Restaurant
Ima
Rennes · Ille-et-Vilaine
In Rennes, Ima creates a uniquely subtle dialogue between Brittany and Japan, around broths, plants and the present moment.
- Suggested time
- Varies with the menu and service, often 1 h 30 to 3 h.
- Type of place
- Creative French gastronomy with Japanese techniques and Breton produce
- Atmosphere
- A pared-back restaurant, a focused atmosphere and the option of eating at the counter
- Getting there
- 20 boulevard de la Tour-d’Auvergne, 35000 Rennes
Who this place suits
- With family
- 3/10
- As a couple
- 10/10
- With friends
- 8/10
- Solo
- 5/10
- With a dog
- 3/10
- Reduced mobility
- 5/10
These scores are calculated from what the page records: official rating, facilities, difficulty, duration and location. They are a guide, not a substitute for contacting the venue, especially about accessibility.
About
Ima does not try to make you feel you are in Japan through its decor: everything happens first in the precision of the gestures, the scent of a broth and the progression of a tasting menu. At 20 boulevard de la Tour-d’Auvergne in Rennes, Julien Lemarié’s restaurant takes its name from the Japanese word for “now”. This idea of immediate presence explains cooking that pays close attention to the seasons, the deliveries and the produce in front of the chef. Years spent in London, Tokyo and Singapore shaped his outlook. On the plate, Breton produce can meet miso, seaweed, infusions, herbs or Japanese techniques. Sauces and jus move away from needless richness in favour of nuance, freshness and length. The counter, when available, brings you closer to this way of cooking. With its confirmed star, Ima remains a gastronomic experience designed as a story. Menus of five, seven or ten courses offer several levels of immersion. The house also offers vegetarian and vegan versions, which highlights its work on vegetables, fermentation and umami notes.
What you will see
- Cuisine: creative French gastronomy with Japanese techniques and Breton produce.
- Chef: Julien Lemarié.
- 1 Michelin star in 2026.
- Menus: PAUSE in five courses at lunch, PARENTHÈSE in seven and INTERLUDE in ten, in the evening and on Saturday lunchtime; check prices and times before booking.
- “Ima”, cooking in the present: the experience is based on the produce of the day, not on reproducing a famous recipe.
- Julien Lemarié has worked with several culinary cultures, in London and Asia; he does not copy Japanese cuisine but draws on it for gesture, broths and the structure of the tasting.
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- Liquids matter: a clear broth, a herb infusion, a seaweed note or a fermented condiment can give more depth than a heavy sauce.
- Short supply chains for many ingredients, from eggs to vegetables, seafood and herbs, and thought given to waste.
- Vegetarian and vegan versions of the menus are offered; state your diet clearly when booking.
- The counter, when it can be booked, lets you watch the plating and finishing; ask for it explicitly.
Practical information
- Nearby
- Central Rennes, Place de Bretagne, the Colombier district, the central market halls, the Parliament of Brittany and the Thabor park
Tips on the spot
- Check the exact date and time of service before travelling.
- Confirm the tasting menu, number of courses, price and any supplements.
- Give allergies and intolerances in advance.
- Ask explicitly for the counter if you want to watch the kitchen.
- Allow enough time, especially for the longest menu, and avoid catching a train or show straight afterwards.
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- Use public transport or central car parks: do not count on parking right outside.
- Combine lunch with the old town, the Parliament of Brittany or the Fine Arts Museum.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the chef at Ima?
Julien Lemarié, whose cooking combines Japanese techniques and Breton produce.
What does Ima mean?
“Now” in Japanese.
How many courses are in the INTERLUDE menu?
Ten courses, served in the evening and on Saturday lunchtime according to the official website.
Can I eat vegan at Ima?
The house offers vegetarian and vegan versions, to be requested in advance.
Can I sit at the counter?
The counter is one of the possible experiences; ask for confirmation when booking.
Are the short menus available in the evening?
Each menu is tied to certain services; check your day on the official website.
See also the restaurants in Rennes.
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