Petit Naka, Japanese restaurant in the 20th arrondissement, Paris, France
Petit Naka is a small Japanese restaurant in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, near Place Gambetta. The menu covers classic dishes including sushi, sashimi, donburi rice bowls, ramen, gyoza, chicken kara-age, wakame salad, and Japanese desserts such as dorayaki and daifuku.
The restaurant was founded by chef Osamu Nakagawa, originally from Hokkaido, who spent about ten years cooking in Tokyo before moving to France in 1981. He opened his first Paris location around 2000 near the Jourdain metro station, later expanding to other addresses including the 11th and 20th arrondissements.
The walls are decorated with images from Miyazaki films, especially Totoro characters, giving the space a playful feel that appeals to both children and adults. This touch of Japanese animation culture makes the dining room feel personal and lived-in rather than generic.
The restaurant is small, so booking ahead is a good idea, especially for evening meals and weekends. Both lunch menus and dinner are available, and takeaway is also an option for those who prefer to eat elsewhere.
Although the founder chef is no longer in the kitchen every day, the restaurant is now run by Ahmed Zouiten, who worked closely with him over the years. The original spirit of the place has carried over, keeping the menu and approach consistent with what Nakagawa set up.
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