There’s no name on the outside – just heavy iron grills on the opaque windows of the matte black facade. But Asuka – this hidden little 12-seater Japanese restaurant on a side street on the dark side of Montmartre – has been drawing in those in the know for over ten years with its authentic Japanese fare and convivial vibe. Once you’re through the doors, you’re warmly welcomed by the adorable owners, Mr and Mrs Date – a couple from Tokyo in their sixties who have been in Paris for 30 years but who still lace their thickly-accented French with a heavy dose of arigatos.

On the menu are several multi-course options which include a starter, miso soup, salad and then a main course featuring maki, sushi or grilled fish – which change depending on the season and market availability. But we’re not talking the bland cabbage salad, boring miso broth and flavourless fish that are the norm in many a “Japanese” restaurant in the capital. Here the food is innovative, fresh and delicious: julienned carrots in sesame oil, delicate made-to-order maki and the succulent and sweet marinated shiitake mushroom sushi are like nothing you’d find in the ubiquitous–and often dubious– sushi joints throughout Paris.

145, rue Marcadet, 75018

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