The best Japanese restaurants in Paris

By Léa Zetlaoui, 

and Camille Bois-Martin.

Rooftop and refinement at the Japanese restaurant Kinugawa Rive Gauche

Why? The Japanese restaurant Kinugawa is located on the Left Bank of Paris, at the top of the new Hôtel Sax Paris. This return to the capital marks the opening of a spectacular venue spread across two levels, featuring an elegant restaurant and a panoramic rooftop. The décor blends fluted wood, marble, velvet, and soft lighting in a warm, contemporary atmosphere.

Our favorite dish? In the kitchen, the restaurant remains true to its identity – a contemporary Japanese cuisine that is both precise and generous. The house classics are all on the menu, such as tartares, rolls, yuzu carpaccios, marinated black cod, wagyu beef. At the bar, a selection of Franco-Japanese-inspired cocktails completes the experience. A discreet, yet striking address, perfect for the Indian summer.

The address? Kinugawa Rive Gauche, 55 Avenue de Saxe, Paris 7th.

Generous handrolls and creamy cheesecake at Doki Doki

Why? For those who don’t know what a handroll is, here’s a quick explanation: it’s a handmade, made-to-order Japanese dish, which consists in a crisp nori seaweed wrap filled with Japanese rice and delicately seasoned raw fish. Both gourmet and light, this roll is Doki Doki’s signature dish. With two already existing venues in Paris, the brand has just opened two more – one in the heart of the iconic rue des Martyrs, the other in Neuilly. These restaurants have quickly become go-to place thanks to their fusion of generous, refined cuisine with ultra-modern, immersive interiors. Guests dine at the counter, facing with the chefs while they are crafting these delightful little rolls.

Our favorite dish? While we would recommend the crab and toro rolls (the fatty part of bluefin tuna), the true standout for us is a dessert. It’s impossible to leave without trying the incredible cheesecake, creamy and smooth, created in collaboration with the Japanese patisserie Takumi. Having a bite feels like sinking into a cloud of pure bliss…

The address? Doki Doki, 51 rue des Martyrs, Paris 9th.

Honō, a heaven in Paris for yakitori lovers

Why? Nestled in the small rue de Dunkerque, Honō is already shaping up to be a go-to restaurant in that neighbourhood. Its simple storefront may not catch the eye at first glance, but as you step inside, you will discover an intimate place with a meticulously curated decor. Warm and welcoming, the restaurant mainly offers yakitori and kozaras, along with a handy glossary for those unfamiliar with these Japanese small dishes. With a focus on discovery and innovation – take the chicken tsukune topped with Italian scamorza cheese or the wagyu with truffle cheese – the experience is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Our favorite dish? Even without a big appetite, the starters are a must-have. Whether you’re team beef or tuna, the kozaras come with delicious sauces, like chimichurri or yuzu vinaigrette.

The address? Honō, 70 rue de Dunkerque, Paris 9th.

Paris’s best handrolls at the Japanese restaurant Hando

Why? For its third venue, Hando Parisian Handroll settles in the heart of the Marais, at the corner between Rue de Bretagne and Rue Charlot. In this new light-filled space designed by architect Isabelle Stanislas, you’ll find the same poetic, calming atmosphere inspired by Japanese minimalism. Behind the counter, chef Chiharu Takada crafts a refined menu of freshly made handrolls, nigiri, and made-to-order sashimi. The food is served in second-hand shopped or custom-made ceramic tableware created by Japanese artisans.

Our favorite dish? We love the original creations and flavourful starters, like the goma-ae (spinach, sesame, and peanut) or the shiitake wakame (seaweed, mushrooms, trout roe). As for dessert, an exclusive selection of mochi made by Tomo and ice creams made by artisan Enzo & Lily.

The address? Hando Parisian Handroll Marais, 14 rue de Bretagne, Paris 3rd.