Paris · Kaiseki · omakase
Akabeko (赤べこ)
JapaneseMichelin GuideFranco-JapaneseOmakaseCounterFine Dining7th arr.Saint-GermainFukushima Chef
Veteran Japanese chef Yasuo Nanaumi opened Akabeko in March 2023 — his first wholly-owned restaurant after a 50-year career in France's greatest kitchens — delivering surprise omakase menus that weave Japanese culture through French gastronomy.
- Price
- ¥¥¥¥
- Area
- Saint-Germain (7th arr.)
- Since
- 2023
- Chef
- Yasuo Nanaumi
Plate № 01
About
Akabeko — the name refers to the beloved red-lacquered papier-mâché cow from Fukushima, Chef Nanaumi's home prefecture — opened in March 2023 and received immediate Michelin recognition. Nanaumi brings a singular CV: over 50 years of cooking in French starred establishments including Moulin de Mougins, Troisgros, and Lucas Carton, accumulated before he opened this, his first fully owned restaurant at an age when most chefs have retired. His Franco-Japanese omakase menus — which change daily and combine foie gras with teriyaki, sole goujonnettes with dashi — are served in two distinct spaces: a ground-floor counter for those who prefer watching the chef work, and an upstairs romantic dining room for more intimacy. The entire team's warmth and the chef's evident delight in his craft make Akabeko one of Paris's most human and moving fine-dining experiences.
Neighborhood & visiting
Akabeko (赤べこ) sits in Saint-Germain (7th arr.), one of Paris's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused kaiseki counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional kaiseki restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Chef Yasuo Nanaumi brings over 50 years of Michelin-starred French kitchen experience to a deeply personal first restaurant.
- Akabeko is among the most open-hearted fine-dining debuts in Paris in recent years — Michelin-listed in its first year.
- The daily-changing Franco-Japanese omakase — foie gras with teriyaki, sole with dashi — is unlike any other menu in the city.
- Two dining spaces (counter and upstairs room) suit both counter enthusiasts and those seeking a more intimate evening.
Online reservations via the official website. Ground-floor counter for kitchen viewing; upstairs romantic dining room. Menu changes daily based on seasonal produce.
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Frequently asked
About Akabeko (赤べこ)
- Is Akabeko (赤べこ) an authentic japanese restaurant in Paris?
- Yes — Akabeko (赤べこ) is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese in Paris: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused kaiseki format.
- Where is Akabeko (赤べこ) located?
- Akabeko (赤べこ) is located at 40 rue de l'Université, 75007 Paris, Paris, France in the Saint-Germain (7th arr.) neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Akabeko (赤べこ)?
- Akabeko (赤べこ) accepts reservations online. For an authentic kaiseki experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Akabeko (赤べこ)?
- Akabeko (赤べこ) sits in the ¥¥¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in Paris.
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