Takara

Takara has stood at 14 rue Molière since 1958 — pre-dating the Japanese immigration wave that would eventually create the legendary rue Sainte-Anne corridor — and is considered the oldest Japanese restaurant in Paris, and possibly in all of Europe. The restaurant is exclusively managed and staffed by Japanese women, a distinctive feature that has defined its culture of quiet hospitality for nearly seven decades. The interior transports diners immediately: traditional Japanese décor, discreet lacquerware, and a sense of ceremony that visitors consistently describe as feeling like being in Japan. The menu highlights include pristine omakase sashimi (the chef selects for peak freshness daily), a celebrated shabu-shabu, and seasonal preparations. Reservations are essential — the room fills weeks in advance on weekends.