Japanese Rooftop in Paris: Aqua Kyoto on the Champs-Elysées

Did you know that a new Japanese rooftop restaurant has just opened at 26 avenue des Champs-Élysées? Aqua Kyoto has arrived in the 8th arrondissement, and promises to be a wonderful discovery. This well-known London address has arrived in the French capital, joining the growing number of rooftops on the avenue. After Mun, Paris Society's Asian restaurant perched at 52 avenue des Champs-Élysées above Galeries Lafayette, and Le Petit RH, the rooftop of the RH Paris design gallery which has just opened opposite at 23 avenue des Champs-Élysées, we were curious to see whatAqua Kyoto had up its sleeve.

Access to this 7th-floor spot is simple. A small desk with a hostess awaits you in the passageway to the right of the new Bacha Café. All you have to do is follow the red carpet to climb to 7th heaven (or rather, the 7th floor, but it's all the same, isn't it?). The warm welcome and breathtaking views immediately put us in the mood. When we say that the place is a sight to behold, we mean it.

Aqua Kyoto Paris video:

The décor, imagined by the Yodezeen design studio, plays on a typically Japanese play of light and shadow, transporting us into a hushed ambience. The autumnal hues and clean lines are reminiscent of Japanese aesthetics, without being cliché. In the center, we see cooks and bartenders busy themselves before our very eyes.

When the weather's fine, the terrace can be fully uncovered. The central part can be covered for cooler weather, a smart way to enjoy the place all year round.

What really blew us away at Aqua Kyoto was the 360° panoramic view of theArc de Triomphe, the Grand Palais, the Eiffel Tower and even Montmartre from the small rear terrace. Frankly, few addresses in the capital can boast such an alignment of emblematic monuments. This privileged location in the Golden Triangle makes this rooftop a real spot to discover Paris from an angle you're not used to seeing.

What's on offer at Aqua Kyoto?

Once we'd settled in, we took a look at the menu and tried out several specialties. The black cod gyoza with its ao nori tuile and spicy ponzu sauce seduced us with its finesse. The rock shrimp tempura with umami chili-garlic mayonnaise and seaweed powder awakens the taste buds.

The platter of sushi and sashimi to share allowed us to discover the chef's savoir-faire with beautifully fresh products.

The lamb chops, marinated in shiso and yuzu and served with tomato miso, melt in the mouth. This original creation marries French and Japanese flavors to perfection, and we have to admit, we really enjoyed it. The scallops with sake and rose petals are another pleasant surprise, with their delicate presentation and refined taste, except for the jelly, which is a touch too thick.

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As for desserts, we recommend the black sesame fondant with vanilla ice cream, a real sweet treat to round off the meal. The Kyoto Forest, with its matcha panna cotta, chocolate brownie crumble and raspberry sorbet, offers a contrasting end to the meal.

The cocktail menu is also worth a detour, with original creations inspired by Japanese ingredients. We tested theUME (18€), a blend of Suntory Toki whisky, umeshu Hakatsuru and Cocchi Americano that is smooth, complex and elegantly bitter. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, the PA LOW MA (16€) mocktail seduced us with its Tanqueray 0.0 and sansho pepper, elongated with Fever-Tree pink grapefruit. Sparkling, lively and refined, perfect for an aperitif overlooking Parisian monuments.

For what budget and what clientele?

On the spot, we recommend 3 to 4 courses per person to keep you full, which, let's face it, comes at a price. If you're on a tight budget, you'll have to save up, as we're on the high end of the scale. This is an address for gourmets ready to invest in a memorable experience in an exceptional setting. You can find the full menu and prices in the photo album.

The place is ideal for couples, with its subdued lighting, and groups looking for a view of Paris and its monuments. The atmosphere is transformed in the evening with international DJ sets that add a festive dimension to this already magical place. And the icing on the cake? The restaurant lights sparkle in perfect synchronization with the Eiffel Tower. An unexpected little show that makes for a memorable moment.

In summer, the rooftop terrace opens up to enjoy the sunny days, while in winter it is covered to admire Paris by night. Aqua Kyoto completes this fine range of perched terraces, making the Champs-Élysées a real spot for Parisian rooftop enthusiasts. A wonderful discovery that we recommend for an outing that's out of the ordinary.

Note that the venue now offers a lunchtime menu from €49. This contemporary Japanese address opens its doors at midday for a gastronomic break bathed in natural light. The panoramic view over the rooftops of Paris, from Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower, accompanies a menu designed as a tribute to traditional Japanese lunch. On the menu: miso soup, homemade pickles and okazu of the day, complementing a dish of your choice. A great opportunity to treat yourself to a Japanese culinary escapade in one of the capital's most emblematic districts, without waiting until evening to enjoy this high table that combines refinement and authenticity.

Aqua Kyoto is located at 26 avenue des Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement, accessible via the Charles de Gaulle-Étoile or Franklin Roosevelt metro stations. The restaurant is open every day and offers reservations, which is a great advantage on this busy avenue. You can also enjoy a drink while taking in the view and the ambience.

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, please drink responsibly.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.