Bijou Suites Granpia

The nameplate features calligraphy by Teiichi Yuki, a visionary who helped elevate the status of Japanese cuisine. The second-generation chef upholds the spirit that Yuki, founder of the Kitcho group, inherited from his mentor. The menu reflects the beauty of the seasons and conveys the culture of Japan. Gorgeous hassun appetiser platters incorporate elements of seasonal celebrations, placing traditional culinary craftmanship on full display. Inside the house, which is built in the tea ceremony room style, the decor is simple and rustic. The aesthetics of Japanese cuisine live and breathe in u

This is the place to sample modern Mexican cuisine. Respect for the traditions of the motherland are palpable as Japanese ingredients and modern techniques move the genre forward. Corn, the staple food, along with cacao and chili peppers, is sourced from Mexico, and, following tradition, the food is cooked over a wood-fired grill. Milpa is the name in the Nahuatl (Aztec) language for a farming system that enriches the earth; the chef likens cooking techniques to farming, cultivating a new Mexican culinary culture in Osaka.

Food conveys the seasons and culture of Japan. The curved earthen walls were fashioned by a plaster craftsman; the Japanese serving-ware was made in collaboration with contemporary ceramic artists. The chef draws inspiration for his cuisine from the strong relationships he fosters with food producers. Consommé made with essence of vegetables and fish is paired with house-made fermented foods. Working closely with producers, the chef creates French cuisine unique to Japan.

The restaurant’s name is a portmanteau of ‘impress’ combined with ‘restaurant’. The concept is a ‘restaurant that touches the heartstrings’, and PRESTAU aims to do just that. His experience in Kobe leads the chef to favour ingredients from Hyogo Prefecture, served on Tambayaki flatware. Preparing each item to its best advantage is his top priority. This is Italian cuisine in a modern style.

While eating ramen, salt water from the noodles gradually dilutes the soup. You can experience this for yourself. First, pour a little of the soup into a separate bowl. Finish the noodles in the original bowl, then try sipping the reserved soup—the difference in taste will amaze you. The harmony created by a bowl of ramen goes beyond taste. The slurping of noodles forms a duet with the classical music in the background. The joy of ramen knows no bounds: ‘mugen’.

The venue, a remodelled ironworks, exudes an industrial vibe. Guests are greeted with cuisine styled on the concept of the four elements of fire, earth, wind and water, represented on the menu by elemental symbols of ancient Greece. A platter of vegetables, each grilled with a variety of techniques, represents cuisine of the earth; soup redolent with herbs and other ingredients expresses water; and so on, with each item conceptually linked to a classical element.

The chef weaves the culture of everyday Japanese life, including events such as New Year, the setsubun bean-scattering ceremony and the Doll Festival, into his creations. The practices of each event are explained on the menu, so that ancient customs may never be forgotten. Each season is honoured with its proper ingredients, as well as serving-ware decorations and arrangements based on seasonal themes. At the harvest moon, cuisine is served on lacquerware bowls decorated with images of susuki (Silvergrass) and plates bearing harvest motifs such as rabbits and the moon, and garnished with ears