Have you heard of izakayas? They're the Japanese version of a tapas bar, where you don't drink wine, let alone cocktails, but rather... sake, of course! These Japanese-style bistros, particularly popular in the evenings, number in the thousands in towns and cities across Japan, and have been in Paris for several years now, much to the delight of fans of Japanese flavors.
It's common practice to accompany glasses of wine and sake during the famous nomikai (a Japanese term meaning 'drinking together') with small hot or cold plates, to be shared between all the guests of the same table, in joy and merriment. Edamame by the dozen, hot miso soup, gyoza with a thousand flavors, karaage - the famous Japanese fried chicken ; ultra-fresh sashimi...
But also yakisoba - buckwheat noodles with sautéed vegetables; okonomiyaki - a kind of pancake, often topped with katsuobushi, the famous dancing fish; yakitori or takoyaki - addictive octopus dumplings... These are just some of the traditional Japanese specialties to be found at the counters of Parisian izakayas!
To take your taste buds on a trip to Japan, here are our top izakayas in Paris where you can enjoy authentic Japanese tapas.
Ukiyo Ramen, the cozy spot serving homemade ramen in Pigalle, 9th arrondissement of Paris
Just a stone’s throw from Pigalle in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, UKIYO Ramen serves up bowls of ramen and donburi crafted with homemade noodles and flavorful broths we absolutely loved. Recently opened by the young duo Céline Li and Guillaume Lam, this vibrant eatery puts a creative twist on Japanese cuisine with style and sophistication. We went to try it out, and here’s what we discovered. [Read more]
Breathe, a 100% plant-based Japanese restaurant serving vegan maki and sushi
Are you vegan but can't imagine giving up sushi, maki, or even fried chicken? Head to the vegan restaurant Breathe in the Sentier district for 100% plant-based Japanese specialties! [Read more]
Bar Omi, a hybrid restaurant between an izakaya and a wine bar where you can enjoy exceptional sushi in Paris
Bar Omi is the place where lovers of Japanese cuisine and wine connoisseurs meet. A cross between a wine bar and an izakaya, this restaurant treats us to exceptional sushi and lesser-known specialties. A beautiful, refined establishment near the Tuileries and Place Vendôme in Paris. Reservations are highly recommended. [Read more]
Zen, the Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in Paris
Sponsored - It's in the Louvre district of Paris 1er that the Japanese restaurant ZEN has carved out a solid reputation. Founded in 2006 by Zen Okawa, the restaurant perpetuates the tradition of authentic Japanese cuisine, alternating between a Japanese canteen for lunch and a gourmet Izakaya for dinner. [Read more]
Audass', the Japanese fusion izakaya restaurant in Asnières-sur-Seine
Audass' is Pierre Lambert's izakaya-style restaurant offering Japanese fusion dishes. We're off to Asnières-sur-Seine in the Hauts-de-Seine to discover this restaurant that's not short of flavor. [Read more]
Honō, a string of Japanese yakitori cooked in binchotan in a pretty traditional setting
Honō aims to put Japanese yakitori back at the center of the plate, while immersing gourmets in a traditional, intimate and exotic setting. [Read more]
Kiku, the rebirth of Japanese izakaya on the Grands Boulevards
15 years after its success on rue Richer, Japanese izakaya Kiku is back in version 2.0, a stone's throw from the Grands Boulevards. [Read more]
Jinchan Yokocho, the Japanese curry den in Paris
Following the success of Jinchan Shokudo, Franco-Japanese couple Alban and Miyo Cacace are back at it again, opening a new izakaya, Jinchan Yokocho, where you can wolf down comforting Japanese curries. [Read more]
Izakaya Dassai, Yannick Alléno's traditional Japanese table at Beaupassage
Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno opens L'Izakaya Dassai in charming Beaupassage, a Japanese restaurant where he reveals his favorite Japanese specialties. [Read more]
Gyoza Bar, the gyoza den in the Passage des Panoramas
Hidden away in the Passage des Panoramas, the Gyoza Bar is the place to gobble up dozens of pork, chicken or vegetarian gyozas. [Read more]
iRASSHAi: the concept store dedicated to Japanese cuisine in Paris
Grocery, canteen, café, cocktail bar and soon bistronomic izakaya... Paris now boasts a new gourmet address featuring Japanese cuisine in all its forms. Visit iRASSHAi in the capital's 1st arrondissement, an 800 m² spot designed around the culinary cultures of Japan. [Read more]
Enni Udon, a landmark for udon lovers in the 8th arrondissement
To discover udon, those Japanese noodles that can be eaten hot or cold, head for the Japanese restaurant Enni Udon, in the chic 8th arrondissement. [Read more]
Blueberry Maki Bar, a fantastic Japanese restaurant in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
In Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Japanese restaurant Blueberry Maki Bar welcomes those in search of true Japanese gastronomy. An absolute must. [Read more]
Jinchan Shokudo, an authentic and popular izakaya in the heart of Paris
Jinchan Shokudo is the place to go for lovers of Japanese culture. In this authentic izakaya with a popular spirit, you'll find a menu brimming with tapas and gourmet dishes made from fine yet affordable produce. What could be better? [Read more]
Japanese restaurants in Paris, our top picks
Looking for a good Japanese restaurant in Paris? From sushi and ramen to bento and tempura, we've got some great places to enjoy Japanese dishes. [Read more]
Japanese restaurants in Paris, our top picks
