Just a short walk from Le Bon Marché, Kimono reinvents the concept of the Japanese bistro. We stepped inside this Parisian restaurant, where warm hospitality meets understated elegance.
Nestled in the lively Montparnasse district, Kimono revives a little-known chapter of Parisian history. Created by the Vaconsin sisters—the minds behind Blueberry, Marcello, and Steam Bar—the restaurant blends Japanese influences with the spirit of a classic French bistro. In the kitchen, Chef Masahiro Moriya, joined by renowned chef Flora Mikula, has crafted a generous menu where Japanese traditions and European influences come together in perfect harmony.
A restaurant that takes you back to Roaring Twenties Paris
From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere is set. Architect Gabriel Pistre has designed a space inspired by the artistic Montparnasse of the 1920s, when many Japanese artists and creatives made the neighborhood their home. Exposed brick walls, red banquettes, wooden tables preserved from the former institution Mamie Gâteaux, and a striking central counter all combine to create a warm and inviting setting.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Fresh and flavorful dishes full of character
Our meal began with a salad featuring mizuna, baby spinach, shiso, and a buckwheat vinaigrette. Light and refreshing, the dish showcased delicate herbal notes elevated by a beautifully balanced dressing.
Next came the Binchotan chicken, served with Kimono’s signature ponzu sauce. The chicken was perfectly cooked—exceptionally tender with a subtle smoky flavor that paired beautifully with the bright acidity of the sauce. Another standout was the okonomiyaki, topped with slow-braised pork and pointed cabbage. This Japanese savory pancake offered a wonderfully soft texture and a rich yet perfectly balanced flavor.
No visit to Kimono would be complete without trying the restaurant’s signature Dôme dessert. Beneath its elegant shell lies a smooth sobacha praline filling, whose roasted notes add remarkable depth and complexity. We finished our tasting with a scoop of homemade pear and yuzu sorbet. Intensely aromatic, it perfectly combined the sweetness of ripe pear with the vibrant citrus character of Japanese yuzu, providing a light and refreshing finale.
Japanese cuisine that dares to go beyond tradition
Beyond the dishes we sampled, Kimono continues to surprise with its inventive creations. The restaurant reimagines the traditional bento as an elegant tray-served experience, has developed its own signature Futosoba noodles, and even incorporates Italian influences into several recipes. This creative freedom results in generous, personality-filled cuisine that gives Japanese classics a fresh and contemporary twist.
Kimono / 66 Rue du Cherche-Midi – 75006 Paris, France
Follow us on Instagram