DokiDoki, a Bar Where Sushi Rolls Are Made in a Flash

After Le Piaf and Bambini, restaurateur Romain Taieb came together with entrepreneur Thomas Moreau, who had just returned from New York, to create a sushi bar with hand rolls as the star product. Thus, in early 2022, DokiDoki opened its doors in Paris’ first arrondissement within the former Louvre post office. 

In contrast to ‘boom boom’ which indicates a heart pounding, doki doki represents the delicate sound of a heart beating and evokes the excitement of the moment. To illustrate this emotion, architect Rodolphe Albert created a space with an organic interior. A wall covered in tinted mirrors, cloud-shaped pendant lights by Céline Wright, a concrete bar that seats 25 people… In addition to this elegant, refined décor, the ceramic tableware is custom made.

The art of omakase

The new establishment, DokiDoki, applies the Japanese concept of omakase which means ‘I leave it to you’. It offers a unique experience  because the sushi rolls are made in front of the diners by Colombian-Japanese chef Andres Ramirez, served immediately and eaten with the hands.

On the small menu made using quality products, there are various options to choose from. For 3 to 6 rolls, diners have to choose a tartarised fish (salmon, toro, yellowtail, crab, lobster, scallops), and round-grain rice seasoned with vinegar is then added to this. The whole thing is then wrapped in a sheet of nori seaweed from the Ariake Sea. Accompanied by beer, sake, gin or whisky, these delicious hand rolls wake up the taste buds. The culinary experience continues until dessert with mochi (black sesame, yuzu, coconut, praline) made by pastry chef Agathe Bernard. 

Before leaving, diners can pick up a kit to make their own rolls at home. 

More information can be found on DokiDoki’s official website.