Between Bastille and Oberkampf, on Rue Saint-Sébastien — the epicentre of the cool 11th arrondissement — a venue has been turning heads since it opened. Shuzo, this is the project of Andrés Ramirez and Gina Villacob: a tropical izakaya that marries Japanese DNA with Colombian generosity. Crowned at the 2025 Time Out Food & Drink Awards in the fusion category, the spot has become one of the most talked-about favourites of the Parisian autumn rentrée. We went there, and here is our story.
The location: Japan and Colombia under the same roof
Right from the entrance, the tone is set: subtle neon lighting, palm trees, light wood, prominent record player. It’s somewhere between a Tokyo neighbourhood bar and a chic Bogotá canteen. The name itself sums up the concept: a contraction of shiso (the Japanese aromatic plant) and skewer (Colombian street skewers). Quite an experience, and it lives up to its promise.
The room isn't huge — it's more of an intimate format — and that's a good thing. Later in the evening, Gina Villacob takes to the decks: cumbia, afrobeat, instrumental Japanese music, Brazilian music. It turns dinner into a proper night out, without tipping over into a bar. The balance is finely judged.
At the stove: Andrés Ramirez, two cultures, twenty years on the job
Andrés Ramirez is not a chef who fell into fusion cooking as a fad. Colombian-Japanese, he spent 20 years in kitchens in Colombia, France and Japan. A former chef at Rose Bakery, he had already launched Doki Doki, a hand roll bar that left a lasting impression. At Shuzo, he connects his two culinary heritages with disarming naturalness.
The result: a cuisine of small dishes to share where every bite tells a story. No gimmick fusion, no forced mix — it is rather a dialogue between two cuisines that respect each other, using Japanese techniques (marinades, precise cooking methods, cuts) and Colombian ingredients (cassava, plantain, tamarillo, corn).
The menu: small plates, big journey
Let's start with the starters that set the mood: smoked watermelon tartare with cashew mousseline and corn tuiles (€10) — firstly, it’s brilliant. The watermelon’s tuxedo gives an almost umami depth, the cashew rounds it out, the sweetcorn provides the crunch. The plantain croquette (€12 for three) are an absolute must, to be eaten piping hot. The’black pudding empanada (€10 for three) acts as a bridge between the two worlds — a Colombian classic revisited with Japanese elegance.
As for the skewers, okra or chicken (€10 each) grilled to order, with the homemade «Shuzo sauce» that is well worth dipping the last mouthful of rice into. The tamale with shiitake mushrooms and kombu (13€) is the conceptual dish: vegetarian, deep, crafted. And for the dish that brings everyone together: the chashu-chicharron porchetta (€17) — slow-cooked Japanese-style confit pork, grilled the Colombian way. Unforgettable.
Vibe & experience: at what time, with whom?
Shuzo is a place designed for the evening. You come here at 8 pm for a relaxed dinner, you stay until 11 pm or later when Gina starts her sets. The vibe is festive without being loud, chic without being stuffy — the perfect cocktail for:
- An appointment a bit different — a break from the usual sushi bar
- A dinner with friends serves 4-6, sharing size
- After-work drinks on Friday, with a cocktail and a few skewers
When it comes to cocktails, the menu is well crafted: pineapple-palo santo, mezcal-eucalyptus, gin and tonic basil-shiso, espresso martini tropical. Cocktails are €14. The wine list offers a fine Hispanic selection — Contraban by Jordi Esteve (€50), La Petita de Cal Tiques (€42) — and a few Japanese sake gems.
Just a small point: the venue can fill up quickly on Fridays and Saturdays, so book as soon as you know your date. Saturday lunchtime is less busy if you are looking for more peace and quiet.
Why do we love it?
- A merger that makes sense — not a gimmick, a real cultural bridge
- A chef with 20 years' experience and a proper personal signature
- DJ set by Gina that turns dinner into a moment
- The Hispanic wine and cocktail menu — rare in Paris and well executed
- Controlled prices for the 11th chic: €33-41 per person excluding drinks
- Fusion Award at the 2025 Time Out Awards — well-deserved recognition
Practical information
📍 Address: 44 Rue Saint-Sébastien, 75011 Paris
🚇 Underground: Saint-Sébastien-Froissart (Line 8), Richard-Lenoir (Line 5), Chemin Vert (Line 8)
🕒 Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 19:00–22:30 · Saturday 12:00–15:00 and 19:00–22:30 · Closed Sunday and Monday
💶 Price: ~€33–41/person (starter + main + dessert, drinks excluded) · Cocktails €14
🌐 Website: shuzo.fr
📸 Instagram : @shuzo_paris
👨🍳 Chef: Andrés Ramirez (ex-Rose Bakery, founder of Doki Doki) · DJ and reception: Gina Villacob
🏆 Reward: Time Out Food & Drink Awards 2025 — Fusion category
Frequently asked questions
What is a tropical izakaya?
The izakaya is the Japanese neighbourhood bar-restaurant where you eat small portions while drinking sake or beer. Shuzo's «tropical» version adds Colombian DNA: ingredients (plantain, cassava, tamarillo), Latin music, a festive atmosphere. An izakaya that doesn't forget that something is happening in the world beyond Japan.
Is it necessary to book at Shuzo?
Highly recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings which are often fully booked. Book 5 to 10 days in advance for weekends, 2-3 days for weeknights. Saturday lunchtime remains more accessible.
Is Shuzo suitable for a romantic dinner?
Rather yes — the intimacy of the room, the dim lighting and the well-chosen music create a lovely date atmosphere. The downside: when Gina comes on at 10 pm, the vibe becomes more festive. If you're looking for total quiet, aim for 7.30 pm–9 pm.
Fancy continuing the exploration? Take a look at our guide to the best Japanese restaurants in Paris, or to our favourite Asian spots in the 11th arrondissement.
