Tokyo, the heart of Japan, is a melting pot of culinary experiences, and French cuisine holds a special place in the city’s gastronomic landscape. From casual bistros to luxurious establishments, you’ll find a French restaurant for every taste and occasion. Indulge in the art of French cooking and discover a world of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Experience a Luxurious Escape at Escale
Escape the hustle and bustle of Ginza and step into a world of elegance at Escale, a French restaurant tucked away within the Monterey Ginza Hotel. Escale, a haven for adults, offers a taste of France amidst the vibrant cityscape. Their signature dish, the Japanese Beef Fillet in Puff Pastry, is a must-try on their seven-course menu. Imagine succulent beef enveloped in flaky pastry, a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds.
Escale embraces versatility, offering private rooms ideal for intimate gatherings or special celebrations. The restaurant’s interior is a symphony of elegance, with semi-private table booths, a marble bar counter, and private rooms that exude a serene atmosphere. Escale is the perfect spot for a luxurious dining experience, where you can create unforgettable memories amidst the refined ambiance.
- Open: [insert opening hours]
- Closed: [insert closed days]
- Average Price: [insert price range]
- Access: A 1-minute walk from Ginza-itchome Station. Take exit 10 and turn left (or right from exit 11).
- Address: [insert address]
A Hidden Gem in Ginza: Counter French Kirishima
Step into a world of French culinary artistry at Counter French Kirishima, a hidden gem nestled on the third floor of a building in Ginza. This restaurant, radiating a retro ambiance, offers a tranquil escape from the city’s frenetic energy. Kirishima embraces the essence of French cooking, combining traditional techniques with innovative ideas to create a symphony of flavors.
Their signature dish, the Wakayama Kumano Ayu Harumaki, Abanard, is a fragrant seasonal delight. Imagine the delicate flavors of Wakayama Prefecture’s ayu fish and Okayama Prefecture’s yellow chives, rolled into a crispy harumaki. The restaurant’s extensive wine selection adds to the enjoyment, pairing perfectly with the exquisite cuisine.
Counter French Kirishima is a small and intimate establishment, with only eight counter seats. The warmth of the wood and the nostalgic atmosphere create a sense of peace and tranquility. Here, you can relish the exquisite cuisine while escaping the city’s noise and embracing the passage of time at your own pace.
- Open: [insert opening hours]
- Closed: [insert closed days]
- Average Price: [insert price range]
- Access: Take Tokyo Metro Ginza Station Exit B7 or B9 and follow Sony Street toward Shimbashi. It is also a 5-minute walk from Shimbashi Station.
- Address: [insert address]
Experience Seasonality and Japanese Flair at Restaurant Pétillant
Located a short stroll from Kichijoji Station, Restaurant Pétillant offers a unique blend of French sophistication and Japanese seasonality. Pétillant, meaning “sparkling” or “crackling,” is an apt name for this restaurant, where the dining experience is filled with joy and memorable moments.
Pétillant emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from across Japan, showcasing the best of both French culinary techniques and Japanese produce. The Charcoal-Grilled Seasonal Meat Dish, a symphony of flavor, allows you to savor the condensed essence of meat. The restaurant also features a 5-meter counter made of natural cedar, where you can engage in conversations with the chef while enjoying your meal.
Pétillant is a true celebration of French cuisine with a Japanese twist, using Japanese ceramics for serving dishes. It’s the perfect place to indulge in exquisite dishes and create lasting memories, making it a true gem in the Kichijoji dining scene.
- Open: Tuesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays: Lunch 11:30 am – 3:00 pm (L.O. 1:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm- 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm) Closed on Mondays even if it’s a national holiday. L.O. for dinner is now 6:00 pm.
- Closed: [insert closed days]
- Average Price: [insert price range]
- Access: 15-minute walk from the North Exit of Kichijoji Station on the JR Chuo Line and Keio Inokashira Line / 1-minute walk from Seikei-gakuen-mae bus stop on the Kanto Bus
- Address: [insert address]
A Taste of Classic French at RESTAURANT L’ESPRIT DE CHEVALIER
Nestled near Higashi-Nakano Station, RESTAURANT L’ESPRIT DE CHEVALIER offers a refined French dining experience. The restaurant, recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 restaurants, boasts an evolved classical French cuisine. L’ESPRIT DE CHEVALIER is a testament to the talent of the former head chef of a long-established Ginza restaurant, bringing a wealth of experience to this intimate establishment.
L’ESPRIT DE CHEVALIER is known for its monthly-changing W Main Full Course, which features a selection of gem-like dishes crafted with traditional techniques and refined skills. The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends to its unique wine pairings, presented in distinctive glassware.
L’ESPRIT DE CHEVALIER creates a sophisticated atmosphere with its use of Tochigi Prefecture’s Oya stone on the walls. The interior combines a sense of weight and warmth, offering a stylish and welcoming ambiance. The owner, with a heart for families, has introduced a Family Day every Sunday, making L’ESPRIT DE CHEVALIER an accessible choice for both adults and families with children seeking a taste of authentic French cuisine.
- Open: [insert opening hours]
- Closed: [insert closed days]
- Average Price: [insert price range]
- Access: 1-minute walk from the West exit of Higashi-Nakano Station on JR Chuo Line and Sobu Line / 2-minutes walk from the A1 exit of Higashi-Nakano Station on Toei Subway Oedo Line
- Address: [insert address]
INDIVI: Modern French Elegance
Indulge in a modern French dining experience at INDIVI, a restaurant located in a tranquil residential area near Kokuritsu Station. INDIVI, meaning “individual,” embodies the chef’s unique culinary sensibility, showcasing the use of carefully selected seasonal ingredients from contract farmers.
INDIVI offers an Inspiration Course with eight dishes, a culinary journey that celebrates the unique flavors of Japanese produce. The spacious interior, adorned with a modern design, creates a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely meal. INDIVI also features a counter with an open kitchen, allowing you to witness the culinary artistry firsthand.
INDIVI is a stylish and well-known destination for discerning diners, offering a blend of exquisite cuisine, modern design, and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Open: [insert opening hours]
- Closed: [insert closed days]
- Average Price: [insert price range]
- Access: From the North Exit of Kunitachi Station, walk straight for 5 minutes to reach the restaurant facing the street
- Address: [insert address]
Experience the Art of Terrine at Les enfants gates
Nestled between Shibuya and Daikanyama stations, Les enfants gates is a haven for terrine enthusiasts. Les enfants gates, meaning “spoiled children,” embraces the delicate techniques of French cuisine, emphasizing the natural flavors of carefully selected ingredients.
The restaurant’s signature dish is their terrine, showcasing the chef’s mastery in balancing flavors and textures. Les enfants gates specializes in the art of terrine, constantly exploring new and exciting variations. Their terrines are a testament to precision, showcasing the luxury of seasonal ingredients in a compact 10cm square.
Les enfants gates offers a chic yet cozy ambiance, with a predominantly black interior warmed by wooden floors, creating a tranquil space. The restaurant’s dedication to detail extends to its specialized tableware, including dishes designed exclusively for terrines and Baccarat glassware, enhancing the dining experience and creating unforgettable moments.
- Open: [insert opening hours]
- Closed: [insert closed days]
- Average Price: [insert price range]
- Access: Eight-minute walk from JR Line “Shibuya” Stations’s new south exit / eight-minute walk from Tokyu Toyoko Line “Daikanyama” Station.
- Address: [insert address]
