Behind the hustle and bustle of the Rue de Rivoli lies a very fine gastronomic address that puts Asian and particularly Japanese culture in the spotlight. The name? Kinugawa. Well-known to lovers of Asian cuisine, this Japanese eatery, founded in 1984, was acquired in 2014 by the renowned Blackcode Group. With a mission to reinvent and discover Asia's cultural and gastronomic heritage, the Group also owns the Orient Extrême and Yoko establishments and recently opened The Cod House in Saint Germain.
Since its takeover, Kinugawa has retained the name so dear to its loyal customers. But the place has been given a facelift, with a new interior designed by the famous Parisian architectural duo Gilles & Boissier.
From the moment we enter, we are immersed in a subdued atmosphere, both elegant and convivial. The clean, well-crafted lines create a truly contemporary izakaya.
The restaurant is located upstairs, with two rooms and two worlds: the sushi bar and the other, more spacious room, inviting you to travel through the world of Japanese gastronomy.
On the first floor, the beautiful bar is sublimated by an impressive six-metre-high fresco, featuring a drawing à mano by artist Alix Waline.
The wine list includes several fine wines, champagne and sake. But the must-have beverage is the cocktail, with a dozen signature cocktails inspired by Japan.
Best sellers include the"Gari Gari", made with vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice and ginger, and the"Pink Lizhi", made with champagne, lychee liqueur and cherry cream.
Gari Gari" cocktail
Spritz lovers won't be able to resist the"Japanese Spritz" with Aperol, Sparkling sake and soda.
Whisky enthusiasts will be delighted to discover the"Japanese Old Fashioned" with Nikka From The Barrel, Galliano, vanilla and lemon.
For more originality, there's the"Spicy Bang Bang" with tequila, lime, jalapeno, cucumber and ginger beer.
Last but not least, we highly recommend the"Samodori", another very popular drink, made with Sake, Cointreau, lemon juice and basil. Its gin version, the"Sendo", is also well worth a visit (Hendrick's gin, lime juice, Cointreau and fresh mint).
And to accompany these delicious beverages, the Kunigawa bar offers a truly exotic array of finger foods on its à la carte menu, providing a good overview of the restaurant's menu.
The tasting begins with the classic but unmissable shishito peppers (fried piquillos in miso sauce).
We continue with a Hamachi Yuzu Shoyu based on a succulent Yellow Tail carpaccio with a tangy yuzu sauce.
To continue, we literally fall for one of their specialties: Tuna Spicy, both crispy and spicy, a real treat for the taste buds!
Tuna Spicy
Another favorite is the Maguro No Taruto, made with a melting tuna mince delicately placed on a thin, crispy patty, sublimated by white truffle tarama and topped with a yuzukosho sauce. A perfect blend of flavors for a guaranteed explosion in the mouth!
What's next? Ebiten Salada: a succulent shrimp tempura salad dipped in a spicy sauce.
Ebiten Salada
And to end on a sweet but light note, we opt for the famous and delicious Mochi Ice (a small ball of rice dough topped with sorbet) in cherry blossom and green tea flavors.
Mochi Ice
Yes, that evening we did indeed take a fabulous express trip to Japan, and our taste buds are still thanking us for it. The Kinugawa bar is an incredible Japanese culinary experience in the heart of Paris, and you'd be wrong to miss out!
Note that the bar area is animated by a DJ on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Drink in moderation.
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
Dates and Opening Time
From June 14th, 2018 to December 31th, 2018
Location
Kinugawa
9, rue du Mont-Thabor
75001 Paris 1
Official website
www.kinugawa.fr
More information
Open daily from 12h to 14h30 and in the evening from 19h30 to 23h 16 € for a cocktail Between 7 € and 50 € for finger food
