The Michelin starred establishments in Tokyo are among the best restaurants in the world. The total number of Michelin stars within Japan is second only to France’s dominant gourmet galaxy and Tokyo’s fine dining scene is as far-reaching as the city itself. Sushi, sukiyaki, yakitori, kamameshi, and other traditional Japanese staples are widely available, as is timeless French food, North American classics, and a host of other international cuisines both untouched and infused.
We peruse the Michelin guide to discover some of the best luxury restaurant experiences you can only find in Tokyo.
Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi
You may know Jiro Ono by name or by his reputation as one of the world’s greatest sushi chefs, but what you may not realize is that getting a coveted seat in his restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro is all but impossible for most diners. It’s actually one of the few Michelin starred restaurants in Tokyo to lose its three stars because the ten-seater restaurant was too exclusive.
However, a visit to Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi is much more accessible to the dining public, serving up a two Michelin stars sushi experience from Jiro’s son, Takashi Ono. White fish, red fish, sea urchin, sashi, and toro are all plated at this eight-seater in Roppongi Hills.
Den
Photo credit: @keisui
3 letters, 2 Michelin stars, 1 Michelin green clover, and the #1 Best Restaurant in Asia according to The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Run the numbers any way you wish: Den will all but disappoint. We’re also willing to bet that Den is one of the few Michelin starred restaurants in Tokyo with their own chihuahua mascot. Quirkiness in marketing, maybe; tradition in cuisine, definitely. A Hyper-seasonal kaiseki framework dictates the locally-sustainable menu so expect an eclectic mix of ingredients ranging from foie gras to ants. Let the premium sake flow as you make your way to the crowd-pleasing signature dish, Dentucky Fried Chicken wings.
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Kohaku
Photo credit: @tokyo_fazzari
This prestigious three star Michelin restaurant is renowned for its exquisite kaiseki cuisine. Under the helm of Chef Koji, celebrated as one of the youngest chefs to earn three Michelin stars in Japan, the restaurant dishes up traditional Japanese ingredients with innovative twists. The spectacular dinner menus at Kohaku changes seasonally, emphasizing rare ingredients like nodoguro (blackthroat perch). With private dining rooms and beautiful artwork adorning the walls, Kohaku is a true gastronomic treat in Tokyo.
L’Effervescence
Photo credit: @leffervescence
Of the many French Michelin starred restaurants within Japan, few rival the cuisine L’Effervescence is known for. Three Michelin stars and one Michelin green star make it one of the most distinguished Michelin restaurants on the planet. Chef Shinobu Namae trained under Bras and Blumenthal, two chefs who know a thing or two about hanging onto Michelin stars for the long haul. Settle in for a night of fine dining with Japanese ingredients sourced exclusively from local artisan producers. French and Japanese culinary techniques are blended into elegant creations like the La Mer, a combination of sea urchin, porcini mushrooms, and truffles.
Beauty and elegance beyond the table: Admire Japanese Geisha in Kyoto
Sazenka
Photo credit: @sazekna
Bringing mainland Asian inspiration to create Chinese-Japanese fusion dishes, Sazenka is the only Chinese restaurant across the globe with three Michelin stars. Chef Tomoya Kawada inspires all other Japanese Michelin star chefs to look beyond their borders and into ancient Japan’s history of Chinese cultural exchange. Kawada’s new Chinese cuisine infused with Japanese spirit is evident in Qingtang soup, sudachi, and the hot teas representing both countries.
Tapas Molecular Bar
Photo credit: @mo_tokyo
Another luxury Japanese dining experience that’s easy to miss if your eyes aren’t focused, the Tapas Molecular Bar offers an intimate gastronomic adventure within the Mandarin Oriental hotel. Tradition is all but abandoned in favor of an ultra-modern approach using science to cultivate an imaginative, sensory encounter. Leave your conventional concepts behind and instead bring an open mind and an open mouth for donuts made with caviar, a BBQ kenmi chicken “cigar”, and a lobster bourguignon made with coral.
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Ginza Kojyu
Photo credit: @ginzaukatei
Private rooms, each with a dedicated chef, is why it’s impossible to walk through Ginza without securing dinner reservations. We’re not sure which is more mesmerizing: Ukai-tei’s opulent art-nouveau decor that nearly classifies it as a museum or the French-inspired teppanyaki dishes with Japanese Black Beef as its focal point. High quality seasonal produce is flown in from around the world at this 3-star Michelin restaurant, ensuring every ingredient is as poignant as the antique furniture surrounding you.
Tsuta
Photo credit: @tsutajapanofficial
You’re not visiting Tokyo without having at least a single bowl of Ramen. And if a single bowl is all that you have time for, make sure it’s from Tsuta – the-world’s first Japanese Michelin star Ramen shop. Chef Yuki Onishi’s Japanese soba noodles shop is known for its soy sauce Ramen, though you can’t go wrong ordering to your palate’s preference. The A5 Wagyu raw egg rice bowl with sabayon sauce and black truffle is as savory as the vanilla ice cream with balsamic truffle cream is delectable. There’s also a special vegan noodle bowl that lets discerning diners enjoy meat-free Michelin starred meals.
Satiate your curiosity for Japanese food and flavors on Luxury Gold’s Majestic Japan tour. This 11-day guided journey includes culinary-focused highlights like a lunch with a Geisha performance in Kyoto, Donburi street food tasting in Osaka, and a private sushi-making class in Tokyo. Plus, you’ll have free time to discover the Michelin starred restaurants Tokyo is renowned for.
Which restaurant in Tokyo’s fine dining scene is at the top of your list? Let us know in the comments.
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