In this article, you will find my favorite Japanese restaurant recommendations in Paris. For a long time, I have had a particular attraction to Japan, a land of both tradition and daring, whether through its cinema, which I really enjoy, or its gastronomy. I have never set foot on the archipelago, yet I feel quite familiar with this complex culture, which is nevertheless quite far from our own worldview. Japanese cuisine consists of numerous regional specialties: Tofu, Kaiseki Ryori (Japanese haute cuisine), Shojin Ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine), Kyo Wagashi (Kyoto sweets), Sushi, Okonomiyaki, Ramen, matcha tea…
As this article was starting to get a little too long, this first part offers a short guide to Parisian recommendations centered on Japanese gastronomy, and a second one offers a guide to Japanese drinks. Obviously, as always, this guide is by no means exhaustive, and I strongly encourage (or rather, I urge) you to leave your own favorite spots in the comments. I update this article regularly to add new (and great!) addresses that I test over the years.
And if you are looking for other addresses with Asian cuisine, I also have detailed articles on Thai, Korean, or even Vietnamese restaurants!
Table of Contents
Restaurants specializing in Gyoza
Gyoza, or Japanese dumplings, are derivatives of Chinese jiaozi, which quite simply means “stuffed dough.” There are gyoza with many different fillings: pork, chicken, vegetarian, shrimp… But the “traditional” recipe uses a filling based on cabbage and pork seasoned with garlic, onion, ginger, soy sauce, and sake. It’s a dish that has become very popular in Paris in Japanese restaurants, and you will often find them as appetizers.
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Le Gyoza Bar
Two years after opening their shop in the Passage des Panoramas (Paris 2nd), Le Gyoza Bar opened a second Parisian location in July 2014, in the Marais. As the name suggests, Le Gyoza Bar is a restaurant specializing in the very popular Japanese dumpling, which I personally discovered in the restaurants on Rue Sainte-Anne in Paris.
But these aren’t just any dumplings; they are the creations of Shinichi Sato, a Japanese-born chef and co-owner of the restaurant Passage 53 (2 Michelin stars), creations that he adapted and rethought from popular recipes in Japan. The mini-restaurants where you can only eat these dumplings exist all over Japan, but there weren’t any in France yet. Just like in Japan, customers sit at the oak counter right in front of the cook, or they take a seat in a friendly way around the large communal table.
The pro tip: this quality popular Japanese cuisine is offered at a fair price, with the average price at Gyoza Bar not exceeding 20 €/person.
The plus side: the quality of the product, because honestly, having eaten quite a few Gyoza in the Japanese restaurants on Rue Sainte-Anne, these were well above the rest. However, be warned, they are much spicier…
The ingredients of these “Gyozas”: pork from the Dordogne from butcher Hugo Desnoyer, leek, ginger, and a little Yuzukosho (a blend of chili and yuzu zest – a Japanese citrus fruit -), all wrapped in a very fresh, thin dough. They should be eaten hot, even burning hot.
Le Gyoza Bar also offers a dessert: the roll cake signed by Hironobu Fukano, pastry chef of Pâtisserie Ciel. Like the angel cake, a Ciel specialty, the roll cake is an airy, light cake that is highly appreciated in Japan. Here, the roll cake is made with the same ingredients as the angel cake. The batter is baked flat, then rolled with a whipped cream-based filling. Three flavors are offered, changing with the seasons, starting with Vanilla, Matcha, and Yuzu.
The price: count on 10 € for 8 gyoza + rice + 1 drink / 4 € for a Kirin Japanese draft beer
Tested in 2020 - Invitation
Gyoza Bar
Le Marais – 38, rue Saintonge, 75003 Paris
Hours: Monday to Friday 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM and 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM / Saturday 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM / Sunday 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Passage des Panoramas – 56, passage des Panoramas, 75002 Paris
Hours: Monday to Saturday 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM and 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM / Closed Sunday
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Gyoza House
We continue the gyoza theme with Gyoza House, another address specializing in these delicious Japanese dumplings. The restaurant offers no fewer than 25 different gyoza flavors, including 8 vegetarian ones! Their gyoza are super crispy and the variety of recipes is really great!
Gyoza flavors to try: chives and black mushrooms (veggie); pork and Thai chives; lemongrass chicken; pork and ginger; chicken and coconut milk; beef and basil.
Tested in 2021 - Invitation
20 Rue de Châteaudun, 75009 Paris
Price: 6 pieces 6€ / 10 pieces 9.50€ / 16 pieces 14€ / menu with 6 gyoza + rice + soup or salad 9€
Ramen Restaurants
Ramen is a traditional Japanese cuisine recipe based on many variations of noodle broths, embellished with fish, meat, vegetables, seaweed, eggs, and seasonings like miso or soy sauce. There has been a real craze for this dish in Paris in recent years, and you can find several restaurants in the capital and in France specializing in this Japanese noodle dish, served in a bowl of broth.
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Isshin Ramen
This restaurant, which opened its doors last year in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, offers a real Japanese immersion with a 100% Japan decor that recalls the markets of Tokyo and the films of Miyazaki for the connoisseurs. On the menu, chef Shu Hasegawa, former chef of Bar des Près (Cyril Lignac’s restaurant), offers a concept of Japanese street-food in a super immersive setting.
On the menu of Japanese dishes: gyoza for example, but especially ramen tonkotsu style (a type of broth specific to the Kyushu region in southern Japan), but not only, since we also tasted a ramen with chicken paitan broth. The ramen are available in a classic version or a special version with more toppings (and also a little more expensive, obviously). We also had mochi ice cream for dessert. Verdict: the ramen are quite decent and, above all, the place is really worth it for its quite incredible setting!
My advice: the restaurant is a victim of its own success and is very often full. Since it is impossible to reserve, you often have to wait in line to get a seat, so I advise you to plan to come either at the beginning of service or a little later.
Tested in 2023 - Invitation
Isshin Ramen
168 Rue Montmartre, 75002 Paris
Price: ramen between 12.50€ and 18€ / starters to share between 3.50€ and 7€ / mochi ice cream 6€ for two pieces
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Neko Ramen
This very friendly restaurant is located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, in the theater and museum district. Its name, Neko Ramen, means “cat ramen” in Japanese. At the helm of this address is a French chef, Sedrik Allani, a fan of Japanese culture and ramen, trained at Rajuku, the best ramen school in Japan. In his establishment, you will find delicious (truly!) quality ramen at a very accessible price!
As soon as you walk through the restaurant door, exactly as in Japan (according to the favorite photographer, because I have unfortunately never been to Japan yet), the employees welcome new arrivals with a thunderous “Iraishaimasu,” meaning “welcome.” On the ground floor, you can also see the cooks busy behind the counter, which offers guests a non-stop show. Finally, I also really liked the restaurant’s decor, which is really successful; you immediately feel transported elsewhere.
⇒ Link to my full article on this address!
Neko Ramen
6, rue de la Grange Batelière, 75009 ParisOpen every day
Monday: 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 12:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 12:30 PM – 9:30 PM
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Yatai Ramen
This Japanese restaurant located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, near the Saint-Philippe du Roule metro station, specializes in ramen, which is 100% homemade here, right down to the noodles. The restaurant offers 4 types of ramen on its menu:
- a traditional ramen (15.50 €)
- a signature ramen with finer ingredients (wagyu, foie gras, truffle…) which is served only in the evening (37 €)
- a vegetarian ramen (14.50 €)
- a ramen of the moment that changes regularly to introduce Japanese ramen from more specific regions, such as the one with chicken and Nagoya butter that we tasted when we visited the restaurant (15.50 €)
The menu is short, which is always a good sign, and besides ramen, the house also offers donburis (a dish with Japanese rice topped with various garnishes). We tested the Beef Gyudon with caramelized onions and a perfect soft-boiled organic egg (15 €) and it was equally delicious. As for appetizers, we tasted the homemade pork gyozas (8 €), which were very well made. For drinks, I recommend you try their signature cocktail, the Yuzuké (8 €) with yuzu, pineapple, ginger, and sake, which reuses the juice from their pineapple dessert to reduce waste! I also advise you to try the Panda Bear, a French craft blonde beer by the B7&1 more brewery, infused with bamboo and sake (7.50 €).
For desserts, I fell in love with the melt-in-your-mouth azuki panna cotta (7.50 €) which was truly delicious, and the homemade mochi with airy matcha cream, filled with azuki (8 €).
Tested in 2022 - Invitation
Yatai Ramen
127 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris
The good deal: lunch sets Monday to Friday with tapas + ramen or ramen + dessert for 21.50 € / tapas + ramen + dessert for 27.50 €
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Kibo No Ki
This restaurant located next to the Place de la Madeleine in Paris specializes in ramen and also in pokebowl. For our part, we only tested the ramen at this address. I especially liked the total immersion in the kawaii and Japanese manga world of this place (with a playlist to match). As a customer of the restaurant, you can even borrow a kimono for the meal and eat in traditional Japanese attire, which is quite fun. One of the restaurant waitresses helps you put on the kimono and adjusts the accessories (the knot in the back, for example).
As an appetizer, we tasted the classic octopus takoyaki (6.95 € for 6 pieces). For ramen, the restaurant offers Tonkotsu ramen with a pork broth or Paitan ramen with a chicken broth. For vegetarians (but not only), you can also compose your own custom ramen (13.50 € for the classic version and 16.50 € for the Deluxe version) with all the ingredients. For dessert, the restaurant offers pastries (mochi and dorayaki between 6 € and 6.50 €) from the Maison Tomo which I have already told you about on the blog.
Tested in 2022 - Invitation
Kibo No Ki Restaurant
14 Rue Vignon, 75009 Paris
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Yooki Ramen
This address, located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, is a haven for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts! I recommend their ramen and especially their Yakisoba (a dish based on stir-fried noodles) because the noodles are homemade here and that changes everything! For appetizers, we had the gyoza (6.50 € for 6 pieces), which are quite ordinary, and also octopus balls, the takoyaki (6.50 € for 5 pieces). For dessert, we had frozen mochis (5.50 € for 2 pieces) that come from the Japanese grocery store Kioko, and for drinks, a Japanese green tea (3.50 €).
Tested in 2024 - Invitation
Yooki Ramen
305 rue Saint Jacques 75005 Paris
Price: lunch menu starting from 16.90€ / Ramen between 13€ and 15.50€ / Yakisoba between 12.80€ and 13.50€
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Kodawari Ramen
This small Japanese address in the 6th arrondissement promises a totally immersive atmosphere. As its name suggests, the specialty of this restaurant is ramen, but a specific type of ramen with a chicken-based broth that has been simmering for 12 hours, and the icing on the cake (yes, I like that expression) is that the noodles are homemade. My test of this address dates back a few years, but I have had recent feedback, notably from the favorite photographer who returned, and evidently, it is still just as good!
To taste:
- For drinks, you will inevitably find the Japanese beer very common in France, Kirin, and don’t forget to end your meal with a small glass of sake.
- The Jidori shoyu ramen, a soy ramen, with a Basque farm pork chashu sauce. I strongly advise you to add a Tamago (large marinated soft-boiled egg) as an extra.
- The Kurogoma ninniku ramen, a black sesame and garlic ramen with a Basque farm pork chashu sauce. To kick up the flavor a bit, you can also add a small homemade spicy sauce (karai dippu).
- For dessert, the pastries from Pâtisserie Tomo (which I have already mentioned on the blog here) are killer.
Tested in 2019 - Invitation
Kodawari Ramen
29 Rue Mazarine, 75006 Paris
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Naruto Ramen
This ramen restaurant is located on Rue du Faubourg Montmartre in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. The decor is quite minimalist and the room rather small but friendly. Here, the specialty is Naruto Ramen, in reference to the ingredient “naruto” (which means whirlpool), steamed fish strips from which the Naruto manga gets its name.
We tasted: as for drinks, a sparkling Bana sake with yuzu (9.90 € for the 33cl bottle) and an artisanal Japanese Coedo beer (7.90 € for the 33cl bottle); some gyozas; we also tested 2 of the house’s specialties in terms of ramen, the red miso ramen with beef (13.80 € for classic / 15.80 € for royal / 18.80 € for menu & royal) whose broth therefore has a more pronounced taste than the white miso, and the Naruto Ramen (11.80 € for classic / 13.80 € for royal / 16.80 € for menu); we finish on a fresh note with artisanal frozen mochis with yuzu and sesame (2.90 € for 1 mochi and 5.80 € for 2 mochi).
Tested in 2024 - Invitation
Naruto Ramen
57 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 Paris
Price: ramen between 11.80€ and 15.80€ / menus with 4 gyozas in addition to the ramen / lunch set with 2 gyozas of your choice and a non-alcoholic drink for 3 € more
Izakaya-style restaurants
In Japan, Izakaya are the equivalent of bistros or wine bars in France. They serve alcoholic beverages that can be accompanied by hot or cold dishes (more or less elaborate depending on the establishment) that you share with friends or colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Vesper
This address, located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, is a trendy spot signed by Fitz Group. Situated not far from the Champ de Mars, the restaurant offers a Japanese izakaya-style menu, imagined by chef Roudy Petersen, and since the end of 2025, Vesper has also been open for lunch. This is a chance to discover the place at a low price, therefore, with 2 lunch set menus. Notably, an express menu at 25 € with handrolls to roll yourself, offered in salmon, spicy tuna, or veggie versions, which really impressed us; the quality of the products is clearly there.
If you have a big appetite and more time, you also have the gourmet menu at 38 € with very generous donburi in salmon or chicken katsu versions. The menus also include appetizers and desserts. To end on a sweet note, we had the cheesecake with mandarin coulis which was light, and the exotic fruit salad. Finally, the address has a very nice selection of sakes for enthusiasts.
Tested in 2026 - Invitation
Vesper
81 avenue Bosquet 75007 Paris
Lunch menu prices: express menu at 25 € with 1 appetizer + 2 handrolls + 1 dessert / gourmet menu at 38 € with 1 appetizer (including handrolls) + 1 donburi-style dish + 1 dessert
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Jinchan Shokudo is an authentic popular Izakaya (a kind of Japanese bistro or tapas bar where they serve alcoholic drinks and things to eat), located in Paris, a stone’s throw from the Aligre market. I discovered this restaurant in February 2022, but it was opened in 2019 by a Franco-Japanese couple who wanted: “To import the popular Japanese culture that is missing in France, while it is everywhere there.”
Jinchan Shokudo
On the menu, you’ll find classic Japanese dishes like Donburi (large rice bowls with various toppings between €12 and €19) or small appetizers to share. Don’t miss the half-eggplant glazed with white miso and yuzu, which is to die for, and for dessert, I highly recommend the sesame cheesecake, which completely won me over. For drinks, the house offers a very nice and wide selection of sakes, a must-try (sake by the glass between €6 and €11).
To try: Yukinko, 4 vegetarian sushis made with shiitake and white turnip (€4); Nasu Dengaku, half-eggplant glazed with white miso, yuzu, and sesame (€8); Hamachi Sashimi, 8 slices of raw yellowtail, shiso leaf, wasabi, Shibanuma soy sauce (€15); Kamo Rosu, seared marinated duck, seasoned with yuzu kosho, leek (€12); Donburi Kaisen, assortment of salmon, yellowtail, and salmon roe, vinegared white Niigata rice, Shibanuma soy sauce, wasabi, ginger, nori seaweed, shiso leaf; Donburi Chicken Katsu, chicken breaded in crispy panko, tonkatsu sauce, sesame seeds, white Niigata rice (marinated soft-boiled egg +€1.5); Cheesecake Kurogoma, homemade creamy Japanese black sesame recipe (€6).
Tested in 2022 - Invitation
Jinchan Shokudo
154 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75012 Paris
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Jinchan Yokocho
Following the success of their first address Jinchan Shokudo, which I told you about just above, the Franco-Japanese couple Miyo & Alban Cacace continue to make Japanese popular culture shine in the heart of Paris by opening their second restaurant just a few steps from the Place de la République: Jinchan Yokocho. This new address invites you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a Japanese alleyway right in the heart of the Japan of the 70s and 80s.
As for food, the address specializes in Japanese curry, softer than Indian curry and entirely homemade using spices sourced in Kyoto. I particularly recommend you try the Donburi Mont d’Or which achieves a unique but very successful fusion of Franco-Japanese flavors! For drinks, you’ll find a wide selection of Sake to enjoy neat or in cocktails, but also Japanese craft beers, including the one from the Isekado brewery, which has won the most awards in the Guinness Book.
Tested in 2024 - Invitation
Jinchan Yokocho
41 rue du Faubourg du Temple, 75010 Paris
Price: appetizers to share between €5 and €18 / donburi between €14 and €22 / desserts between €6 and €7 / Japanese beers between €4.50 and €8
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The restaurant Atsu Atsu (closed)
Atsu Atsu is a restaurant founded by Christopher Wagner, a fan and lover of Japanese cuisine for many years (he actually worked for a long time at Matsuri). His desire is to help people discover traditional and typical Japanese recipes, notably with the famous “Takoyaki,” those traditional hot bites made from pancake batter, typical of Osaka (just delicious), or the succulent “Okonomiyaki,” cabbage pancakes filled with ingredients of your choice and topped with sauces.
If you wish, the dishes can be prepared on teppans (hot plates), right in front of us, so you can follow each step of their preparation while being entertained. The desserts are also worth a look and the green tea matcha tiramisu (€8) is a must-try!
Opened in September 2014, it is now possible to taste these traditional recipes in this Parisian restaurant composed of three rooms with different atmospheres:
- the counter, to witness the culinary show
- the convivial space, equipped with a teppan to be able to prepare the dishes yourself before enjoying them
- the horigotatsu, a typically Japanese traditional space where you take off your shoes at the entrance and sit at floor level in a pit set up under the table
Restaurant Atsu Atsu
88, rue de Richelieu 75002 Paris
open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday
Price: expect between €12 and €16 for a main dishUpdate of 30/10/2022: restaurant permanently closed since July 2022
Sushi and maki restaurants
Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish, composed of vinegared rice combined with another ingredient, usually raw fish or seafood. Maki is a type of rolled sushi filled with various foods.
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Yakuza by Oliver
This very high-end sushi restaurant is located in the 5-star hotel, Maison Albar le Vendôme in Paris. Imagined by interior designer Fabien Roque, this intimate and festive address pays tribute to Japanese warriors in a sumptuous and arty setting with walls painted in street-art style that I loved! It’s also the first French address of the concept signed by the Portuguese Chef Olivier da Costa. After Lisbon, Cascais, Algarve, and Porto, it’s in Paris that this fusion Japanese concept settles down. On the plate, it’s top-notch and we really enjoyed ourselves!
We tasted: the sashimis with top-quality fish; the sakana tacos with fish; the super original gunkans with incredible marriages of flavors; big favorite also for the Hot Yakuza sushi; if you are an aficionado, the cocktails are also delicious and very original! In short, a magnificent address to book for a special occasion (count at least €180 for 2 people including drinks).
Tested in 2022 - Invitation
Yakuza by Oliver
Maison Albar Hotels le Vendôme
7 rue du Helder, 75009 Paris
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Sushi Rainbow
This little address located near Bastille offers to put a rainbow on your plate! Sushi Rainbow is a restaurant specializing in makis, sushis, and other rolls… and everything is homemade! My recommendations: the rainbow roll (€13.80); the yellow roll (€13.50); the mosaic menu (€20.50); and you can accompany all that with a small glass of sake for the aficionados (bottle starting from €12).
Tested in 2022 - Invitation
Sushi Rainbow
18 Rue Daval, 75011 Paris
open 7/7 lunch and dinner
Price: lunch menu starting from €8.50
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Noori
This Japanese restaurant offers a super original concept: the Tacosushi. This dish is a fusion between a taco and a sushi: it has the shape of a Mexican taco but is made with Japanese ingredients (there are 8 different recipes). And frankly, it’s super successful, the favorite photographer and I loved it! There is a base of vinegared rice like for sushi, with a recipe of your choice among the 8, all wrapped in ultra-crispy fried Nori seaweed. As for drinks, I recommend the house drinks, the iced tea, and the yuzu lemonade (€4.50). And for dessert, we had 2 scoops of ice cream, yuzu and black sesame.
Tested in 2024 - invitation
Noori
20 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, 75010 Paris
Price: Tacosushi between €11 and €15 / non-alcoholic house drinks €4.50 / appetizers between €6 and €8 / desserts between €6 and €7
The good deal: lunch menu with 1 Tacosushi + 1 appetizer €15.90
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Ponzu
Ponzu is a Japanese restaurant brand that has 3 addresses, one in the 16th arrondissement where we went and 2 others in Levallois and Boulogne. The specialty of these restaurants is the signature sushi and makis which are very original. What I recommend you taste: the hot signature rolls (which are hot), we had the crispy chicken; the chiracha bomb with tuna and a spicy mayo if you like things a bit hot; the mango tempura; the dancing eel with grilled eel.
Tested in 2025 - Invitation
Ponzu
101 rue Lauriston 75016 Paris
Price: bao burger €19.90 / signature makis 8 pieces between €12.90 and €16.90 / hot signature rolls €14.90 / salads €16.90
The good deal: weekday lunch menus between €14.90 and €18.90
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Matsuri, happy sushi
I have had the chance to be invited several times to discover the menu of Matsuri, a chain of Japanese restaurants with a rotating counter (“kaiten sushi” in Japanese) that has existed since 1986 and has about 20 restaurants in total, including 15 in France.
The principle: the chefs prepare sushi, maki, california, sashimi, yakitori, salads, and desserts in front of you… Sitting in front of the conveyor belt, you can freely compose your menu by grabbing the plates according to your desires. It is actually the first chain of Japanese rotating counter restaurants in Europe, whereas this type of restaurant is very widespread and very popular in Japan.
I liked: the brand’s visual identity, with a neat and typically Japanese decor, designed by Hiroko Kusunoki and Nicolas Moreau. This interior architecture is already in place in 3 establishments: Paris La Boétie, Vincennes, and Lyon Presqu’île.
The good deal: a creative menu at small prices which is 90% composed of fresh products. The price of the plates varies between €2 and €5 (they are distinguished thanks to an ingenious color system).
A la carte: seared salmon sushi, shrimp tempura and avocado nori temaki, raw vegetable and cream cheese soy sheet maki, matcha green tea cheesecake…
The new spring-summer 2016 menu: you’ll find the house classics, but also creations such as the new deluxe California rolls, smoked salmon tempura maki, and about fifteen limited-edition items to discover throughout the season.
The hot tip: starting July 6, 2016, Matsuri will offer activities for children (under 12) during every school holiday period, and they’ll even get a little gift!
Matsuri is present in Paris, Lyon, Reims, Saint-Étienne, Geneva, Bordeaux and in Morocco.
Tested in 2015 - Invitation
Matsuri La Boétie
103 rue La Boétie 75008 Paris
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Côté Sushi
This Japanese restaurant chain has been around for many years and has several restaurants and corners in France (new restaurant openings are also planned for the coming years). For my part, I was invited to discover the Côté Sushi Vaugirard restaurant, very close to the Porte de Versailles. The space at this location is actually quite small (like most of their restaurants, it seems) but very pleasant.
Contrary to what I had imagined, Côté Sushi has an original menu that offers more dishes than the traditional maki, sushi, and skewers (don’t worry, they have those too!), which was a lovely surprise. This menu also evolves according to the seasons and culinary trends, and the new menu features, for example, dishes inspired by Nikkei cuisine, a mix of flavors between Japan and Peru, with original creations such as Ceviche or Soba.
Must try: for dessert, we tried the banana Nutella spring roll; it’s not Japanese at all, it’s fatty, but it’s super good!
The hot tip for sushi delivery fans: you can also find the brand’s menu online and have their products delivered to your home; for summer 2023, Côté Sushi is launching its California collection for a road trip on the West Coast with six new recipes, including 3 creations gathered in a box with the colors of California sunsets; the California box brings together three exclusive recipes alongside Côté Sushi classics for a sharing moment with Nikkei accents: 42 pieces / €52 with 8 Samba Surfin’ USA, 8 Samba Rock Star, 8 Samba Sunset, 8 Samba Acho, 6 Avocado cheese Maki, 2 Nikkei Salmon Sushi, 2 Salmon Sushi.
Tested in 2015 and 2023 - Invitation
Côté Sushi Vaugirard
378 Rue de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris
Price: platters and menus average €20 (16 to 24 pieces)
Japanese street-food restaurants
Yujin
Yujin, which means “friends” in Japanese, is the hangout of 4 long-time friends, and the address is located in the heart of the legendary Passage des Panoramas in Paris. The restaurant offers a menu where Japanese culinary traditions and street food meet in a casual setting with trendy music in the background. On the menu: high-level and very original cocktails, and a menu that invites sharing and conviviality. To start, I recommend having the Tokyo Drift (€15), nigiri sushi pieces flambéed right in front of you, which are truly delicious. Next, the establishment’s specialty is Japanese curry, which you shouldn’t miss. We also tasted the Japanese Fricassée (€14), a limited-edition sandwich made in collaboration with The Dwichtorialist that combines Tunisian street food with a Japanese twist.
Tested in 2025 - Invitation
Yujin
53 Passage des Panoramas, 75002 Paris
Price: cocktails between €14 and €15 / curry and donburi between €15 and €18 / appetizers and plates to share between €5 and €18
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Sekitan
This Japanese canteen located in the 19th arrondissement near Quai de la Loire opened its doors in 2024. The address offers specialties inspired by Japanese street food, notably Yakitoris, small skewers grilled to order (there are 16 different ones on the menu). There are also Yakitori menus that offer assortments of skewers (we tasted the Boo menu which was very good). We also tasted the karaage curry which was very good (€15). For drinks, I recommend trying the signature cocktails (I really liked the Nakamise – Dori) or having a small glass of sake (price between €6 and €9).
The little extra: in the basement of the restaurant there is a karaoke room (mainly with Asian titles, though, or Asian versions of titles from other countries) accessible for free to restaurant customers and also privatizable if needed.
Tested in 2024 - Invitation
Sekitan
14 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris
Price: yakitori menus with an appetizer + an assortment of skewers + rice between €18 and €28 / appetizers between €4 and €8 / cocktails between €10 and €12 / desserts between €4.50 and €6
The hot tip: lunch bento menu between €16 and €17
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Kantine Paris
This Parisian address offers real 100% homemade Japanese street food, available for home delivery via Deliveroo or Ubereats, or for take-away on site.
On the menu: bentos and ramens for a quick yet balanced lunch on the go. We tested the spicy beef ramen with its paitan broth (delivered in a thick and creamy version so it wouldn’t spill during the trip, and you just need to pour boiling water over the noodles to finish preparing the ramen / price €14.90) and the teriyaki salmon bento (salmon fillet with teriyaki sauce in a sesame crust, miso-roasted sweet potato, roasted pak choi, fleur de sel and spice edamame, Shinjumai white rice / price €14.90). For dessert, I recommend the matcha cookies (€3.50 each) which I found very good!
Kantine Paris
20 boulevard Garibaldi, 75015 Paris
22 rue Crespin du Gast, 75011 Paris
5 rue du Centenaire, Montreuil
Price: ramen formula starting from €15.90 and bento formula starting from €16.90
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Practical questions
For exceptional gyoza, I recommend Gyoza Bar (Passage des Panoramas), whose recipes were created by the double-Michelin-starred chef Shinichi Sato. If you’re looking for variety, Gyoza House offers more than 25 different flavors, including many vegetarian options.
For an immersive atmosphere, Isshin Ramen plunges you into a setting reminiscent of Tokyo markets or Miyazaki films. If you’d like to dine in traditional attire, Kibo No Ki lets you borrow a kimono for free while enjoying your ramen. Finally, for a homemade broth simmered for 12 hours, head to Kodawari Ramen.
An Izakaya is the Japanese equivalent of a bistro or tapas bar. Jinchan Shokudo is an authentic and popular spot near Aligre that I love. For a 70s Japanese alleyway vibe, try Jinchan Yokocho. For a trendier version with a great sake list, the restaurant Vesper in the 7th arrondissement is ideal.
For a high-end and festive experience, Yakuza by Oliver offers top-notch fusion sushi. If you’re looking for an unusual concept, Noori offers the “Tacosushi”, a surprising mix of Mexican tacos and Japanese ingredients. For fans of colorful sushi, Sushi Rainbow focuses on homemade “rainbow” rolls.
For skewer lovers, Sekitan offers 16 varieties of Yakitori grilled to order and even has a karaoke room. If you prefer Japanese curry, I recommend the Yujin spots in the Passage des Panoramas or Jinchan Yokocho, which serves a surprising Mont d’Or cheese curry.
Find all my restaurant reviews in Paris below:
⇒ My restaurant reviews in Paris
⇒ My Asian restaurants in Paris
⇒ My Japanese restaurants in Paris
MY ARTICLES GOOD JAPANESE RESTAURANT SPOTS IN PARIS
⇒ Toraya Tea Room
⇒ Hakata Choten
⇒ Ao Izakaya
⇒ Ramen Bowl
⇒ Kodawari Ramen
⇒ Matsuri
Photo credits: Melle Bon Plan and Nicolas Diolez Photos not royalty-free, photographer's authorization required before any use
