Saka

Bringing Japanese flavors to the Marais, nothing could be easier: the task used to fall upon Mesures, and now it’s up to Saka! This stylish bar was dreamt up by the mixologist Frédéric Paolini (ex-Ogata), who teamed up with Vanessa Guo and Jean-Mathieu Martini, the founders of the art gallery Marguo. The space is a veritable ode to Japanese purity, with delicately unfinished stone walls, a solid wood bar crafted by Ateljé Loupchat, and empire green tones behind the bar where, in the intimately dim lighting, the master of the house lines up four signature creations (at €20 each, they’re not exactly affordable). They include an intense and fruity Norman Orchard (Sassy Calvados XO, sparking hard pear cider, Bénédictine DOM) and a Scottish Hunger with subtle smoky notes (Islay scotch, Drambuie liqueur, homemade ginger and acacia honey syrup, bitters). Plus a timeless or revisited classic, like this summery Pastis Sour for €16 (Henri Bardouin pastis, lemon juice, orgeat syrup, orange bitters, aquafaba). As for the snacks, they’re prepared by the French-Japanese chef Anaïs-Saya Brochen, Frédéric’s partner and a former Crazy Horse dancer: moist tamago sando on Japanese bread from Carré Pain de Mie (€9), mouthwatering miso eggplant (€8) and plump matcha chiffon cake (€8). // Frances Lo