Hotel Kajigaya Plaza

In pursuit of a new expression of Japanese cuisine, the restaurant brings its own inventive ideas to the table. In the sashimi platter, each variety of seafood is paired with distinct seasonings and accompaniments. Inspired by the sauces of Western cuisine, grilled beef is served with smooth vegetable purées. The house’s credo, ‘onko-tokujitsu’, embodies a spirit of warmth, compassion and sincerity. That sincerity is evident in the way the chef approaches the work.

The menu lists dishes from every corner of Spain, every one a precious memory of the chef. The preponderance of Basque dishes reflects her attendance of a cooking school in San Sebastián and apprenticeship at a restaurant there. We start with pintxo (pinchos), an apt choice for the Spanish pub atmosphere. Piquillo pepper stuffed with dried and salted cod, squid simmered in its ink and other Basque-country favourites are faithfully reproduced here. Experience the food culture of Spain.

Pitigliano is a town the chef visited in his apprenticeship and has fond memories of. During his time in Italy, the chef was deeply impressed by the custom of ‘zuppa’, or dipping pieces of bread into soups of vegetables and beans, so the menu offers an extensive selection of soups. Honest flavours and presentations mirror the food culture of the Italian countryside, featuring simple handmade pasta and char-grilled fish and meat. Scenes of diners sharing from a single plate are a reflection of daily life in Italy.

The chef is experienced in the gastronomic ways of both Tokyo and Paris. Intent on reaching new heights while broadening the base of French cuisine, he opened a bistro. He showcases his talents with items baked in pie pastry. Beef simmered in red wine and potato au gratin highlight the appeal of regional cuisines. ‘Le Monde Gourmand’ translates as ‘the world of the food lover’, and as the name suggests, this is the place to sample the world of fine dining in a casual setting.

Creative dining focused on affinity with sake. Appetisers are served as a combination platter, the better to keep the libations flowing. Tsukuri feature ingenious arrangements of condiments. Uniquely, meat dishes are an indispensable part. Each dish is generous, making every morsel an unforgettable memory. The collection of sake and shochu, amassed on visits to breweries, is impressive; as the shop specialises in local tipples, the wine and whisky selection is also strictly Japanese.

A trattoria where à la carte dining is encouraged with a comprehensive menu of regional cuisines. Pici served with tomato ragú laden with garlic and vegetable sformato are all flavours learned in the Italian countryside. A marble bar counter and Tuscan-style stone walls create a stylish space inspired by interiors in Tuscany. Steps from Shoin Shrine, this is Italian food culture with deep roots in daily life.

The generously portioned, inventive dishes reflect the chef’s desire to satisfy. The signature Taichi Salad is piled high with over 30 types of vegetable. Whether cut, grilled, steamed or fried, each dish is prepared to bring out the flavour of the ingredients. The seasonal specials listed on the blackboard are also inviting. In summer, fragrant roast corn with butter soy sauce is this restaurant’s speciality. Each season brings a reason to return.