Aki Paris: the show-stopping address on rue Sainte-Anne
Nestled in the heart of rue Sainte-Anne, in that little Parisian Tokyo that fans of Japanese cuisine know so well, Aki Paris is an anomaly. Both a restaurant, a bakery and a café, the establishment offers an express return trip to Japan, without leaving the 1st arrondissement. Okonomiyaki cooked to order, French-Japanese pastries with matcha or azuki, and a typical atmosphere that makes you want to linger. Spoiler alert: you are going to want to try everything.
Okonomiyaki is comfort food made in Osaka
The star of the house? The okonomiyaki, of course. This Osaka speciality made from cabbage, egg, batter and a filling of your choice is prepared to order on a hotplate. At Aki, it is enjoyed nicely browned, generously coated with okonomi sauce and Japanese mayonnaise, then topped with a little swirl of katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) that are still shimmering when the dish arrives at the table. Among the variations to try: the’pork okonomiyaki (£12.50), with cheese (€13) or grilled eel (€17 for the more adventurous). For the truly hungry, add a bowl of rice or miso soup. But the menu doesn't stop there. You can also find typical Japanese dishes like soba (buckwheat noodles served cold or hot), donburi (rice bowls topped with breaded pork or marinated beef), and a few well-composed bentos. Nothing revolutionary, but precise and authentic execution, just like in Japan.Japanese bakery with a French twist
Right next to the restaurant, Aki Boulangerie propose a sweet or savoury break with a complete change of scene. Here, sliced bread becomes marbled with matcha and azuki, the Paris-Brest is transformed into a "Aki-Brest"with a red bean whipped cream, and the soft brioches hide surprising cherry blossom centres (hello Sakura Pan). You can also fall for a melon pan or a matcha eclair with well-made choux pastry. Admittedly, not everything is equal in terms of flavours (some creations lack a bit of oomph), but the taste journey is guaranteed, and the prices remain sensible for Paris: between €2 and €5 most of the sweet treats. At lunchtime, the Japanese sandwiches and the ready-to-go takeaway dishes (donburi, Japanese curry, salads) delight local office workers looking for a quick, hearty and original meal.A slice of Japan right in the heart of Paris
The Aki restaurant, with its wood-panelled walls, minimalist decor and prominent hotplates, offers us an experience typical of Japanese canteens.
The place is both quiet and welcoming and you clearly come here for the food (and not to enrich your Instagram feed).
On the bakery side, it is a bit busier, especially at peak time. But don't panic, the service remains quick and smiling. The team manages the crowds efficiently, and you are always welcomed with friendliness (even when you hesitate for 10 minutes in front of the display, promise).
A few bar tables and standard tables allow people to eat in, but many leave with their sweet or savoury plunder to take away.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by [Aki Boulangerie🎂& Aki Café🍡& Aki Restaurant🍛] (@akiboulangercafe)
Why do we love it?
- An authentic, crispy-yet-tender and generous okonomiyaki
- Original and accessible Japanese pastries
- Fast service, even at peak times
- A real little culinary journey without even getting on a plane
- Restaurant : 11bis rue Sainte-Anne, 75002 Paris
- Bakery: 16 rue Sainte-Anne, 75001 Paris
- Opening hours: Restaurant open every day from 11:30 to 23:00 (non-stop) – Bakery Monday to Saturday from 07:30 to 20:30
- Telephone: 01 42 97 54 27
- Website : akiparis.fr
Aki Paris is an address that combines Japanese tradition with a Parisian twist. A gourmet, quick and original stop-off, to be tried at least once (and probably many more times).
