Paris · Donburi · casual
Sanukiya
JapaneseUdonSanuki UdonCasual JapaneseRue Sainte-Anne1st arr.
Named for Japan's legendary Sanuki province (present-day Kagawa, Shikoku), Sanukiya is a beloved casual Japanese udon restaurant founded by a Shikoku-born chef — among the most authentic and affordable noodle spots in Paris.
- Price
- ¥
- Area
- 1st arr. (Louvre / Palais Royal)
- Chef
- Okawa
- Owner
- Okawa (from Shikoku, Japan)
Plate № 59
About
Sanukiya takes its name and its soul from Sanuki — the historic province on Japan's Shikoku island synonymous with the world's finest udon noodles. The founder, chef Okawa, hails from Shikoku and established this small restaurant on rue d'Argenteuil as a tribute to his home region's greatest culinary tradition. The menu centres on Sanuki-style udon in hot and cold preparations: the signature tonjiru udon (pork belly broth) and tempura udon are consistently the most-ordered dishes. The restaurant is tiny — around 15 seats inside with a covered outdoor area — and consistently draws queues at lunchtime, a reliable indicator of its standing in Paris's Japanese community. Open daily, it remains one of the most accessible authentic udon experiences in the French capital.
Neighborhood & visiting
Sanukiya sits in 1st arr. (Louvre / Palais Royal), one of Paris's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional donburi restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Founded by a Shikoku-born chef from the birthplace of Sanuki udon — the provenance is genuine, not merely in the name.
- Daily queues at lunchtime signal its standing as a genuine community favourite among both Japanese expats and Parisian udon enthusiasts.
- Prices consistently under €20 per person make it the best udon value in the 1st arrondissement.
Walk-in only; no reservations accepted. Expect a short queue at peak lunch and dinner hours. Tiny room — shared tables common.
More authentic donburi in Paris
See all →
Other authentic cuisines in Paris
See all →
Authentic donburi in other cities
See all →
Frequently asked
About Sanukiya
- Is Sanukiya an authentic japanese restaurant in Paris?
- Yes — Sanukiya 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 donburi format.
- Where is Sanukiya located?
- Sanukiya is located at 9 rue d'Argenteuil, 75001 Paris, Paris, France in the 1st arr. (Louvre / Palais Royal) neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Sanukiya?
- Sanukiya does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular donburi restaurants in Paris we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at Sanukiya?
- Sanukiya sits in the ¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in Paris.
Keep exploring