Across its lineup of culinary stops, Paris invites us to embark on a world-tour of flavors, unveiling specialties from every corner of the globe. For your next foodie stop, we suggest checking out a spot where life is good and the food is even better. It’s in the 6e arrondissement that we find Shin Izakaya, a modern, welcoming restaurant where the art of Japanese living meets the Parisian spirit.
Here, the address nods to the Izakaya vibe, reimagined in a hybrid format that lets you snack on a variety of small plates or enjoy a full meal built as a classic entrée, main course, dessert. For groups, a menu omakase (blind-tasting) can also be offered. The venue thus reconciles tapas lovers with purists who prefer a la carte dining.
After nibbling on well-seasoned edamame to whet the appetite, we start this tasting with two vegetarian dishes, led by the roasted miso eggplant, now a ubiquitous classic on menus like this—sure to appeal to fans of sweet-salty, comforting flavors, with its tender flesh and caramelized glaze. For a fresher note, don’t overlook the spinach with its creamy sesame sauce: here they’re served slightly crisp and wonderfully juicy.
For what's next, we’ll opt for the two house specialties: the poulet karaage, a Japanese-style fried chicken, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Once again, this is a fairly common specialty among the capital’s Japanese eateries, and you’ll find it well executed in this indulgent tavern.
The second option is our top pick and should delight lovers of ocean flavors and sweet-salty balance: Saba no misoni. It’s grilled mackerel marinated in a miso sauce. The fish’s fatty, melt-in-your-mouth texture brings a comforting, cozy feel. There isn’t a single bone in sight, and you’ll quickly tilt your rice bowl to soak up the remaining sauce, determined to finish the dish to the last drop. Do note, however, that the side dishes are extra, which can skew your reading of the menu.
If, for you, Japanese cuisine necessarily means sushi, there’s a snag: here, even though the menu draws on the gastronomy of the land of the rising sun, you won’t find that specialty on the menu. In that case, we recommend the restaurant Ojii located not far away, a more intimate address albeit relatively pricey that offers sushis in the artful way, or Iodé for a more affordable alternative. On the other hand, if you’re after a bistro-style address in a relaxed setting, then Shin Izakaya could well be one of those spots that becomes one of your future go-tos.
Before we get to dessert, a quick drinks interlude: here, while the classics are on offer, it would be a shame to miss the specialties that complete this dive into Japanese gastronomy. Notably, there’s a handsome menu of cocktails and mocktails inspired by Japan, including an umeshu spritz, a plum liqueur, as well as a curated selection of saké that promises delightful discoveries both as a digestif and as “rice wine.” We suggest trusting the team to pair you with a perfect match for your dish!
At dessert, the surprise was on us: choosing the chocolate fondant, we didn’t expect to encounter one of the best we’ve ever tasted in Paris. True to its nature, the texture recalls childhood memories of sneaking nearly oozy slices of chocolate cake straight from the oven. Yet there’s a twist: red bean paste is used to smooth the cacao’s bitterness, so throughout the tasting the pleasure remains as vivid as the first bite without the palate growing tired. Bonus: a little cup of fleur de sel invites a pinch to intensify the flavor. Add to that green tea and sesame ice cream, and you’ve got a stunning flavor combo to close the tasting!
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.
Dates and Opening Time
From October 24, 2026 to December 31, 2027
Location
Shin Izakaya
6 Rue des Ciseaux
75006 Paris 6
Route planner
Access
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Metro (Line 4), Mabillon (Line 10)
Official website
www.shin-izakaya.fr
