A cheese shop and restaurant at the heart of Paris’s Japanese quartier in the 1st arrondissement, Chez Hisada is a seriously well-stocked cheesemonger with a Japanese twist. You can pick up everything from Rocquefort to Gorgonzola, then top it off with a cow-milk Maroilles from Picardie matured with Umeshu (a Japanese liqueur), plus Japanese speciality sweets, liqueurs, homemade tofu and condiments.
The cheese-themed restaurant upstairs is mainly geared to Japanese visitors, but don't let that put you off stumbling your way through the menu. We took a punt on the €30 three course menu and were served generous, impeccably presented dishes, starting with smoked duck slices with roast pepper, followed by a warm round of melted Mont d’Or with a rocket and tomato salad. Another option is the five cheese platter of Chaource, Gaec Chemin de Fleury, Salers, Gorgonzola and a Trou du Cru round with dried apricot, plum paste, raisins, almonds and salad. For dessert, a slice of classic, creamy cheesecake with whipped cream and orange slices. Choose between a glass of sake, French wines or Japanese teas to go with your meal.
Japan is in the atmosphere of Chez Hisada rather than on your plate – but a cheese connoisseur will no doubt enjoy the change of scenery.