Do you know izakayas? They’re the Japanese version of a bar à tapas concept, where you don’t reach for wine, even less for cocktails, but rather… saké, of course! These bistros à la japonaise, especially busy in the evenings, number in the thousands across Japan’s big cities and small towns, and they’ve been making their way to Paris for several years now, to the great delight of fans of Japanese flavors.
It's common to pair wine and sake during the famous nomikaï (a Japanese term meaning 'drinking together') with small hot or cold plates to share among everyone at the same table, in a spirit of joy and celebration. Edamame to nibble by the dozen, steaming miso soup, gyoza with a thousand flavors, karaage — the famous fried chicken in Japanese style; sashimi ultra-fresh...
But also yakisoba – des nouilles de sarrasin accompanied by sautéed vegetables; okonomiyaki – a kind of crepe-pancake, often topped with katsuobushi, the famous dancing fish; yakitori or even takoyaki – addictive octopus-filled batter fritters... All these traditional Japanese specialties await at the counters of Parisian izakayas!
To whisk you away to Japan for your eyes and palate, here are our best izakaya spots in Paris to savor authentic Japanese tapas.
Kokashita, the hidden izakaya tucked away in the Passage des Panoramas, in the heart of Paris
Sponsored - At 64, Passage des Panoramas, Kokashita draws inspiration from those Japanese backstreets tucked beneath the railway lines, where tiny bars and workshops line up. Bento boxes prepared on the spot at lunchtime, shareable Japanese tapas in the evening: here is one of the most endearing Nipponese spots on the Grands Boulevards. [Read more]
Saku Vendôme, a Japanese jewel box just steps from the jewelers
On a quiet street in the 1st arrondissement, Saku Vendôme stands as a genuine contemporary Japanese house—an intimate, elegant address where the quality of the ingredients and the precision of the preparations justify the steep prices. [Read more]
ZEN, the little corner of Japan that rekindles the appetite for the return to routine
Sponsored - September puts Paris back in motion. Between the Louvre and the Palais-Royal, ZEN resumes its double rhythm: a fast-paced Japanese canteen at lunch, an izakaya that takes its time in the evening. [Read more]
Shin Izakaya, a Japanese restaurant with the vibe of a bistro-tavern in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
At the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris lies a convivial restaurant, conceived in the spirit of a gourmet Japanese tavern, where you enjoy a bistro ambiance with tasty dishes to share—or not. We take you to Shin Izakaya. [Read more]
Kimono, the Japanese bistro from Dining Rooms that pioneers the art of futosoba
The Dining Rooms group is back in Saint-Germain-des-Prés with Kimono, a Japanese bistro showcasing a one-of-a-kind creation: the futosoba. [Read more]
Vesper, the Japanese restaurant in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, is reinventing itself as an izakaya-inspired spot
Just a stone's throw from the École Militaire, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, Vesper transforms into a contemporary Japanese izakaya under the guidance of chef Roudy Petersen. This stylish spot from the Fitz Group offers a menu featuring sushi, caramelized black cod with miso, and refined cocktails—all served in an elegant setting where Tokyo meets Paris. Open now for both lunch and dinner. [Read more]
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]
Nobisan, the excellent Japanese restaurant specializing in delicate temaki in the Marais
After hand rolls, restaurateur Thomas Moreau tackles another icon of Japanese cuisine, temaki, at the Nobisan restaurant in the Marais. With great finesse, this noble establishment is a success. [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]
Shuzo, an izakaya with Japanese and Colombian flavors, a real favorite
Fly to Japan via Colombia at Shuzo, the new izakaya in the 11th arrondissement, which was a real coup de coeur for us, both in human and culinary terms. [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]
Onii-San: the excellent Japanese izakaya restaurant in Paris's Marais district
Japanese gastronomy continues to invade Paris. This autumn 2020, the 3rd arrondissement of the capital welcomes Onii-San; a new izakaya restaurant imagined and created by Arthur Cohen, Olivier Léone and Isaac Romero. On the menu? Delicious Japanese tapas that are both modern and creative, as well as hand-rolled temaki for gourmet discoveries. [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]
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]
Discover where all these addresses are located by clicking the map at the bottom of the article
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
