A japanophile playground at the top of the Kenzo flagship store near the Palais Royal, this bar and restaurant offers a quirky-glitzy alternative to hotel bars and down-at-heel zincs.

The Philippe Starck look – all manga and light boxes – is a bit tired, but a trip to Kong is still a treat, in our view, especially at sunset, or if you’re carrying more than three smart carrier bags and feeling a bit Carrie Bradshaw.

It’s also a contender for ‘best Paris bar to forget about the recession’, thanks to the (unintentionally?) retro items on the Asian-fusion snack menu, such as ‘Glam Chic’ tomato and mozzarella, and the ‘Belle & Zen’ foie gras duo. A caipiroska or a cosmopolitan will set you back a tidy 15 Euro, but bear in mind you’re paying for one of the best views in Paris.