Okomusu: the hidden face of the Japanese pancake

Fancy a trip to Osaka without leaving Paris? Head for Okomusu, a Japanese nugget tucked away in ae ruelle du Marais, a stone's throw from Saint-Paul.
Here, only one dish is served: theokonomiyaki, this thick Japanese pancake made from cabbage, egg and a savoury pastryand a whole host of other good things. And believe us: you've never tasted anything like it in Paris.

Take a seat at the counter, let yourself be mesmerised by the cooks at work with their spatulas, and breathe in the scent of okonomi sauce and smoked bonito.
Welcome to an izakaya just like over there - except here, you can understand the menu without a Google translator.

Okonomiyaki is a bit like the Japanese version of the crêpe bretonne. But more generous. More funky. And tastier. At Okomusu, it is served in its traditional Osaka version, with cabbage, cuttlefish, prawns, pork belly and an avalanche of homemade sauce, Japanese mayo and dancing bonito flakes. Visually, it's a sight to behold. Gustatively? A festival! For veggie lovers, the 100 % vegetarian version with crunchy lotus, tofu and kombu is a real success. There's also a gluten-free version, made with rice flour - a rare option in Japanese restaurants in Paris, but one that's very well mastered. But Okomusu doesn't stop there: as a starter, try the homemade gyozaFor the sweet side, the anko maki (red bean pancake) will melt fans of Japanese desserts. On the sweet side, the anko maki (red bean pancake) will melt fans of Japanese desserts.

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At Okomusu, there's no long menu. The menu is all on one page and to the point. Okonomiyaki is available in 3 main recipes between 16 and €18according to your tastes (meat, fish, veg). The entries revolve around 5 à 8 €the desserts around 6 €. To quench your thirst, there are also a number of Japanese cocktails such as umeshu tonic, and Japanese beers (Asahi, Kirin). The value for money is really good for the area. And with the generous amount of food on each plate, you'll leave feeling relaxed, happy and a little nostalgic for Tokyo.

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The space is small and intimate, with just fifteen seats, including a counter facing the kitchen where everything is prepared à la minute. So before our plate arrives, we watch, salivate and even chat with the chefs. At Okomusu, the atmosphere is authentic, unpretentious and ultra-friendly. The service is fast, warm and attentive, just like the food. Remember to book if there are more than two of you - the place fills up fast, especially in the evening.

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• Quite simply the best okonomiyaki in Paris
• A no-frills izakaya atmosphere
• Authentic recipes, served with great generosity
• A clear menu and affordable prices
• A warm and friendly welcome

Practical information

• Address: 11 rue Charlot, 75003 Paris
• Opening times: daily, 12pm-2.30pm and 7pm-10pm
• Telephone: +33 9 67 40 97 27
• Website : www.okomusu.fr
• Instagram 

Small in size, big in flavour, Okomusu ticks all the boxes of a favourite restaurant: simple, good, welcoming, and ultra-faithful to Japanese recipes. Whether you're curious or nostalgic about your last trip to Japan, go there with your chopsticks wide open.