L’inconnu

A Japanese chef trained in Osaka, Koji Higaki wound up a fan of Italian cuisine. He opened a restaurant a stone’s throw from Le Bon Marché department store, in keeping with the current Japanese-Parisian trend: a sleek, neat and airy setting that contrasts with the retro look of the dark wood chairs and bench seating with heathered brown upholstery. For dinner, you can choose between two tasting menus at €45 for 7 dishes or €65 for 12 dishes (5 appetizers, pasta, fish, meat, more pasta, then two desserts). A delightful way to sample the excellent sea snail orecchiette, (perfectly) roast venison with beets and juniper berry sauce, impeccable tomato/ricotta/pine nut linguine, or jellied pear with almond mousse and fromage blanc granita… Everything is delicious, beautifully presented, and of outstanding value for money, with stylish and attentive service to boot. The only glitch: the overly strong ceiling spotlights above certain tables! Impressive list of almost exclusively Italian wines, some served by the glass. As one might guess, with all these qualities, it won’t be long before this Inconnu becomes known Paris-wide! Astounding lunch prix-fixe menus at €24 and €38, and a 8-dish tasting menu for €50.

Noon to 2pm and 7:30pm to 10pm
Average price: €55