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JIN
Add: 6 Rue de la Sourdière, 75001 Paris
Tel: 01 42 61 60 71
Hours: [Mon-Tue] 7~9:30pm [Wed-Sat] 12:30~2pm, 7~9:30pm
Price: [lunch/sushi only] €65 [tasting menu/omakase] €135
Tasted on: Nov 2013
Opened in early 2013 and already awarded one Michelin star, JIN is a very special place that, as far as I know, occupies a niche shared by no others here in Paris. This sleek sushi bar, tucked away on a quiet street just off rue Saint-Honoré, focuses all attention on chef Takuya Watanabe and the exquisite little bites that emerge from his work station, in plain view of all guests seated at the bar.
The omakase tasting menu (available for lunch and dinner) is priced at €135, while the sushi-only menu (available for lunch only) is €65. I have always loved the concept of omakase, leaving the chef to select the best from his repertoire according to the freshest available ingredients.
But first, a bubbly flute of 大吟醸スパークリング ARROZ (Daiginjo Sparkling Arroz) from sake manufacturer Bunraku of Saitama, Japan.
The omakase tasting menu starts with a few small dishes. Monkfish liver, crab meat in miso, grilled scallop in crispy seaweed, sashimi…nothing but delightful.
Then, moving on to the nigiri sushi with a glass of 「王祿」超辛純米 from sake manufacturer Ooroku of Shimane, Japan.
Here’s a snapshot of chef Taku at work. He may look serious in this photo, but actually he’s got a jolly personality that will bring a smile to your face, perhaps even if you don’t speak a word of Japanese :)
And thus commenced the procession of nigiri sushi. Each fish was sliced meticulously, then served with a brush of soy sauce, a pinch of wasabi, a sprinkle of salt, or simply as it was over sushi rice. An interesting thing to note is that chef Taku uses Akasu vinegar, giving the rice a red brown color and distinct flavor, typical of the Edomae-style sushi.
After a dozen or so nigiri sushi, chef Taku handed me two gunkan maki. I was sufficiently full by this point, but who can resist salmon roe and sea urchins?
Then, a fluffy tamagoyaki, or Japanese omelet.
To sooth the stomach, a hot bowl of miso soup. But this was no ordinary miso soup! Richly flavored with shrimps, this bowl was tasty enough to warm up the sourest of moods.
Light dessert to finish.
Dining at JIN really is an exceptional experience that can’t be found elsewhere in Paris. Nina and Taku have put their hearts and souls in building this restaurant, and it shows in every detail of the food, sake list, decor, tableware, and service. Sushi connoisseurs or anyone looking for authentic sushi dining in Paris would surely appreciate this elegant little place. 本当にごちそうさまでした!
Love the last photo!
:)