Japanese restaurants

SUBACO

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

20 Rue Joseph Dijon, 75018 Paris, France €20–30
4.6
173 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Nestled in the heart of Paris’s vibrant 18th arrondissement, SUBACO offers an intimate dive into authentic Japanese cuisine that delights both the palate and the soul. This charming Japanese restaurant, located at 20 Rue Joseph Dijon, invites diners to experience a thoughtfully crafted menu centered around small plates—perfect for sharing and savoring a variety of flavors.

The ambiance at SUBACO is quietly enchanting. Its rustic, cozy interior wraps you in warmth from the moment you step inside, creating a respite from bustling Paris streets and even stormy weather, as one guest fondly recalled arriving on a rain-soaked evening and finding solace in the inviting space. The restaurant’s compact size only adds to its charm, making every meal feel like a personal culinary journey shared among friends.

The cuisine is a celebration of Japanese tapas, where each dish is a delicate balance of texture and flavor. Diners rave about the salmon, praised for its exceptional freshness and irresistible richness that beckons you to order seconds. The steak also earns high marks for its perfect sear and tender juiciness, encapsulating the chef’s expertise in small-plate perfection. Portions are thoughtfully curated — neither too heavy nor too light — allowing you to enjoy multiple dishes without feeling overwhelmed.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere buzzes gently with warmth and good humor. Guests often catch glimpses of laughter and smiles sharing space with the open kitchen, enhancing the sense of connection and authenticity. Service here hits the perfect note, relaxed but attentive, making you feel at ease in what many consider a neighborhood gem off the beaten tourist trails. Just be warned: the open kitchen’s inviting aromas might cling to your clothes, a small testament to the truly immersive dining experience.

Whether you are seeking a restful retreat for a date night or a casual spot to indulge in authentic Japanese small plates, SUBACO stands out for its genuine flavors, cozy setting, and personable charm. It’s a delicious secret of Paris’s culinary scene well worth discovering.

For reservations or inquiries, reach them at +33 9 50 59 28 01. Experience SUBACO and treat yourself to a heartfelt taste of Japan right in the City of Light.

03 Notes from regulars

173 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.6
Based on 173 verified notes
5 147
4 20
3 7
2 7
1 5
All Japanese Tapas Mochi Warm Atmosphere Okonomiyaki Swordfish Sharing Plates Vegetarian Okonomiyaki Karaage Refined Dishes Pieuvre
Athena Wang.
2 month ago
Came here on a whim when it was pouring outside so the cozy atmosphere indoors stirred up our appetites even more! The interior is well decorated with a rustic charm, the space is small but charming and inviting. We were recommended to order 3-5 dishes to share among the 2 of us, we were a bit hungry so we went with 5 and 2 bowls of rice. The portion sizes were perfect and each dish had well rounded flavours. We cleaned every plate and still had room for a yuzu cheesecake for desserts which was pleasantly light, ending our dinner experience on a high note .
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Ash V.
3 month ago
Great authentic Japanese tapas. The most favorite was the salmon. We ordered two! Also the steak was great.
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Dougal Steele.
3 month ago
A lovely bijou restaurant away from the busy parts of Paris. The food and interior design all mesh well together to create a very relaxing atmosphere for all guests. The staff are very welcoming and lovely, lots of laughing and smiling in the kitchen, which is always good to hear and see. The price is very worth for what you get, there wasn't one thing off the menu that we ordered that we didn't enjoy.
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Hélène Neveu Kringelbach.
4 month ago
Consistently delicious food. Very small space but cosy and friendly.
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Alexander Quennell.
5 month ago
Really great Japanese small plate restaurant, just don't wear your best clothes as the kitchen is in the salle and there is not much in the way of kitchen fumes extraction - so you retain the smell of the delicious things you may or may not have eaten for a while. Service perfect, the ideal informal neighbourhood secret.
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Keld Reinicke.
5 month ago
Really nice , authentic, different Japanese food if you don’t won’t the traditional sushi way
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Tutku Bektaş.
6 month ago
Cute japanese eatery with lunch formul - had plat de jour (rice bowl with fried chicken) and miso soup for €16.5. Rice bowl was a generous portion whereas the miso soup was on the saltier side. Concluded my meal with the mochi (€5) and an espresso. The server was lovely too. I recommend the window seat if you're alone. Overall, a nice option to visit if you're in the neighbourhood.
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Talyne Karamanian.
6 month ago
Good food but the portions are a little disappointing for the amount of money you're paying. 71 euros for 2 and left still hungry. Special mention to the okonomiyaki that was extraordinary. Very friendly service and the vibes are nice but the place could use some music.
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday (today) 12:00 PM - 02:30 PM 07:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Wednesday 12:00 PM - 02:30 PM 07:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Thursday 12:00 PM - 02:30 PM 07:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Friday 12:00 PM - 02:30 PM 07:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Saturday 07:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Sunday Closed
Finding the door

20 Rue Joseph Dijon, 75018 Paris, France

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Dine-in
  • No Delivery
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Coffee
  • Hard liquor
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Cozy
Planning
  • Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • Meal coupons
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Pluxee
Parking
  • Paid street parking
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