Le Bar à sushi Izumi

Directly opposite the Hébertot Theatre on Boulevard des Batignolles, Le Bar à sushi Izumi is a small, focused Japanese counter that has been in place since 2011. The space is genuinely pocket-sized, with room for only about fifteen people. A long counter of light-colored wood is the room's main feature, with just a few simple tables filling out the rest of the minimal space, which is decorated with little more than a few sake bottles. Since opening, the restaurant has only ever employed Japanese chefs to ensure a traditional approach. The current chef, Kazuhiro Takahashi, a graduate of the Tokyo Sushi Academy, has been behind the counter since 2017. His focus is on classic preparations of high-quality, seasonal fish, with particular skill in fatty tuna (otoro) and grilled eel (unagi). The menu is a tight list of classic sushi and sashimi, with no distractions from other types of dishes. You'll find top-tier ingredients like Mediterranean red tuna and Label Rouge Scottish salmon, alongside sea urchin, scallop, and marinated mackerel. There is a chef's choice omakase menu, as well as a signature Chirashi Izumi bowl that combines a mix of fresh fish with both grilled eel and fatty tuna. With so few seats, reservations are essential. The spots at the bar are the most sought-after, giving you a direct view of the chef's precise work. For something quicker, a separate, less expensive menu is available for takeout. The drink list is just as focused, with about a dozen sakes and some umeshu to pair with the meal.