For a bird’s-eye view of Paris-Japan (or rather chicken-zooming in), head to Nakatsu. Tucked away in the heights of the 18th arrondissement, this new restaurant launched by Charles Cagnac and Matthieu de Seigneurens—two enthusiasts of Japanese cuisine—celebrates Japanese fried chicken, popularly known as karaage.
Centered on environmentally responsible values and carefully selected sourcing, the two partners share a common ethos—especially when it comes to the poultry used in their dishes: a free-range chicken with tender meat, sourced as locally as possible from a producer who raises his birds for 120 days and even produces their feed on-site.
Both friends are committed to a careful sourcing of their high-quality ingredients. They’ve even gone as far as selecting a small potato farm in the Somme and local producers for their vegetables and herbs; each ingredient is chosen in peak season, prompting Charles and Matthieu to adapt their recipes as the months go by. Even the miso and sake—adding an extra touch of originality—stay within French borders, sourced from a producer in Burgundy!
At Nakatsu, the karaage chicken is presented in two delicious ways. On one side, you can indulge in hearty burgers (€11) featuring a fluffy potato bun, topped with red onion pickles, fresh salad, scallions, and a choice of homemade, standout sauces—an option that includes miso tartar, ginger mayonnaise, or a subtly spicy chili sauce.
On the other hand, there are expertly crafted donburi bowls (13.50€) served with precision. Inside these bowls, tender karaage chicken rests on a bed of Japanese rice, accompanied by red onion pickles, Japanese-style coleslaw, scallions, and seasonal vegetables—currently, charred leeks cooked in butter and soy. An ajitsuke egg (+2€)—marinated and slightly runny—is optional, and everything is topped with a generous drizzle of Japanese vinaigrette made from lemon juice, soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil.
The same attention is paid to the side dishes: homemade fries, crisp coleslaw, or Japanese potato salad (€3), spiced up with red onion and chives. The beverages served alongside the meal are just as carefully selected. Passionate about natural and organic wines, Charles and Matthieu offer a small curated selection in boxes—because it’s more eco-friendly. They also feature sake picked by the Sake House, a homemade ginger lemonade, and kombucha — all to shatter the stereotype that eating fried chicken equals junk food.
It's worth noting that vegetarian options are not neglected here, with a vegetarian burger (€11) and donburi (€12.50) featuring a large fried portobello mushroom in place of chicken. Still, it would be a shame to miss out on their hearty, juicy chicken bites—absolutely not to be missed!
For a sweet finish, the white miso cheesecake (€5), topped with honey and lime zest, is sure to win over dessert lovers—just like the white chocolate, matcha, and hazelnut cookie (€4). It's a delicious excuse to climb the hilly streets of the 18th arrondissement and enjoy a delightful treat upon arrival.
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
