Eating Japanese in Paris
Great Japanese isn't the first thing that comes to mind when reflecting on the Parisian culinary landscape. But thanks to the large influx of Japanese tourists, businessmen, and expats, the French capital has a lot to offer for those seeking a break from the brasserie and bistro scene. From the sculpted sweet offerings of chic Japanese patisseries to cake-box sized sushi joints, aficionados of the East will in no way struggle to find a culinary bolt-hole to call their own.
Toraya
Rue Saint-Florentin
Paris, France
A five-minute stroll from the glitz of the Place de Vendome, Toraya is justly famed for its clever modern spin on traditional Japanese desserts. The mod-chic décor … provides the perfect backdrop in which to nibble deliciously artistic creations from the official pastry suppliers of the Imperial Court. [link]
Comme des Poissons
24, Rue de la Tour
75116 16ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
The stark interior and stripped-back service only serves to enhance how good this dollhouse-sized sushi joint really is -- no one comes for the atmosphere. Instead, it's … the super fresh fish and reasonable prices that attract. That, and the appeal of a "chef's special": ask to be surprised, and reap the culinary rewards of the faithful. [link]
Matsuri
36, Rue Richelieu 75001 Paris, France 01 42 61 05 73
The sushi train concept may have been done to death the world over, but there's no arguing that Matsuri's numerous Paris restaurants are ideal for a quick and …
cheap-ish Japanese feed. [link]
Isami
4, Quai Orléans 75004 Paris, France 01 40 46 06 97
In that most Parisian of locations, the Île-St-Louis, Isami's teeny surrounds provide a quiet haven from the hurly burly of central Paris life. And the food isn't bad … either: Think flippin' fresh fish only served raw, a great selection of sake, and (when in season) salty mouthfuls of oyster jazzed up with a spicy radish sauce. [link]
Kaiten
63, Rue Pierre Charron 75008 Paris, France 01 43 59 78 78
Part sushi train, part restaurant, Kaiten is nonetheless all class. The kitchen's meticulous offerings are as beautiful as the well-heeled clients gobbling them down, and … the prices are what you'd expect for an über-trendy spot just off the Champs-Élysées. [link]
Yen
18, Rue Saint-Benoît
75006 6ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
When sushi and sashimi lose their appeal, Yen is there to set you back on the Japanese food track with housemade bowls of soba (buckwheat noodles) and crisp tempura. Raw … pleasure without the raw ingredients. [link]
Kioko
40, Rue des Petits Champs
75002 2ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
The oldest Japanese market store in Paris, Kioko is the destination of choice for culinary enthusiasts seeking out Japanese snacks for their own larder. [link]
Benkay
61, Quai de Grenelle
75015 15ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
A fourth-floor restaurant overlooking the Seine and Paris's own statue of liberty clearly has a lot to recommend it even before it comes time to discuss the menu. Once … you've taken in the view, dig in to teppanyaki (food cooked on an iron griddle) and shabu shabu (Japanese hot pot). [link]
