Rue Saint-Anne: Paris’ Japantown
Rue Saint-Anne runs through the first and second arrondissements, near the Opera District.
With a high concentration of Japanese businesses, the street forms a Japantown in France’s
capital city. Wander the street and sample the best of what the district has to offer, from
tiny restaurants to grocery stores. Rue Saint Anne offers epicurean delights from Japan,
Korea, and other parts of Asia.
Located near many city landmarks and tourist attractions, like the Louvre and the Opera,
Rue Sainte-Anne is a wonderful street to visit for lunch while out sightseeing or shopping.
The closest Metro stop is Pyramides.
Kunitoraya (http://www.kunitoraya.com/), 39 Rue Saint-Anne. There is an ever-present
line outside this restaurant, always a great sign for any dining spot. Kunitoraya serves
handmade udon. Try the tempura udon – a steaming bowl of delicious broth, topped with
tempura shrimp; zaru udon – cold noodles served with dipping sauce; or the curry udon.
The menu also includes side dishes, like pickled vegetables. Don’t let the line intimidate
you, the udon is well worth the wait. Seats are available at the bar or with a view of the
street, but don’t miss the downstairs tables, in the cave-like basement. Open Monday
through Sunday, 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Cash only.
Higuma, 32 Rue Saint-Anne, is a popular destination in Little Tokyo and another spot with
consistently long lines. When you tire of rich French food, queue up here for gyoza, stir fry,
and soup. The ramen is especially delicious and Higuma offers different regional styles –
from Open Monday through Sunday, 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Credit cards accepted.
Yakiniku, 11 bis Rue Saint-Anne, translates to “grilled meat” in Japanese, which is exactly
what the restaurant offers. A meal comes with choice of meat, salad, and spring rolls.
Tables are festooned with individual grills, which patrons use to grill meat or seafood.
Bizan, 56 Rue Saint-Anne, offers a wide ranging menu. Serving everything from sushi to
tempura, the restaurant is a higher end option on a street full of eateries. Open Monday
through Friday, 12:00 to 2:00 PM, 7:00 to 10:00 PM.
Aki, 16 Rue Saint-Anne, an Asian influenced patisserie, offers delectable breads and
pastries. Sample lychee flavored macarons, green tea éclairs, matcha brioche, and other
sweet treats. Enjoy a snack and a cup of green tea at the sidewalk café. Monday through
Saturday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Credit cards accepted.
K Mart, 6-8 Rue Saint-Anne, is a grocery store stocked full of Korean and Japanese
products. Stop in to pick up hard to find Asian ingredients, like gochujang. Find fresh
produce, seafood, noodles, sake, spices, and much more. Visit the cafeteria or to go food
shelves for a quick lunch. Open Monday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Credit cards
accepted.
Juji-Ya, 46 Rue Saint-Anne, is another great grocery store. Specializing in Japanese
products, the shop sells packaged goods, produce, seafood, and other items. Wander up and
down the aisles and distract yourself with the brightly colored packaged items, from
instant noodles to pickled vegetables to candy. Pick up ready-made food for a take away
meal. Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Sunday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Credit cards accepted.