Have some Japanese fusion gastronomic experience at the Jun Restaurant, in the heart of Paris Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Just a stone’s throw from the illustrious Boulevard Saint-Germain, a wind of renewal is blowing through the Parisian culinary scene. Since the end of 2022, the former trendy Cod House Restaurant has given way to Jun, this new restaurant that elegantly blends Japanese tradition with international influences. Led by native Japanese chefs, Shu Hasegawa and Yoshifumi Morita, this place is much more than just a Japanese establishment but an invitation to a sensory journey. While Japanese fusion cuisine has now conquered Paris, Jun stands out for the precision of its execution, the quality of its ingredients, and the originality of its approach.

This setting, both soothing and elegant, completes a flawless sensory experience. Whether you’re here for a quick lunch, dinner with friends, or a culinary discovery, Jun stands out as a prime address in the Parisian culinary scene (photo credits: Jun Restaurant). By AP

Located in the same space as the former Cod House Restaurant, the Jun Restaurant retains some of its predecessor’s decorative elements, such as wooden furniture, bottles above the bar, linen cushions, etc. But here, the founders have added a personal touch, since upon entering, guests are greeted by a spectacular floral display, dominated by a ceiling, adorned with artificial cherry blossoms, hanging lanterns, and sake barrels. Accessible without being pretentious, creative without being overwhelming, Jun successfully achieves a certain modernity, while respecting the ancestral Japanese spirit.

In fact, Jun owes its uniqueness to the complementary skills of its two chefs, who are Shu Hasegawa, a sashimi expert, honed his skills in renowned establishments, and in another hand, Yoshifumi Morita, a former baker in Tokyo, who worked at the renowned Buddha Bar, brings a creative and pastry-based approach to the menu. Their collaboration, which already began several years ago at Bar des Prés, harmoniously continues here at Jun. Together, they offer inventive some fusion cuisine, where Japanese products and techniques meet other culinary influences, from all around the World, like Peru, Korea, and of course France. 

As far as we know, each plate has been imagined as a sensory experience, although the inner Japanese DNA remains firmly present, through yuzu, miso, ponzu, and shiso, all adorning most of the creations. Therefore, at Jun, meals are meant to be shared, since the concept is based on a succession of small plates to be enjoyed together, notably towards cold appetizers, but also hot starters, fish or meat dishes, sushi, and revisited maki. This convivial approach is accompanied by a specific attention to details, both in presentation and flavor.

Among the must-try specialities stand the yellowtail tiradito, seasoned with aji amarillo, accompanied with yuzu juice, and lime, before eventually a Peruvian interpretation of ceviche, elegantly twisted in a Japanese style. Another highlight, the semi-cooked Obsiblue prawn tartare, softened by a honey and yuzu vinaigrette, accompanied by mango and pomegranate. Adding to this, the miso-marinated black cod, tender and melting, is also a signature dish. As for makis, the combinations are daring, with this semi-cooked tuna, married with jalapeño vinaigrette, or beef tataki with ponzu and miso with sansho pepper.

As for sweets, the menu offers only five desserts, but all are notable for their originality. For example, the yuzu cheesecake, with a similar texture to panna cotta, stands out for its freshness and tangy flavor, while the green tea flavored tiramisu with coffee jelly is as intriguing as it is seductive.

Plus, their iced mochi (featuring vanilla, mango or chocolate), may round off your meal with some genuine freshness and refinement.

Nonetheless, Jun would as well take care of you with its drinks. In addition to a selection of wines and sakes, the bar offers signature cocktails, all designed to enhance those dishes.

Among them, the revisited Mojito with Japanese mint and bergamot, or the Jun Mule with gin, ginger, and lime, able to pleasantly refresh the palate.

Without forgetting that Jun also offers an attractive lunch menu, starting at €26, including miso soup, white rice, and a fresh salad (for example, with salmon tataki). A balanced, simple yet well-seasoned option, ideal for a gourmet break in a vibrant neighborhood. For a more complete experience, the €32 priced bento box allows you to sample several specialties, offering an attractive price-quality ratio, rare in this upscale area of ​​the French capital.

Jun Restaurant, 1 Rue de Condé, 75006 Paris (France) / Phone : 00 33 (0)1 42 49 35 59. More details on their official website.