L'Effervescence
★★★ MichelinTabelog SilverBlack Pearl 2◆¥¥¥¥French, Contemporary
Shinobu Namae welcomes guests in the spirit of ‘ichiza-konryu’, the philosophy that a restaurant is built on connections among chefs, staff, guests and food producers. The gastronomy and culture of Japan are here expressed through prix fixe menus. After the aperitif, the steaming hot risotto arrives―its inspiration drawn from the freshly cooked rice in 'chakaiseki' and brimming with the seasonal bounty of both mountain and sea. ‘Artisanal Vegetables’, the signature dish, is an homage to farmers. Weak matcha tea, borrowed from the etiquette of the Sowa tea ceremony, signals the meal’s end.
Myojaku
★★★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Japanese
Hidetoshi Nakamura’s cuisine embodies harmony, subtlety, and purity. With minimal seasoning, he captures each ingredient’s subtle trace in water— using only water and sea salt. Mountain and sea are intimately linked through water. Nakamura reminds us that we are a part of the magnificent connection between Nature and her laws. This elegant aesthetic, of beauty through simplicity, exudes modesty, returning us to a spirit of gratitude for the natural world.
Sazenka
★★★ MichelinWorld's 50 Best #39Tabelog GoldLa Liste 99¥¥¥¥Chinese
Tomoya Kawada sees cooking as a reconciliation between nature and humanity. He names his approach Sazenka, which literally means ‘tea-Zen-Chinese’, out of a desire to create Chinese fare that mediates between the worlds of tea and Zen. His cuisine harmoniously combines the techniques he learned in China with the soul and spiritual features of Japan – ‘wakon-kansai’ is the theme. Japanese ingredients in season are used in spring-roll fillings and Sichuan stir-fries, lending a seasonal dimension to Chinese cuisine.
Quintessence
★★★ Michelin¥¥¥¥French, Contemporary
The name comes from Shuzo Kishida’s passion for discovering the true essence of French cuisine. The chef pursues his quest through three processes: ingredients, flame and seasoning. For Kishida, ‘ingredients’ means deep respect for food producers, common to all aspects of cooking; ‘flame’ means flame-handling that is finely attuned to the fish or meat at hand; and ‘seasoning’ is flavouring that is tailored to each ingredient. The soul of cooking lies in this trinity. The white spaces on the menu leave space for your imagination.
Ensui
★★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Japanese
Ensui means ‘flame and water’, celebrating the two starting points of Japanese cuisine: charcoal flame and water for soup stock. The pride of the house is its stew. Using water brought all the way from Kagoshima, dashi stock is drawn from aged kombu and high-grade bonito flakes. The soup ingredients are suffused with the aroma of charcoal, completing the theme. With the practiced hands of a craftsman, the chef weaves the soup ingredients and the soup broth into a harmonious whole. A natural curiosity drives him to scour producing regions for the best ingredients. A personal journey expressed t
Tempura Motoyoshi
★★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Tempura
Insatiable curiosity about all things tempura is this restaurant’s driving force. The chef blazes his own trail, unencumbered by convention. In a one-of-a-kind technique, the chef prepares his batter using two types of water as well as liquid nitrogen. One menu item features chilled sea urchin on deep-fried perilla leaf, creating a contrast of cold and hot. Inventive dishes are slipped in between menu items, varying the pace. The chef takes pride in offering an extensive range of tempura pieces, letting his imagination run free.
Jingumae Higuchi
★★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Japanese
The chef’s grandparents’ house once stood on this land. He harboured a lifelong dream of becoming a sushi artisan; the first knife he ever held was a gift from his grandfather. Never forgetting the spirit of the novice, the chef takes an honest, no-nonsense approach to his ingredients. “Letting the ingredients do the talking is not the same as doing nothing,” he says—and indeed, the chef devotes great time and effort to food preparation. As an apprentice, he learned from his mentor that cooking means thinking for yourself. The work of the old days inspires today’s creativity.
Den
★★ MichelinWorld's 50 Best #8Tabelog SilverLa Liste 96.5¥¥¥Japanese
The team at Den welcomes guests with bright smiles and easy conversation. A playful, inventive menu brings a fresh perspective to Japanese cuisine. The omakase menu begins with monaka, a wafer sandwich filled with foie gras seasoned with miso, along with fruits and vegetables. Fried chicken wing tips are stuffed with iimushi, mochi rice steamed with seasonal toppings. The delight of his guests is what drives the chef. Original thinking gives rise to the sort of fun dining experience only Den can offer.
PRISMA
★★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Italian
Standing alone in his kitchen, Tomofumi Saito engages with Italian cuisine in earnest. His attention to detail is relentless, from the cuisine itself to the music, flowers and other elements. Seating is limited to ensure each dish gets his undivided attention. When he creates new menu items, there are no prototypes: he pushes himself hard to create inventive cuisine found nowhere else. 'Prisma' means 'prism' in Italian and the high standards Saito demands of himself shine in a rainbow of culinary inventiveness.
Nishiazabu Sushi Shin
★★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Sushi
The movements are those of one immersed in the world of nigiri. On the fingertips of the left hand balances a piece of fish; clutched in the right, a fistful of sushi rice; the tip of the forefinger applies wasabi. Pushing, occasionally pulling, and scoring in delicate strokes, the single-edged knife crafts hidden incisions to help flavour soak in and heat travel through. Gracefully flowing motion, fine-tuned through daily practice, is the simplicity that holds countless truths. The spirit of nigirizushi is in capable hands with Shintaro Suzuki.
Hakuun
★★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Japanese
‘Hakuun’ is a Zen term meaning ‘white cloud’, denoting a spirit of flowing leisurely along without worldly attachment. The name proclaims the restaurant’s flexible approach to Japanese cuisine. Fragrance and temperature are prized. Bonito is shaved and dashi drawn before guests’ eyes. Wanmono is served at the perfect moment, when harmony between broth and main ingredient reaches its fullest expression. Beef and game, char-grilled and straw-roasted, display originality and skill. Norms are observed while evolution is encouraged.
NARISAWA
★★ MichelinWorld's 50 Best #14Tabelog Silver¥¥¥¥Innovative
Narisawa celebrates the culture of Japan’s ‘satoyama’, rural hillscapes, through the genre of ‘innovative satoyama cuisine’. The Japanese islands form a long arc from north to south, and most of the land is satoyama. In this geographical backdrop from foothills to plains, people have found ways to live harmoniously and sustainably with nature. This image of the satoyama informs the imagination of Narisawa’s cuisine. The restaurant uses traditional craftworks such as lacquerware and washi paper, harmonising diverse people and culture.
Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongiten
★★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Sushi
These days more and more guests are asking where the fish are caught. ‘If we could eat sushi where it’s caught, we wouldn’t need markets!’ retorts chef Takashi Ono. Discernment is a faculty built only slowly through long years of experience and knowledge. Along the way Ono has cultivated bonds of trust with seafood brokers, enabling him to source quality. The markets are the classic tale of ‘giri’ and ‘ninjo’, human connections forged in duty and loyalty. Sushi in purest form, stripped to its essence.
Joël Robuchon
★ Michelin¥¥¥French, Contemporary
For Joël Robuchon, ‘emperor of French cuisine’, this eponymous restaurant is the jewel in the crown of the company. Kenichiro Sekiya, recipient of the prestigious Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF) and heir to both the spirit and cuisine of his famous mentor, uses Japanese ingredients to breathe new life into French gastronomy. His interpretation of Le Caviar Imperial evolves from generation to generation. Even the trolley service is the pinnacle of luxury. A table of magnificence as befits the hall of the emperor.
Sushidokoro Kiraku
★ Michelin¥¥¥Sushi
Reading the signs of the times, the third owner transformed this sushi restaurant, once known for its catering, into an omakase spot serving appetizers and nigiri. Despite the modern shift, traditional Edomae techniques like ageing, marinating, and curing the fish remain unchanged. The friendly chef creates a welcoming atmosphere, while his wife skilfully handles the grilled dishes. With meticulous craftsmanship and reasonable prices, it’s easy to see why this place is a local favourite.
Yakumo Uezu
★ Michelin¥¥¥Japanese
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.
Shigeyuki
★ Michelin¥¥¥Japanese
‘The look surprises, the taste reassures.’ The chef’s passion for creativity makes his culinary spirit unique. Decoratively arranged sashimi are briefly heated to draw out moisture. The chef doesn’t serve soup dishes, as much of his cooking tailors the dashi stock to each dish. His freewheeling personality makes the evening fun, while the folk-art vibe of the interior, including a chest of drawers inherited from the chef’s grandparents, fills the air with memories and the warmth of family.
Higashiyama Muku
★ Michelin¥¥¥Japanese
‘Muku’ means ‘immaculate; innocent; pure’. The keynote white of the interior and the focus on the inherent flavours of ingredients are hallmarks of Tatsuki Mishima’s approach. In his native Shimane Prefecture, the chef worked at a fishmonger’s to learn about fish. He now gets his crab, abalone and rosy sea perch from that very shop, deepening relations between the two. Takikomi-gohan (rice dish seasoned with soy sauce and boiled with various ingredients) is followed by somen noodles or curry to fine-tune the palate. Tradition preserved, but with a playful spirit.
TEN-MASA
★ Michelin¥¥¥Japanese, Tempura
The chef’s parents ran a tempura shop, so he followed in their culinary footsteps. After learning the techniques from his father, he enhanced his wares with elements from other Japanese traditions to evoke colours and seasons that tempura can’t express on its own. ‘Ten-Masa Kaiseki’, as the chef calls his menu, strikes a balance between tempura and kaiseki. Dishes are served in the style of appetizers, soup, or sashimi, while tempura is prepared and served one piece at a time. In an elegant touch, haiku penned by the chef adorn the menu.
CRAFTALE
★ Michelin¥¥¥French
The names of producers the chef deals with are listed on the menu. He visits his suppliers, building bonds of trust with farmers and fishermen. The chef brings each dish fresh from kitchen to table and describes it with enthusiasm, building a bridge linking food, guests and restaurant. Prix fixe meals are modern in preparation while classic in concept. A unique touch is that different breads are paired with different dishes, pursuing unity of flavour between the two.
Tempura Miyashiro
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Tempura
Tempura at its most colourful, drawing from various disciplines in Japanese cuisine. Tempura shrimp is wrapped in nori; bamboo shoots are boiled, then deep-fried. Other ideas are borrowed from kaiseki tradition. Wagyu tempura and ‘Tenbara’, seasoned rice topped with mixed vegetables and seafood tempura, are distinctive offerings. Familiar items such as sillago and conger eel are woven into the mix, varying tone and pace. To ensure lightness of flavour, a blend of sesame oil and rice oil is favoured. Fertile imagination and Japanese elements fuse in this unique tempura approach.
Kabi
★ Michelin¥¥¥Innovative
Northern Europe and Japan share comparable climates and have cultivated similar lore in fermentation. Building on his experience in Denmark, the chef cross-fertilised the fermentation cultures of the two countries to create a cuisine bursting with originality. The item simply labelled ‘Tsukemono’ or ‘Pickles’ is a traditional element of Japanese cuisine. Mackerel marinated in vinegar is mated with handmade miso. Ojiya, a kind of rice gruel, derives inspiration from fermented crucian carp sushi, a hometown-cooking favourite. The theme of ‘fermentation’ harmonises avant-garde with tradition.
Simplicité
★ Michelin¥¥¥French
Kaoru Aihara is a veteran of fish cuisine with an inquiring mind. Depending on the fish, he may break apart the fibres, transform the fish oils, add umami or increase complexity even to the aroma. His ‘Charcuterie of the Sea’ appetiser explores the possibilities of fish through French culinary technique. Immerse yourself in the story of fish through the geography of Japan, a land surrounded by ocean.
abysse
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥French, Contemporary
The dim interior suggests the depths of the ocean—the abyss—or the deep green of the forest. Pursuing the theme of ‘sea and mountain’, seafood and vegetables are combined in dishes that convey the bounty of Japan’s seas. The chef first understood the appeal of seafood while staying in Marseilles. Land and sea are united by the turning seasons; the clear streams of mountain uplands become rivers below. This is the eternal cycle by which the land is replenished and the ocean is refreshed. The laws of nature expressed in cooking.
Saucer
★ Michelin¥¥¥French
The name is French: saucer used as a verb, to pour sauce or to drizzle sauce on bread. The standard fare is what the chef terms ‘saucer’: freshly baked bread on one plate and a sauce on the other. Consommé drawn over a period of three days is a key ingredient. Morel mushrooms in spring and sweetfish in summer impart seasonal flavours. As an apprentice, the chef was appointed saucier, sauce master; his confidence shines in his work today.
Sincère
★ Michelin¥¥¥French
Chef Shinsuke Ishii brings the passion of the producers to your table with his unique recipes. Using underutilised fish species and local ingredients, he passionately conveys human connections. The fish wrapped in pie pastry, resembling taiyaki, hides a playful twist within its sophistication. The chef personally serves his creations, and the whole team unites to engage with guests. The dining experience is filled with energy and a sense of togetherness.
l'élan
★ Michelin¥¥¥French
The round logo on the tabletop menu encapsulates the chef’s vision. The varying thickness of the line suggests contrasts between sharp and subtle flavours; the circle declares that the entire prix fixe menu expresses the cuisine as a whole. Sauces and cooking focus on the classic; the fascination with ingredients is a trait cultivated during the chef’s apprenticeship in France. The combination of the chef’s learned skills and passion for cuisine gives rise to a style all his own.
MONOLITH
★ Michelin¥¥¥French
MONOLITH links the splendour of classic cuisine to the future. Pastry-wrapped meat symbolises this connection – the diner can choose from several types. Hewing close to time-honoured recipes, beef and lamb are dressed in a Madeira wine and truffle sauce, while pigeon is prepared in a rich salmis. Sauce is assiduously reduced and poured unstintingly, in true orthodox style. Respect for tradition and the classics, eloquently expressed through cooking.
LATURE
★ Michelin¥¥¥French
Takuto Murota procures ingredients himself, hunting game in the mountains and growing vegetables in his home garden. Harmonious coexistence with nature is the theme of his cooking and nowhere is this conviction more evident than in his game dishes. Meat is grilled, bones and entrails made into sauces; nothing edible is wasted. Venison blood macarons have become emblematic of LATURE. Classic cuisine with a touch of modern sensibility conveys respect for life.
NéMo
★ Michelin¥¥¥French
As a boy, Chef Kenichi Nemoto was an enthusiastic angler, and seafood is the focus of the prix fixe menus he arranges. To ensure variety, Nemoto varies his preparation styles: frites, soups, butter roasting, and so on. In gratitude to the natural world of sea and mountain where he encounters his ingredients, he wastes nothing. The chef is earnest in his relations with producers, such as building bonds of trust with the fishermen of Shimoda.
Miyasaka
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Japanese
The framed motto reads, roughly, ‘Begin at the start, and when you get to the end, begin again with the spirit of the novice.’ Taking to heart this aphorism of tea master Sen no Rikyū, the chef toils at his craft with the sincerity of a beginner. He encountered this spirit in Kyoto, where he learned the art of chakaiseki. Rice is served the moment it is ready, so guests can observe the changes in it as the steam billows. Handmade sweets conclude the meal, following the etiquette of the wabicha style of the tea ceremony. Strong matcha also reflects the essence of the Way of Tea.
MANOIR
★ Michelin¥¥¥French
The restaurant has had a new chef since 2026. The interior, kitted out like an English manor house, is the reason for the name ‘Manoir’. Eager that guests should relax as if in their own homes, the owner/sommelier serves guests himself. The chef’s aim is to serve light French cuisine. The sweetness and tartness of fruit are overlaid with the umami of fermentation and salt-pickling. Game is delivered by hunters from Hokkaido and other places throughout Japan. Enjoy the wild flavours of game cuisine, with a glass of French wine.
mærge
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥French
To scale greater heights in the culinary world, Hideyuki Shibata moved his establishment to Minami-Aoyama. The shop’s name is an amalgam of marge, French for ‘margin’, ‘frame’ or ‘blank canvas’, and the English word ‘merge’. Within its margins, mærge offers a fusion of people, things and ideas from around the world. Prix fixe menus bring together two distinct styles, both honouring traditional, classic French fare and incorporating fresh, imaginative aspects. Inherited French techniques and a modern sensibility merge within this restaurant’s frame.
Takumi Tatsuhiro
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Sushi
The counter spreads like a fan, so guests surround the kitchen. Chef and apprentice serve snacks and nigiri in turn, moving in perfect harmony. The house snack is iwashi-isobemaki, bite-sized pieces of pilchard wrapped in nori. Old-school sushi craftsmanship is woven in, such as spring sea bream topped with sweetened egg yolk flakes and lean tuna paired with mustard. In mutual support between restaurateur and farmers, sushi rice comes from the chef’s native Noto Peninsula. The team keeps the sushi smoothly flowing with deft motions, serving each guest with just the right intervals. ‘Takumi’ me
Hiroo Ishizaka
★ Michelin¥¥¥Sushi
The omakase set menu provides an impressive variety, beginning with side dishes. After sashimi and bar snacks, vegetarian fare follows to change the pace and to signal the transition from snacks to nigiri. Sushi toppings showcase the chef’s craftsmanship, honed over many years, as well as a few of his novel touches. The first piece is tuna, the measure by which a sushi shop is judged. Unique choices include botan shrimp and shiitake mushrooms from Minamiuonuma. Eggs are rolled into Japanese-style omelettes, light and gentle in flavour.
Piao-Xiang
★ Michelin¥¥¥Chinese
With ‘Old Sichuan’ as its guiding principle, the restaurant reinterprets and refines the flavours of Sichuan’s past. Each course draws inspiration from Chinese history and its notable figures. Dish names are written in two kanji characters, inviting guests to imagine their flavours. ‘Furong’ takes its cue from the hibiscus, the official flower of Chengdu, while ‘Guifei’ incorporates the wine favoured by the famed Tang-era beauty Yang Guifei. The chef’s passion is thoughtfully conveyed through the manager’s explanations.
Jizozushi
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Sushi
The name derives from an image of a Jizo, the guardian spirit who looks over children, which the chef received from a Buddhist temple. The character for ‘sushi’ is an unusual choice, harking back to the fermented fish from which modern nigirizushi originated. The chef is deeply interested in literature and the classics. As snacks were not part of a sushi shop’s menu in the days of food stalls, the chef presents the range of toppings available before starting to form his sushi. Gizzard shad is moulded in the shape of the Edo-era Katsuyama hairstyle. In a relic of traditional practice, shrimp on
Sushi Masashi
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Sushi
In pursuit of new heights, the chef relocated to a new setting, riding the waves of change with his love for the sea, fish, and surfing. His appetisers showcase originality and creativity, with tuna sukiyaki as a prime example. For nigiri, however, he remains committed to orthodox techniques, crafting a menu with a carefully measured rhythm. The spotlight is on tuna, presented in a trio of lean, medium, and fatty cuts. Even the vinegared rice is finely tuned to complement the fish’s rich flavours.
au deco
★ Michelin¥¥¥French
With the joy of choice at its heart, this restaurant offers an à la carte selection alongside a curated list of aged wines. Foie gras is served as confit; seafood and meat dressed in sauces redolent with wine. Classical techniques are honoured. Crab baked in pastry is filled with scrambled egg to lend a note of familiarity. Classic cuisine meets aged sake in harmonious union. The very essence cultivated through the history of French gastronomy.
Sushi Yuki
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Sushi
Rice is cooked in a wide-brimmed pot called a hagama and mixed with rice vinegar to make pure white sushi rice. The streamlined shape of the nigiri sushi proclaims the chef’s pedigree. Sushi rice is an essential part of sushi, the chef explains, as the sourness gives the flavour presence. Careful attention is paid to temperature, to harmonise with the flavour of each sushi topping. The chef’s individuality and character inform every nigiri he crafts. The white interior and hinoki cypress counter give a crisp, dignified beauty. Integrity runs through everything here.
BOTTEGA
★ Michelin¥¥¥Italian
The chef trained in Italy’s regional cuisine, respecting the handling and pairing of locally rooted ingredients. His commitment to this philosophy is evident in his handmade pasta. Without a fixed recipe, he relies on experience to balance flour and eggs. The menu features specialities from his training grounds, such as tagliatelle with ragù and tajarin with truffle. Having honed his skills inland, he focuses exclusively on meat dishes for the main course.
Sassa
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Japanese
Kaiseki prepared with a sushi chef’s sensibility. Abalone risotto is a luxury, prepared with generous lashings of boiled abalone. In an original interpretation, tuna is sliced thin, to complement the light soy sauce. Rice is prepared a sushi chef’s way, cooked with a minimum of water to bring out the flavour when eaten. Pu-erh tea is served after dinner, reflecting the chef’s culinary experience in Shanghai. Bursting with passion and ambition to innovate, Sassa is moving Japanese cuisine forward.
Jushu
★ Michelin¥¥¥Japanese
The crest on the shop curtain depicts a Eurasian magpie, the official bird of Saga Prefecture, in flight. The same motif is embroidered on the cooks’ whites. From his native Saga, the chef sources rice, Imari beef and yuzu pepper. Serving vessels of Karatsu and mid-Edo-period Imari are a point of pride. In a nod to Osaka experience, each dish is served once the previous one has been consumed. No food is wasted, and for the same reason decorative vegetation is never used. Grilled items are served with rice and soup, as in a set meal, expressing the restaurant's free-spirited character.
Alchimiste
★ Michelin¥¥¥French, Contemporary
The pet theory here is that French cuisine does not add but multiplies: dishes are the product, not the sum, of their ingredients. The speciality is an espuma of sea urchin and Jerusalem artichoke, which is replaced with onion during summer. Food from sea and mountain mix, aiming at just the right temperature to melt in the mouth. To ensure consistency, vegetables are harvested from the chef’s own garden. Financier, served after the meal, offers a wry nod to the restaurant’s name, with a play on both the pastry and the financier as one who benefits from gold, echoing the alchemist’s quest to t
Tempura Ginya
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Tempura
The chef has devoted his life to the path of the tempura craftsman. He watches his pot in silence, focusing on the sound of the oil. Frying his tempura on high heat, he teases out moisture to concentrate the flavour. Creative flourishes are avoided, letting the deliciousness of ingredients in season speak for itself. Batter thickness and flame heat are continually adjusted to produce a light and airy tempura. A traditional Japanese tea-house carpenter created the interior, transforming it into a graceful space.
EWIG
★ Michelin¥¥¥Austrian
Along the path to licensed-chef status, the chef encountered Austrian cuisine. Intrigued by this little-known food genre, he resolved to apprentice in its native land. The concept is traditional fare with a modern update. Terrine of foie gras paired with cacao and jam is a combination inspired by Sachertorte, a dessert that originated in Vienna. Famed Viennese china and glasses and classical music in the background befit a city of fine arts.
Kappo Muroi
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Japanese
Drawing on techniques honed in Japanese cuisine and guided by a keen curiosity, the chef explores inventive approaches to ingredients from his own unique perspective. Served as an interlude, niebana, half-steamed rice, is cooked in kombu dashi to incorporate its umami. Fried dishes are coated in rice flour and prepared as kosen-age, speckled with cracker crumbs, for added aroma. The chef learned tradition at a Kyoto ryotei and innovation at a Tokyo kappo, a journey reflected in his menus.
Yama
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Creative
Chef Koichi Katsumata pours his devotion into his fruit selections, which he gathers as he calls on farms throughout Japan. Flavours variously embrace citrus fruits, mangoes, peaches, figs, and chestnuts as the seasons change. Each course offers variations in fragrance, texture and temperature, and through the incorporation of vegetables. The chef was born in Yamanashi Prefecture in the imposing presence of Mt. Fuji, hence the name of the establishment (yama means ‘mountain’). Yama demonstrates that, like the rugged Japanese islands so rich in peaks and valleys, pure sweetness can take a wide
itsuka
★ Michelin¥¥¥Chinese
With a name that reflects a desire to cherish ingredients, producers and the culinary craft of Chinese cuisine, ‘itsuka’ embodies a spirit of care and respect. Classic Chinese dishes are thoughtfully prepared using Japanese ingredients. The appetiser platter presents a medley from land and sea, enhanced with house-made doubanjiang and mala sauce to create a nuanced interplay of bold and delicate flavours. Sichuan cuisine is guided by the philosophy of ‘one dish, one character’ and ‘for a hundred dishes, a hundred flavours’, while Taiwanese cuisine is celebrated for drawing out the natural dept
hakunei
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Contemporary
The concept is a fusion of French cuisine with the bounty of Japanese foodstuffs. Meat is oven-roasted and smoked with straw; sauces are accented with bonito stock; and unripe pepper takes the place of black pepper. In the restaurant’s name, ‘haku’ suggests a pure feeling towards cooking, and ‘nei’ represents ‘meticulous’ work. Millefeuille de crêpes, a dessert crafted by patiently adding layer after layer, embodies that commitment.
Towa
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Japanese
The name is both a play on the owner’s name and a prayer for everlasting prosperity. The menu combines kaiseki and beef, showcasing Japan’s famous wagyu. Tsukuri and wanmono start the evening, celebrating the season. A procession of wagyu variations follows: beef-tail spring rolls, char-grilled tongue, and a main dish of beef cutlet. Japanese and beef dishes delight in equal measure.
Sushi Ryujiro
★ MichelinTabelog Silver¥¥¥¥Sushi
The omakase set menu begins with medium-fatty tuna, a single piece of sushi that epitomises the pride of the sushi artisan. It testifies to the passion with which he prepares his tuna, celebrates the strong bond of trust between him and his wholesaler, encapsulates his gratitude for human relationships and embodies the teachings of his mentor. Items such as kappamaki, a sushi roll stuffed with lashings of cucumber, and rolled omelette in hot dashi attest to character as well as skill. The bustle of the cooks’ activity behind the counter brings satisfaction to the soul as well as the belly.
Nishiazabu Taku
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Sushi
Back when there weren’t many sushi restaurants in Nishi-Azabu, the chef was determined to blaze a trail here. And ‘blaze a trail’ is basically what Taku means. The same trailblazing was what led him to be among the first sushi chefs to hire a sommelier, and to spread sushi culture in Hawaii. The variety of his omakase set meals, which start at 30 items, is eye-popping. Nigiri items alternate with drinking snacks. Sushi rice may be seasoned with white or red vinegar, depending on the fish topping—another trailblazing move.
Seisoka
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Japanese
The name means ‘a tranquil space surrounded by lush greenery’. It conveys the richness of Japanese culture, which cherishes the beauty of the changing seasons. Featuring vibrant vegetable and seafood delicacies, the menu reflects the emotions of each season in both presentation and tableware. By serving shojin ryori, the vegetarian cuisine developed by Zen monks, the restaurant aims to preserve ancient culinary tradition. It values its connection to the Zen-sect Tengenji Temple, as it is located in the grounds.
Waketokuyama
★ Michelin¥¥¥Japanese
The menu changes every two weeks, ensuring that guests rarely encounter the same dishes twice. The breadth of ideas and the meticulous creativity behind them are striking. Drawing on Japan’s tradition of the seventy-two micro-seasons, the restaurant follows the rhythms of nature, allowing diners to savour its many blessings. Seasonal flowers arranged on lacquered trays convey the breath of each passing season. A signature dish of the founding chef, iso-yaki abalone is served year-round. Grilled and accompanied by a rich liver sauce, it remains a firm favourite among regular guests.
ShinoiS
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Chinese
The chef, once dedicated solely to Cantonese cuisine, expanded his repertoire as he honed his craft in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Prix fixe menus incorporate traditions from regions across China, using ingredients selected from a broad purview. The chef focuses not only on seasoning but also on the natural flavours of the ingredients; dried abalone simmered in water alone testifies to his conviction. After dinner the chef serves Chinese tea, conveying gratitude to guests as he converses with them.
Sushi Matsuura
★ Michelin¥¥¥Sushi
The chef was a fishmonger before pursuing the path of the sushi artisan. Every sushi piece he forms is an expression of gratitude to the fishermen and wholesalers. The meal begins with hand-delivered negitoromaki (roll sushi of tuna and green onions). Pairing rolls of monkfish liver and kanpyo (dried gourd) with sweet, thick kijoshu is inspired by how foie gras matches so well with botrytised wine. The omakase set menu is wonderfully satisfying with its generous selection of items. Add to all this the three requisites of good service: awareness, attentiveness and smiles. No wonder reservations
Tenoshima
★ Michelin¥¥¥Japanese
Tenoshima is named after Teshima, the island where the chef’s father was born. As he wields his skills in the kitchen, he remains conscious of ingredients and techniques deeply rooted on the island. Nyumen, a savoury noodle soup, is prepared with dried sardine broth for a beloved taste of home. Using underused fish species supports both sustainability and the livelihoods of fishermen. Bozushi reflects his experience at Kyoto’s Kikunoi. Driven by the chef’s wealth of experience, Tenoshima is broadening the purview of Japanese cuisine.
Ubuka
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Crab Specialities
Love of shellfish above all else led the chef of Ubuka to tread the culinary path. He has done his homework, and the results show in a menu filled with crab and prawn suggestions. Some items follow kaiseki style, while others are Western in influence. Terrine of hair crab is an idea borrowed from French cuisine; fried prawns are immersed in sauce américaine. The meal concludes with crab and vegetables on rice cooked in an earthenware pot. Portions are generous to ensure guests can fully appreciate their shellfish. No wonder this restaurant is so busy.
Sharikimon Onozawa
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Japanese
Makoto Onozawa finds inventive ways to break the mould while respecting tradition. Soup dishes and sashimi uphold the basics, reassuring the diner. Broiled unagi seasoned in soy-based sweet sauce is served together with broiled unseasoned unagi for a special treat. Rolled sushi of tuna and pickled daikon radish are served in the intervals, bringing satisfaction. The meal concludes on two comfort-food notes: soba and curry. Breaking tradition, after all, is about seeing the job to completion.
Yotsuya Minemura
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Japanese
Down a narrow blind alley in a corner of Arakicho known for its dining spots, a traditional lantern casts a soft glow. Inside, the intimate space offers counter seating only, where the chef demonstrates the refined techniques of kappo. The menu favours individuality over formality. With the first toast in mind, fried dishes appear early in the meal. Steamed sushi seasoned with red vinegar is paired with seasonal seafood, and house-made soba is another highlight. The generosity of each portion adds to the satisfaction.
L'ATELIER de Joël Robuchon
★ MichelinTabelog SilverBlack Pearl 3◆¥¥¥French, Contemporary
Red and black are the thematic colours of L’ATELIER de Joël Robuchon. The classic Robuchon menu spins a tale like a 19th-century French novel. The menu ranges from famous specialities of years gone by to new arrangements incorporating seasonal Japanese ingredients. This really is ‘Joël Robuchon’s atelier’, where the genius honed his concept of French gastronomy.
Nogizaka Shin
★ Michelin¥¥¥¥Japanese
The look of the establishment is a ‘modern-day tearoom’, with concrete walls and glass-enclosed kitchen. The operation is run by the proprietor and the sommelier, both of whom have experience working in Japanese restaurants in Paris. From the proprietor’s native Tokushima come supplies of seafood, citrus fruits and rice. Another Tokushima influence is the use of Awa bancha, a fermented tea. Nogizaka Shin hosts tasting events every month, featuring discussions about pairings with wines and Japanese sake. The teamwork between chef and sommelier points to the future of kappo.