AOI Izakaya — Restaurant in Bordeaux

Don’t miss it! First, and wonderful, contact with Japanese food. It happened by accident but we will come back to AOI Izakaya restaurant in Bordeaux. Yesterday we were in Bordeaux and, honestly speaking, we initially were trying to have lunch a restaurant recommended by the Michelin guide but, without, reservation, even on a normal day, no way. We started wandering towards the parking and passed in front of one restaurant with a tiny terrace. I said to my wife, why do not we try this Japanese restaurant instead? “Ok” was the answer and there we went, so nice! Here began our pleasant culinary experience. To begin with, the reception was smiley, warm and welcoming. We asked for Miso Ramen and Sukiyaki Wagyu. Trust me, both were delicious: Now I wonder if we asked for the two only good dishes on the menu (very unlikely) or if all the dishes were as good as ours (most probably). There is only one way to clarify this “important” doubt and it implies to come back to AOI Izakaya. We have committed to resolve this issue by returning to it as soon as we pass by Bordeaux again. We ended the lunch with delicious homemade mochi with the ice-cream. The ice-cream was good, the mochi was really delicious and, in case you do not know it, have a try on barley the!

As a summary: Take your time, enjoy life, make a short detour out of the beaten tracks of Bordeaux city centre to walk to AOI Izakaya and have a...

When I was working as a chef, pulling late nights until 3 AM, this was the kind of food I craved. It’s vibrant, bold, and sophisticated, yet still incredibly approachable. Nestled in the heart of a bustling city center, this hidden gem might easily be overlooked if you’re not drawn in by the intoxicating aromas wafting from the doorway. If you’re heading toward the “old town” for dinner, you might miss it altogether—unless you happen to catch that unmistakable scent.

The chef, a true virtuoso in the kitchen, is a one-woman powerhouse, crafting every element of her dishes with impeccable skill and attention to detail. From the unforgettable Boeuf Sushi (quite possibly the best bite I’ve ever had) to the delicate Saumon with Miso Yuzu sauce that practically dissolves on your tongue, every dish is a revelation. Even the lunch Formulae Menu is a joy to savor, elevating this small spot into a culinary treasure that far outshines any Michelin-starred restaurant I’ve visited.

The service is warm and casual, with a staff that’s genuinely welcoming and eager to share the story behind each dish. The intimate dining area seats only around 24, which means it’s often full—yet absolutely worth the wait.

I can say without hesitation that this is a must-visit in Bordeaux. Whether for lunch or dinner, it’s an experience that will leave you wanting to return....

An absolute gem! The food was amazingly tasteful. the menu offers creative takes on japanese classics and comfort food. We tasted the kimchi salad, the bao buns,the tofu al ajillo and the okonomyaki, all of which were delicious. the ingredients are fresh and lovingly prepared in the kitchen in the back, which is always visible. the atmosphere in the little restaurant is warm and inviting, also thanks to the very charming people working there. it feels like coming to a friend’s home for a perfect dinner. prices are more than fair for the very high quality...