Paris is one of the most culinary diverse cities in the world, home to a restaurant scene that surpasses polycultural cities like Hong Kong, London, and New York as a global outpost for the culinary diaspora. Often what I’m most excited to eat in the French capital is Asian cuisine over the traditional brasserie, especially with the current wave of Parisian chefs exploring Pan-Asian flavors like never before. For every menu dégustation is an equally impressive omakase, and on this recent trip, I decided to explore at least one Japanese-themed meal a day.
Japonisme in France is not a new phenomena. The phrase was created to note the increasing popularity and influence of Japanese art and design in Europe. Like France, Japan is a country that preserves its culture and exports its value to the world, emphasizing on quality, material and design. It’s no surprise that Japanese cuisine thrives in Paris, where both craft and quality are cultural pillars.
Here’s a short list of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Paris:
Takara
Takara is located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, a hole-in-the-wall restaurant noted to be the oldest Japanese restaurant in Europe. Low-lit and intimate, this cozy eatery is known for its artfully arranged sushi and sukiyaki. The interiors are transportive to another time and era while warm and sensual by design. A patchwork mural of vintage silk lights up the back wall, where wooden tables are adorned with wabi-sabi style ceramic soy sauce dispensers and ikebana arrangements.
14 Rue Molière, 75001 Paris, France
Abri Soba
Tucked away on a back street off Rue Faubourg-Montmartre is Abri Soba, a small soba bar known for its buckwheat noodles, crispy tempura, chicken katsu, and kaiseki side dishes of tofu, fermented vegetables, and salted edamame. When it comes to comfort food, Abri Soba is the go-to for approachable, “everyday” Japanese meals. Arrive early as the restaurant doesn’t accept reservations in advance.
10 Rue Saulnier, 75009 Paris, France
Toraya
As someone who lacks a sweet tooth, Japanese confectionary, focusing on earthy flavors and scents, is my go-to for desserts. Wagashi, or traditional Japanese sweets, are designed to accompany traditional tea ceremonies. Often they are composed of simple ingredients transformed into complex textures, containing fillings such as red beans, chestnuts, and sweet potato instead of syrups and synthetic sugars. Toraya in Paris is an institutional dessert shop specializing in wagashi, offering one-bite works of art ranging from sakura mochi to bean paste shiroans.
10 Rue Saint-Florentin, 75001 Paris France
L’Abysse au Pavillon Ledoyen
Part of the pleasure of dining in Paris is visiting Michelin-starred restaurants with fine dining formalities that play out like theatre. At L’Abysse, the omakase experience is meticulously crafted, while the atmosphere is luxe but relaxed. Quality ingredients drive every course, and flavors range from crisp, seasoned vegetables, and simple and savory sashimi, to robust, umami bombs of wagyu beef. Simply arriving at L’Abysse au Pavillion marks a seminal moment in the dining experience, as you are ushered into the culinary universe of Yannick Alléno. This restaurant is one of my most memorable meals to date —a not to miss if you’re searching for an exceptional meal in Paris.
8 Avenue Dutuit, 75008 Paris, France
Ogata Paris
Centrally located in the gallery district of Le Marais is Ogata, a multi-story complex that houses a gallery, tea house, confectionary shop, and restaurant conceptualized by founder and architect Shinichiro Ogata. The space is an homage to Japanese craftsmanship and artistry, with expansive open floor plans that invite guests to immerse in a sensory experience that starts with sight and ends with the taste buds.
16 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris, France
Ojii Perronet
Japanese food, but make it fashion. At Ojii Perronet located on the left bank, dining is a sensuous experience, with high-impact interiors designed for a cinematic effect. Mirrored paneled walls and cherry red lacquered table tops create a sense of culinary voyeurism, while a Pan-Asian menu of truffle-topped soba and caviar-capped nigiri bridges the flavors of East meets West.
6 Rue Perronet, 75007 Paris, France