This ramen joint is Paris’ unlikely culinary gem Kodawari Ramen opened in 2016 because owner Jean-Baptiste Meusnier wanted to bring an authentic take on Japanese cuisine to the streets of Paris. Their first store in ​​29 rue Mazarine on the Left Bank was modeled after the “yokocho,” which translates to “alley” in Japanese. In terms of design, the restaurant mimicked the narrow straights in which several izakayas, bars, and stalls would typically be seen.

In recognition of the reverence and respect they’ve given to Japanese cuisine, Kodawari Ramen would go on to receive a Palme d’Or for Catering in 2017 and 2018, a Golden Ensign of Originality in 2018, and even a spot in the Michelin Guide . A post shared by Kodawariramen (@kodawariramen) But beyond these accolades, often what means more is acceptance and acknowledgment from those you’ve taken after. Just last year, Kodawari Ramen participated in the Tokyo Ramen Festa and broke the record for the most sold bowls at the event , selling 7,700 servings in just four-and-a-half days.

Their specialty for the fest: a French-inspired tonkotsu mounted in espuma with lobster juice, lobster oil and Bordier butter, shio tare, Iberian breast grilled with binchotan, lobster quenelle, and Breton samphire. A post shared by Kodawariramen (@kodawariramen) Ramen is definitely not the first thing that comes to mind when Paris comes up. But for my latest trip to the city of love, having a meal at the renowned restaurant was som.