Japanese restaurants in Paris: the best places to eat

Paris is also a veritable mosaic of cultures and flavors. Among the capital's gastronomic treasures, Japanese cuisine occupies pride of place. Combining tradition and modernity, Parisian Japanese restaurants seduce with the quality and diversity of their dishes, from exquisitely precise sushi to handrolls and okonomiyaki. Whether you're a connoisseur of Japanese gastronomy or an inquisitive neophyte, our selection of must-try Japanese restaurants in Paris promises an unforgettable taste experience.

Biwan, for bentos or a gourmet menu

Located in the basement of iRASSHAi, in the Louvre district, Biwan offers a unique Japanese culinary experience. Customers can choose to sit at the counter facing the kitchen, or in traditional Japanese lounges known as koshitsu. At lunchtime, the restaurant offers shokado bento, complete and varied meals presented in compartmentalized boxes, including raw fish, tempura, rice and miso soup, with creations inspired by chef Mitsunori Kozen. In the evening, guests can enjoy a five-step menu of washoku, a traditional Japanese cuisine listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage site, combining Kyoto's kaiseki cuisine with more familiar dishes.

• Where to eat? Biwan, 40 rue du Louvre, 75001 Paris
• www.irasshai.co/biwan-la-table

Clémence Sahuc

Zakuro, to discover the world of izakayas

Nestled in Paris's 2nd arrondissement, Zakuro is a traditional Japanese restaurant where the art of cooking is handed down from mother to son. This intimate address seduces passers-by with its authentic charm, inviting diners to sit at the counter and watch the family duo in full culinary preparation. Zakuro's menu is a true homage to izakaya classics, and the restaurateurs recommend "especially the pork confit and the half-cooked tuna". Homemade desserts, such as matcha moelleux au cœur coulant and daifukus, are a must.

• Where to find us Zakuro, 4 rue de Port-Mahon, 75004 Paris
• www.zakuro.fr

©_____pepa

Iodé Sushi, for an Omakase menu

Located in the heart of the 7th arrondissement, Iode Sushi invites you to a unique gastronomic experience, where authentic Japanese cuisine meets local, sustainable fishing. Under the expert guidance of Chef Yoshikawa, fish and shellfish from the French coast are transformed into seasonal menus. Seated directly at the counter, you'll benefit from the precision of his gestures to feast your eyes and taste buds. At lunchtime, you can choose between sushi, chirashi and sashimi, while in the evening, the chef proposes an "Omakase" menu with two starters, a soup, ten sushi dishes, a temaki and a dessert.

• Where to find us Iodé Sushi, 125 rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris
• www.iodesushi.com

Chakaiseki Akiyoshi, for an introduction to the tea ceremony

Takiawase, Yakimono, Nimonowan or Mokozuke... At first glance, you may find it hard to understand the menu titles at Chakaiseki Akiyoshi. But one thing's for sure: the experience will take you straight to Japan, without taking off from Paris. On the menu: seasonal ingredients, traditional tableware and hanging rolls, all in a relaxing Zen atmosphere rarely seen in the capital. Chakaiseki Akiyoshi is a unique place to discover traditional Japanese cuisine. "It's also the ideal place to learn the art of the tea ceremony," says chef Misuzu Akiyoshi.

• Where to eat? Chakauseki Akiyoshi, 59 rue Letellier, 75015 Paris
• www.chakaiseki-akiyoshi.fr

Justin De Souza - Taisuke Yoshida

Yujin, for Japanese fusion and street food

In Japanese gastronomy, everything is good, even street food! The proof is at Yujin, located in the famous Passage des Panoramas in the heart of Paris. Edamame, miso soup, tamago eggs and donburi delight the taste buds of even the hardiest gourmets. On the house's recommendation, we recommend "Tokyo Drift, sushi with beef and cheese flambé and fried chicken curry". To complete the offer of this trendy address, try the "Tokyo Bissap as a drink or the Kung Fu Kenny, a kind of Margarita revisited".

• Where to find us Yujin, 53 passage des Panoramas, 75002 Paris
• www.instagram.com/yujinparis

© DR

Le Comptoir Harajuku, for Japanese-style crepes

Le Comptoir Harajuku is a tribute to Tokyo's Kawaii district, from which its founder, Taka Okazaki Leblanc, a Japanese woman who has lived in Paris for over 20 years, hails. " In the 70s, this district was the birthplace of crepes in cones topped with whipped cream, ice cream and fruit," she explains. At Comptoir Harajuku, you'll find crêpes rolled up, savory or sweet, but also very colorful. "We recommend the Harajuku special with yuzu ice cream, raspberry, red fruit coulis and minichamallow!" For an authentically Japanese touch, the Okonomiyaki, a crêpe filled with a variety of ingredients and cut into small pieces, is also a must. To accompany the crepes, Comptoir Harajuku offers a selection of quality teas from the famous Lupicia house. With an average bill of 15 euros, it's great value for money.

• Where to find us Comptoir Harajuku, 53 rue Saint-Roch, 75001 Paris
• www.instagram.com/comptoir.harajuku

aurore.ng - DR

Takuto, for Japanese-style handrolls

The result of a collaboration between sushi master Takuya Watanabe, former chef of the Jin restaurant in Paris, and restaurateur David Memmi, Takuto has quickly become the place to go for raw fish lovers in Paris. The restaurant recreates the authentic atmosphere of Tokyo's fish markets, offering an immersive and tasty experience. Seated at the counter, diners can enjoy freshly prepared hand-rolls and iodized specialties made in the purest Japanese tradition. Good to know: the restaurant also offers delivery throughout Paris and the inner suburbs.

• Where to find Takuto Takuto, 71 rue de Seine, 75006 Paris
• www.takuto.fr