paris—cheers, cobblestones, and all the rest body‑flipping diners!
