RESTAURANTS

Japanese - Sushi SUKIYABASHI JIRO

sushi-jiro.jp

This is the ultimate sushi experience bar none. Follow the staff’s guidance on all aspects of the meal and ask for and be transported.

omakase

MIDORI -ZUSHI MAIN BRANCH UMEGAOKA

sushinomidori.co.jp

The legend began here. Go mid-afternoon on a Saturday and be prepared to queue. Insist on sitting at the counter. Fresh, fabulous and different every time.

Japanese - Tonkatsu TONKI, MEGURO

No website

Simply the best. Accept no substitute. The coating on the pork is unique as is the precise technique of the chefs who create it in front of you. The fillet is highly recommended.

Japanese -Tempura TSUNOHACHI SHINJUKU

tunahachi.co.jp

Founded in 1923. Sit at the counter. In season, the meal might begin with the tiniest of crispy ayu or ‘sweet fish.’ Order omakase and close your eyes. Perfection.

Japanese - Izakaya UOKATSU, AZABU JU-BAN

uo-katsu.com

Ask to sit downstairs. Always bustling with waitresses holding frosted glasses of chilled beer. Order the daily specials. The aji fry is sublime, as are the oysters- when they have any left.

Japanese - Yakitori

TORISHIGE GINZA

yakitori-restaurant-756.business.site A venerable institution. It is all wonderful. But the liver is spectacular. Be sure to order the curry pilaf rice at the end. People travel hundreds of kilometres for this alone.

Japanese - In a class of its own ODAJIMA, ROPPONGI

odajima.info

One of my top restaurants in the world. For more than 40 years, the charming and erudite Mr Odajima has been pairing western wines from around the globe by the glass with his fabulous seasonal fare. Be sure to reserve a seat at the counter and enjoy.

INTERNATIONAL CUISINE:

French fine dining

LES SAISONS,THE IMPERIAL HOTEL

imperialhotel.co.jp

There are simply not enough superlatives to do justice to the cuisine of Thierry Voisin and his brigade of chefs.

French brasserie

LE PETIT TONNEAU, TORANOMON

petitonneau.com

The grande dame of Tokyo brasseries. Philippe Baton has been running things for more than 30 years. Ask for the daily specials. Note that the “very special” beef is really very special indeed.

Italian

DAL BIRBANTE GIACONDO, MEGURO

dal-birbante.com

The most authentic Roman cuisine outside Rome. Seasonal, fresh and perfectly executed. Our favourite? Wagyu Trippa a la Romana. Ask for one of their selections of amari as an aperitif.

British pub

THE HOBGOBLIN ROPPONGI

hobgoblin.jp

British pub. An institution that for some is like a second home. Guest ales on tap. Great food for nostalgics and simply the best fish and chips south of Watford, England.

Sukiyabashi Jiro is the ultimate sushi experience bar none. Below: Jiro Ono, left, and his team of sushi chefs practising their art.

Left: Tonkatsu pork served in a bento box.

Grilled yakitori skewers in a minimalistic presentation.

A bowl of freshly prepared tempura.

Above: The interior of Odajima restaurant where global wines are paired with seasonal Japanese fare. Right: chef Kappou Odajima smiling in his kitchen.