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.
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]
TÔ Restaurant, for the essence of Franco-Japanese cuisine in Paris
TÔ Restaurant is the name of a tasty restaurant on the Canal Saint-Martin. We're off to discover this French restaurant with Japanese accents, where fresh, well-prepared products are the order of the day. [Read more]
Jinchan Shokudo, an authentic and popular izakaya in the heart of Paris
Jinchan Shokudo is the address to note for the lovers of Japanese culture. In this authentic and popular izakaya, you will find a menu full of tapas and gourmet dishes made with fine products while remaining affordable. Who says better? [Read more]
Nomikaï, inspired sharing plates and unusual natural wines
Since its opening, Nomikaï has been offering the curious, the gourmands and the gourmets a host of plates to share and a multitude of natural wines, all carefully selected in the style of the Japanese izakaya. [Read more]
Japanese restaurants in Paris
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
