Nestled in the heart of Provence, Avignon is world-renowned for its medieval ramparts, the Palais des Papes, and the famous Pont d’Avignon. Yet beyond its historical landmarks lies a vibrant culinary scene that has evolved to embrace global flavors.
While French gastronomy remains the backbone of the city’s dining culture, a new wave of international cuisine has taken root. Among these, Japanese food has become particularly beloved by locals and tourists seeking precision, freshness, and delicate flavors.
From intimate sushi counters to lively ramen shops, Avignon offers a surprising variety of Japanese dining experiences. Whether you crave melt-in-your-mouth sashimi or a comforting bowl of udon, the city has a table waiting for you.
However, not all Japanese restaurants are created equal. Quality can vary significantly, especially in a city where tourism drives demand, making it essential to know where the locals actually go for authentic flavors.
In this guide, we have curated a list of the most respected and beloved Japanese eateries in Avignon. Each venue has been evaluated for ingredient quality, culinary technique, atmosphere, and consistency of service.
Whether you are a resident exploring your neighborhood or a visitor looking for a break from Provençal stews, these recommendations will satisfy your craving for umami. Here are the standout destinations for Japanese cuisine in the City of the Popes.
Kokoro_Avignon
| Address | 5 Rue Galante, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:15 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:15 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:15 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:15 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:15 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 07 49 50 71 72 |
Lovely service, fantastic aubergine and katsu curry.
All the best to them !
Excellent place!
Kawaii new Japanese restaurant in the heart of the old city. We had a nice light lunch - zaru soba and unagi don. Beautifully presented and good flavours - though the soba dashi was not the best. Disclaimer: we met in Japan, lived there 10 years, and had our first child there. So our standards are high!
Lovely place. The lady is really welcoming and friendly. The food is nice and well priced
I highly recommend this restaurant, a truly authentic Japanese restaurant (walking into this izakaya felt like stepping back into Japan – the decor is fantastic – and they even offer hot towels for your hands before your meal, just like in Japan). The food is very well prepared (and, most importantly, it's authentic Japanese cuisine), and you can tell it's all homemade. The atmosphere is very friendly, and the waitress and chef are very welcoming. We didn't have to wait long between courses, and the prices are reasonable.
Naka
| Address | 4 Pl. de la Principale, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 06 23 56 55 70 |
We had their Shake Yaki and the bento box and everything was delicious. We started with the three samples of Sake and each was unique and flavorful in its own way. I recommend you do this. The wasabi was fresh and had just the right amount of heat. And in addition the owner has a type of soy sauce that is thick and has a slight sweetness to it. The restaurant is between two old churches and we ate outside in the courtyard. Great atmosphere and the service was great as well. The owner and staff are happy to have their guests.
We came here for lunch. They have a very good lunch deal and kids menu. The Shake Menu was very good. The salmon was fresh and melted in the mouth like butter. The eggplant was an unexpected surprise. Very good value for money.
This Japanese restaurant is located within the old town, so you'll need to park outside and walk in. It operates on European hours, open from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM. The menu features dishes well-suited for Asian palates, including sushi, sashimi, grilled skewers, and soup. The food is delicious and the service is excellent, making it ideal for lunch.
I went to Naka on a Valentine’s Day (I was traveling for business and wanted to eat something in the town) and it was a pleasant dinner. The place was completely full and I still managed to get a table without a reservation and my food arrived super quickly. I had a Shake menu which was very good.
Naka is a cool place to eat, the ambience was really good. Relaxed and not too loud. They have some really cool seating. Hard to explain but the chairs sit on blocks so the chairs have no legs. Anyway the service was fantastic and the sushi was great. I recommend this place.
Mécha uma avignon
| Address | 29 Rue du Vieux Sextier, 84000 Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 88 07 65 59 |
Really nice ramen flavourr!! id recommend trying the karaage too. The staffs are so nice and friendly too 🙂
Lovely Japanese Restaurant, has multiple vegan options and the best vegan ramen and gyoza my friend and I have ever had. Very fresh! Highly rate this place. The service was very friendly and very fast too. It's comfortable to sit in with nice music
Excellent onigiri (I've also eaten them extensively in Japan, and these are very good).
The staff is also super nice and helpful, and the restaurant itself is very nice (though we ordered to go).
I love it, i recommand !
I came here 2 year ago and i came back there specially for those ramen ! Even the recipes of the soupe has change, the taste still so good !
I came here 3 times in two day 😂 i've tried katsudon and yakisoba and i feel like in japan !
The omelette of the katsudon is very soft like a cloud ٩(๑òωó๑)۶ !
I was sent here by a Japanese friend, the food was really great. Lots of ramen options but I took the today special, a fried meatball with rice.
The waitress are so kind and helpful and even though they didn’t have an English menu they could translate all the menu for me.
Tanoshii
| Address | 8 Rue Galante, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 85 59 43 |
Delicious Japanese restaurant in the center of Avignon. Food was very tasty and staff were friendly. Very affordable as well. For those who arent fan of raw fish, the restaurant offers bbq options where a grill plate is provided along with meat or sea food skewers to be cooked to your liking. Highly recommended.
Great noodle soup 🍲 and dessert. The waiter helps us for the vegetarian option, even though the soup is made with chicken. We are okay with that.
Lovely place for lunch or dinner! Service with a smile, quick and friendly staff. Great value for money. The sushi we had was fresh and delicious. The Korean barbecue also looked and smelled really good.
Very good and romantic #sushi restaurant. Nice people to service you. The food is great and the environment is unique. Just go there and enjoy your evening!
the food was absolutely phenomenal, the service was very good and the homemade soy sauce was the best i’ve ever had 100% would recommend
Mecha Uma Epicerie Japonaise
| Address | 20 Rue du Vieux Sextier, 84000 Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 86 19 80 50 |
The best onigiri (rice ball). They have real Japanese flavors and also sell Japanese products. They also sell their original sauces to use for cooking such as miso sauce that is amazing! The guy there is super nice and we went a few times a week while living in Avignon.
BEST ONIGIRI EVER! Highly recommend this for a quick bite! Authentic Japanese rice oinigiri with multiple flavours! Tried prawns and chicken both are amazingly tasty. Rice are perfectly cooked with shrimp mayo on the front taste, slightly salty on the back taste. A combination of all is such a great taste bud journey back to Japan!
The best onigiris I have ever eaten!
With lots of filling, exquisite natural flavour, delicious!!
If you are in Avignon you must go and try them! Highly recommended 🙏🏻🥰
Their onigiris are delicious and packed. Worth it!
Oishii yo! Really delicious onigiri -perfect rice with a great choice of fillings. If you want real Japanese taste, you won't be disappointed. Dessert was soy milk cream daifuku (matcha) - also tasty. The counter person was really friendly, multi-lingual and helpful. Highly recommended (and open even when the main restaurant across the way is closed)
SUSHI CLUB AVIGNON
| Address | FR, Zone Commercial "Auchan NordLes Daulands84700 Sorgues |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 22 44 69 |
Such a great atmosphere for such great quality sushi. We ate way too much (good)
All delicious
Super restaurant
mmh very good food. congrats
Super restaurant excellent
HI! BOWL&BUBBLE
| Address | HI! BOW&BUBBLE Restaurant Taïwanais, 6 Rue de la Balance, 84000 Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: Closed Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 65 87 27 69 |
We had a wonderful experience at Bowl&Bubble! The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the food was absolutely delicious. Everything felt fresh and carefully prepared. We really enjoyed our time here with the family and would definitely come back when visiting Avignon again. Highly recommended!
The owner of this restaurant is very cool!!! There's a Corgi outside waiting for visitors, her name is Tiffany. The food was great though the bubble teas could be better.
We ate here as a dinner stop on a roadtrip, and it far exceeded my expectations. The service was great and the food was even better. The digital menu made ordering very easy and efficient, and the food was served pretty fast as well. It was an overall great experience, and I will definitely make sure to come back if I pass by again.
we had a great experience. owner was super nice and made us feel very welcome.
you order via app, food and drinks are brought to the table super quick. delicious noodles. Lots of options for drinks, very refreshing.
This place has some of the best food I had in France. After having so much French food, I wanted a change and had some Taiwanese food. The environment was amazing- the owner spoke great Chinese and so did other diners. It was fun chatting in Chinese. Food came out quick. We ordered bamboo, fried chicken, and shrimp tempura as starters.
Bamboo: Flavorful with good texture, perfect way to start the meal
Fried chicken: Crispy, flavorful, and juicy. It was really well made
Shrimp Tempura: The shrimp was lightly breaded and fried, the inside was juicy with an amazingly light crisp outside.
For our main dishes, we got noodles with yakitori and 2 rice dishes with different meats.
Noodles with yakitori: The noodles were extremely flavorful with some vegetables to make it fresher. The yakitori was juicy and smoky, with a sweet glaze. Perfect pair
Rice with protein: The rice had many protein options, we got beef and chicken. The chicken had a teriyaki sauce, and the beef came with another sauce that paired with it well. Along with the fried egg and veggies, it was the perfect dish.
For drinks, we got a taro bubble tea with tapioca bubbles. We got it with half sugar. It wasn’t too sweet and the tapioca bubbles were nice and chewy and absorbed the tea well, it was perfect for my taste.
This place is a must try - especially if you’re Chinese or Taiwanese
Sakura sushi
| Address | 7 Av. Ferdinand Bec, 84000 Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 7:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 07 59 99 76 87 |
I highly recommend it; the welcome was warm.
The staff is very pleasant and helpful, not to mention the food, which was simply incredible.
Best crispy sandwich I've ever tasted, go for it without hesitation, I've been back several times, it's so good, it's fast and the staff are kind and welcoming 🔥❤️
It was excellent, a rich and flavorful crispy sandwich, a special mention for the wings, and the service was quick and efficient!
We'll be back to try the rest! 💪🏻
bonne ambiance zen , cuisine très correcte avec un bon rapport qualité prix , service chaleureux , dommage les plats manquaient de chaleur
Superb food and lovely, the staff are very welcoming, I highly recommend it!
Osakka Sushi
| Address | 85 Av. Pasteur, 30400 Villeneuve-lès-Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 88 61 98 18 |
Great service, great food, decent prices. The bao buns were DELICIOUS and while I can't say the rolls were the best I've had, that's personal taste, as these were definitely well prepared with good quality ingredients. An enjoyable dinner
Great place in the Les Angles / Villeneuve Les Avignon area for Japanese cuisine. It has specials in addition to the extensive set menu and everything is fresh and done at the moment. The staff was very friendly. Another plus is that you can sit inside and also take away. Recommended!
Tasty sushi for lunch in a nice spot with friendly staff.
While passing through the area, our search for Japanese cuisine led us to Osakka Sushi. A very warm welcome and attentive service. The makis and rolls are of excellent quality, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Special mention goes to the Kinder Bueno California roll, a real discovery… it's a shame there's only one portion; it's too good to stop there! Well done to the whole team!
Well, it's nice here.
The place is beautiful, clean, and serene.
You can eat in, take away, or even order in advance.
Having eaten at the counter, I can assure you that the staff is meticulous, focused, and shows exemplary respect for their customers.
The restrooms are clean, and there are thoughtful touches throughout.
I stopped by the wine shop next door and suspect they have a secret entrance, but, well, I'll have to ask Inspector Colombo to investigate. But, he's currently spending all his time with the Yamakasi family.
PS: The wasabi is delicious 😋
Zhuma sushi
| Address | Avignon, Av. Pierre Semard, FR邮政编码: 84000 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 95 94 28 |
We had such an amazing experience at this restaurant. The food was really fresh with high-quality ingredients, and the service was excellent. One of those restaurant that surprise us with the autentic experience.
The BEST sushi 🍣 of Avignon region, definitely worth checking it out!
The sushi was fresh and beautifully presented. Staff were friendly and welcoming. Definitely coming back!
The best restaurant with this concept, fresh ingredients, always well presented. Never wait too long between orders. Everything fried is always hot and crispy. My wife and I come here regular, if you’re in Avignon it’s a must to come to zhuma.
The restaurant is very modern and the staff is really welcoming and nice, an excellent customer service not usually seen in France. Food is tasty, maybe I would add a bit more of sushi options
Naha sushi agroparc
| Address | 1049 Rte de l'Aérodrome, 84140 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 32 74 38 42 |
Great for lunch. Friendly and quick service.
A truly lovely restaurant where you feel right at home! Excellent cuisine, prepared with fresh ingredients, and a fantastic team. A real pleasure, you absolutely must go! 👌
Fantastic experience at this restaurant! The staff are so friendly, welcoming, and helpful, which makes all the difference. The sushi is excellent, with a special mention for the California rolls, which are absolutely delicious. And I also loved their pad thai – so good! I highly recommend it.
A very good restaurant, we came a week ago and thoroughly enjoyed our meal.
A superb team! I highly recommend it! 👍😁
The team is fantastic and the food is delicious. Everything is fresh, high-quality, and you can tell.
See you soon!
Happy Tokyo Avignon
| Address | 37 Rte de Montfavet, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 06 81 78 32 20 |
ultra yummy! the best place to grab sushi in avignon!! fresh and tasty
I'm very surprised by the reviews already posted; upon closer inspection, it seems that only this review has been posted... So here's the opinion of a real customer.
The service is very pleasant and the staff are friendly.
The price is too high for the quality served...
I had some "calis" (a type of rice dish) from the previous day, and the rice was very dry. The "calis" from that day were barely any better.
The restaurant is located inside the Intermarché supermarket, and payment is made at the checkout.
I've never eaten such incredibly good sushi! The service is perfect and everything is clean. If you live nearby and don't have time to cook, I highly recommend it.
It was very good, just like being in Japan. Everything is delicious 🙂 I highly recommend this place with its very friendly staff.
It's a culinary, exotic, philosophical journey, full of expertise and a smile as big as the sun! Absolutely not to be missed!
Insider Tips for Enjoying Japanese Cuisine in Avignon
Navigating the Japanese food scene in Avignon requires a bit of local knowledge. While the city is compact, the demand for tables can be high, especially during the Festival d’Avignon in July. Understanding a few key nuances about dining culture and menu structures will significantly enhance your experience and help you avoid common tourist pitfalls.
1. Book ahead during the Festival season. Avignon transforms into a bustling hub of theater and art every July. Restaurants fill up quickly, and walk-ins are often turned away. If you are visiting during the summer festival, secure a reservation at least a few days in advance to guarantee a seat at the top sushi bars.
2. Look beyond the “All-You-Can-Eat” buffets. While Avignon has several buffet-style Japanese restaurants, these often prioritize quantity over quality. If you are seeking authentic Edomae-style sushi or high-grade sashimi, opt for à la carte establishments where the fish is sliced to order and the rice is properly seasoned.
3. Embrace the lunchtime “Menu Midi.” Many high-end Japanese restaurants in Avignon offer a significantly reduced lunch menu. This is the perfect opportunity to sample premium fish or intricate bento boxes at a fraction of the dinner price, allowing you to experience fine dining on a budget.
4. Check for seasonal fish specials. The best chefs in Avignon adjust their menus based on what is available from their suppliers. Don’t hesitate to ask for the “suggestions du moment” or seasonal specials. This often includes fish flown in from the Atlantic or Mediterranean that isn’t listed on the standard menu.
5. Pair sake with your meal, not just wine. While you are in the Rhône Valley, it is tempting to stick to local wines. However, many Japanese restaurants in Avignon now curate excellent sake lists. Ask the staff for a pairing recommendation; a crisp Junmai sake often complements raw fish better than a heavy red wine.
6. Respect the dining hours. Unlike some tourist-centric cities where kitchens run all day, many traditional Japanese restaurants in Avignon close between lunch and dinner service (roughly 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM). Plan your sightseeing accordingly to avoid arriving at a closed door in the late afternoon.
Avignon’s culinary landscape is a testament to its ability to preserve history while welcoming the new. The Japanese restaurants here do not merely replicate trends; they fuse the discipline of Japanese cooking with the high-quality produce of the South of France.
As you wander back through the cobbled streets after your meal, you will find that the precision of a well-made sushi roll or the warmth of a rich ramen broth offers a satisfying contrast to the ancient stone walls surrounding you. It is this blend of old and new that makes dining in Avignon a truly unique experience.
