Vesper, the restaurant from the Fitz Group that also includes Fitzgerald and Abstinence, has undergone a major transformation in the 7th arrondissement. Located at the foot of the École Militaire, this Japanese restaurant now offers a contemporary Japanese cuisine crafted by Roudy Petersen, a chef with international experience who has worked at Guy Savoy, Pierre Gagnaire, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and led Zuma’s European operations.
Named after James Bond’s iconic martini and the character played by Eva Green in Casino Royale, this spot is a must-visit for those eager to explore Japanese cuisine reimagined with French elegance on the Left Bank. Dive into this gem that seamlessly blends authentic Japanese flavors with sophisticated French finesse.
As soon as you step inside, a glamorous atmosphere takes over. The decor hints at a modern izakaya—a stylish Japanese sake bar where sharing small plates and drinks creates a warm, inviting vibe. Here, the convivial spirit has a polished twist, making it perfect for a night out with friends or an elegant date. The venue is one of those Parisian spots where you feel right at home, blending contemporary style with a touch of Japanese softness. Two distinct rooms welcome you: the first, overlooking the street and awash with light, features a long, impressive bar; the second offers a more intimate setting, ideal for evenings with dim lighting.
Roudy Petersen’s menu is a celebration of the finest ingredients, crafted with uncompromising standards. Sushis and sashimis are prepared with carefully selected fish, freshly landed each day — but only in the evening. For a tempting starter, try the crispy rice topped with a duo of tartare fish: tuna and salmon, infused with shiso and wasabi. It perfectly captures the essence of the place: a masterful play on textures and a nuanced balance between tradition and innovation. The black cod and sweet potato croquettes are melt-in-the-mouth delights, while the rock shrimp with yuzu mayonnaise, wrapped in shiso leaf, offer a refreshing touch of elegance.
Among the sharing dishes, the caramelized miso black cod, wrapped in a hoba leaf, stands out as a must-try. Its delicate sweetness combined with deep umami flavors makes it melt in your mouth and showcases the finesse of Japanese cuisine. The Iberian pork with yuzu kosho and truffle sauce offers a surprising French-Japanese fusion, while the barbecue lamb chops, seasoned with yuzu-togarashi, provide an intense sensory experience. We also loved the beef rib-eye with spicy sesame sauce, perfectly grilled and generously portioned. To complement these dishes, the eggplants with miso or the grilled broccolini with spicy miso sauce continue the harmonious flavor journey. And if you really want to impress your guests, the 1.3 kg beef tomahawk can be shared among several, accompanied by your choice of two side dishes.
Beyond the usual maki and handrolls, Vesper offers inventive creations that go off the beaten path. The beef gyoza with spicy oil and garlic are a must-try, as are the chicken and scallion yakitori grilled to perfection. The salmon tataki with jalapeño vinaigrette adds a lively kick, while the dressed in sesame and tobiko offers a delicate, refreshing bite. For vegetarians, the vegetarian donburi featuring grilled vegetables and crispy tofu with a soy sesame sauce hits the spot.
For dessert, the journey continues with a matcha cheesecake topped with tangy mandarin coulis, providing a sweet finish to the meal, or a rich chocolate fondant for those with a sweet tooth. Simple, delightful, and perfectly crafted.
The restaurant offers two lunch menus designed to suit all appetites. The express menu at €25 lets you enjoy a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, featuring an appetizer (edamame, miso soup, or soba noodle salad), your choice of two handrolls (salmon, spicy tuna, or vegetarian), and a dessert (frozen yuzu-coconut mochi or exotic fruit salad). Perfect for a quick yet satisfying lunch break.
For those with a bit more time to spare, the gourmet menu at €38 offers a starter, a main course, and a dessert. Start with options like handrolls, mini crispy chicken baos, or beef gyoza, then choose from a marinated salmon donburi with cucumber pickles and sesame, a chicken katsu donburi with sesame and a hint of spice, or grilled vegetables with crispy tofu. These sets are also available for takeout—perfect for enjoying a delicious Japanese meal at the office or at home.
This weekend, Vesper introduces its refined brunch experience, blending elegance with a hint of Japanese flair. The classic brunch at €54 features a generous buffet with
Building on its vision of a modern izakaya, Vesper also elevates the art of cocktail-making to a true ritual. Behind the bar, each drink is a liquid journey, featuring both inventive twists on classics and signature creations. The Espresso Martini, Porn Star Martini, and Cosmopolitan stand out as must-tries, all priced at €18. For brunch, indulge in a sparkling Mimosa with champagne and orange juice for €20 or a refreshing Bellini with prosecco and peach purée. The bar also offers a wide selection of non-alcoholic drinks, including fine softs and Alain Milliat fruit juices for those who prefer alcohol-free options.
On a budget? Starter prices range from €9 to €23 for options like edamame, gyoza, rock shrimp, and crab salad. For sharing platters, expect to pay between €22 and €70, depending on your choice—note that the signature beef tomahawk costs up to €70 for two. Maki rolls are priced at €14 for six pieces, while sashimi sets go for €13 to €14 for three pieces. A chef’s selection platter featuring a mix of nigiri, maki, and sashimi is available at €45. For those craving luxury, an optional caviar upgrade offers 15 grams for €45 or 30 grams for €90. To round out your meal, sides like steamed rice (€7), miso-glazed eggplants (€9), or grilled broccolini (€12) are perfect for customizing your dining experience.
Vesper appeals to lovers of refined Japanese cuisine who are looking for a more upscale dining experience in an elegant setting. The venue is perfect for couples seeking a romantic dinner, groups of friends wanting to share inventive dishes, or local professionals looking for a quality lunch. It’s also a great spot for weekend family brunches, with kid-friendly options. However, it’s not the place for a quick, on-the-go meal or those on a tight budget. Visitors come here to relax, enjoy carefully crafted dishes, and experience attentive service in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, without any fuss.
In short, Vesper is a must-visit spot for any lovers of Japanese cuisine in the 7th arrondissement. Thanks to Chef Roudy Petersen’s expertise, top-quality ingredients, a glamorous ambiance, and the versatility to stop by for a quick lunch, a Sunday brunch, or an elegant dinner, this place ticks all the boxes. Located at 20 avenue de Tourville, just steps from the École Militaire and the Eiffel Tower, it’s perfectly situated. To make a reservation or find out more, visit the Fitz Group website, which also includes venues like Fontaine Gaillon, Hollywood Savoy, Fitzgerald, and Abstinence. We recommend booking ahead, especially for weekend brunch, as the spot is increasingly popular among Parisians and visitors seeking a high-end Japanese experience on the Left Bank.
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Sunday:
from 11:30 a.m. to 04:00 p.m.
- from 06:00 p.m. to 02:00 a.m.
Monday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 03:00 p.m.
- from 06:00 p.m. to 02:00 a.m.
Tuesday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 03:00 p.m.
- from 06:00 p.m. to 02:00 a.m.
Wednesday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 03:00 p.m.
- from 06:00 p.m. to 02:00 a.m.
Thursday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 03:00 p.m.
- from 06:00 p.m. to 02:00 a.m.
Friday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 03:00 p.m.
- from 06:00 p.m. to 02:00 a.m.
Saturday:
from 06:00 p.m. to 02:00 a.m.
Location
Vesper Restaurant
81 Avenue Bosquet
75007 Paris 7
Official website
vesperparis.com
