We take you on a tour of Kimochi, a new Japanese restaurant in Paris's 2nd arrondissement, which has opened its doors in the Galerie Montmartre, a wing of the Passage des Panoramas.
We're off to discover this unique and original new concept. Kimochi is the little brother of Sushi Étoile, which is already delighting diners in the 17th arrondissement. Heading up the kitchen, sushiman chef Jiyi, who has worked at Ralph's and other Japanese hot spots, perfectly combines traditional Japanese cuisine with the finesse of French gastronomy. His fusion cuisine is both traditional and modern.
At Kimochi, you'll find the entire Sushi Étoile menu, with a variety of rolls, divine Karaage chicken, generous tokayakis, gyozas just the way we like them, and nigiri and other sashimi. But what really sets this place apart is its sushi burgers.
So, let's face it, at first we thought, sushi burgers are going to be heavy to eat! But to be honest, we enjoyed it and ate it all in no time. With its minute-grilled rice bun, richly flavored toppings and sauces, it's a real explosion in the mouth. All burgers are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
The menu features several sushi burger recipes: Spicy Tuna, with spicy tuna, avocado, wakame, arugula and cucumber; Salmon Tartare, with salmon tartar, avocado, fried onions, arugula, red radish and homemade sauce; Truffles Mania, with semi-cooked salmon, truffle purée, braised Emmental cheese, arugula, wakame, red radish and homemade sauce. There's also a delicious eel version, a shrimp tempura version and a vegetarian version with eggplant and grilled Emmental cheese.
Personally, we loved the Salmon Tartare, half hot and half cold, crisp and fresh at the same time, as well as the ultra-generous Truffles Mania, rich in flavor. And don't forget to finish with a good dessert. Enjoy crème brûlée cheesecake, iced mochi or delicious homemade matcha, chocolate or Nutella tiramisus.
Prices are classic, with karaage and other gyozas costing €7 and 8 rolls between €13 and €18. The more substantial and gourmet sushi burger ranges from 17€ to 20€, from vegetarian to truffle.
As for the dining room, Kimochi features a large central bar where you can sit all around and watch the chef officiate before your very eyes. A few tables have been added along the façade and on the terrace in fine weather. Opposite, we also discover a bar that belongs to the house and offers a whole menu of beers and sakes. We love the subdued, friendly atmosphere, reminiscent of Japanese izakayas.
Open every day except Monday, the restaurant is open from 12pm to 2.30pm and from 6.30pm to 10.30pm. Why not try a sushi burger?
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 mention it in the comments.
Location
Kimochi Paris
24 Galerie Montmartre
75002 Paris 2
Prices
50 premiers burgers le 17 décembre: Free
Soft + Frites : €5
Desserts: €5 - €9
Karaage - takoyaki -gyoza -nems jap: €7
8 Rolls: €13.9 - €18.9
Sushi Burger: €16.9 - €20.9
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.kimochiparis.fr
More information
Open daily from 12:00 to 14:30 and from 18:30 to 22:30