While most of the capital’s Japanese restaurants struggle to stand out from the rest, we’ve finally stumbled across a real nugget. Part of the Dining Rooms group, which also owns Marcello and Steam Bar, Blueberry pays homage to Japanese gastronomy with a menu inspired by the traditions of the best izakaya bars. We tested for you this beautiful address nestled in the heart of Paris’s 6th arrondissement.
Blueberry: the Japanese spirit sublimated from setting to plate
A vestige of medieval Paris, rue du Sabot is home to Blueberry, which you could almost miss if you passed by too quickly. And yet, a glance inside the restaurant already reveals a very attractive decor. Between colorful lanterns, a subdued atmosphere and delicate tableware, a subtle blend of traditional and contemporary is orchestrated before our very eyes. And what about this superb counter? A place of choice awaits you if you wish to admire the meticulous attention to detail of chef Roy Dibya and his teams, officiating in the tradition of the best sushi bars in the land of the rising sun.
“The chef’s izakayas, makis and plates are enjoyed without order of preference, in the philosophy of the izakaya bar, as it comes!” The tone is set at first glance on the menu, which offers maki, nigiri and sashimi, as well as a selection of izakaya, neat little starters to share (or not). It’s up to you to compose your own culinary adventure, or opt for the discovery menu (only available in the evening). Either way, you can count on your hosts’ expert advice to guide you through your meal.
As far as our favorites are concerned, we devour without moderation the geishas, composed of a crunchy crepe in a scallop or bottarga version, as well as a delicious tamago egg, cooked to perfection and served in a buckwheat broth. For the rest, you won’t go wrong ordering sashimi. Whether tuna, sea bream or salmon, this is a fine example of the finesse of Blueberry’s talented chefs.
Now it’s time for the house specialty: maki. Here too, you can expect a festival of flavors and textures, but above all, freshness! Whether it’s salmon with a blowtorch for the “Pink Yakuza”, lean and shrimp for the “Gatsby” or prawns and tuna for the “Rackham le Rouge”, there are a thousand ways to enjoy these recipes at the Blueberry table. And to round off the adventure, it’s hard to resist the black sesame tiramisu, a gourmet option among all the homemade desserts.
Add to all this a meticulous wine list and a selection of finely crafted cocktails, and you’ve got the recipe for Blueberry. A must-try!
📍Blueberry – 6, rue du Sabot, 75006