Top 5 Michelin Star Restaurants in Tokyo

A destination frequently visited and much loved by Sir Hardy Amies, Tokyo is one of the world’s top culture hubs, with a diverse fashion presence. It’s also one of the world’s best places for gourmet cuisine with an abundance of culinary hot spots, from tiny ramen bars to sushi joints, but it’s the many Michelin star restaurants that have really caught our attention.

Serving a range of European-Asian fusion food and twists on Japanese classics, we’ve hand-picked our top 5 restaurants that you won’t want to miss if you’re paying Tokyo a visit.

L’Effervescence

You’ll be excused for thinking you’re looking at a work of art and not a delicious abalone dish as the presentation of chef Shinobu Namae is definitely good enough to eat. Cultures and tastes collide at this Japanese French fusion restaurant in down town Toyko and with a teacher like Heston Blumenthal, you’re in for a creative ride.

Known for it’s innovative menu and playful take on classic dishes with a Japanese twist, expect to taste unusual yet delicious combinations such as limoncello baba & banana with white rum ice cream and black soy beans.

L’Effervescence, 2-26-4 Nishiazabu, Minato, Tokyo, Japan, +81 3 5766 9500

Ginza Ukai-Tei

Renowned for being the best Teppanyaki restaurant in Tokyo, Ginza Ukai Tei serves the most amazing steak we’ve ever tasted and is famed for it’s grills, with the marbled Kobe beef a must eat dish if you’re paying Tokyo a visit. But it’s not all about the meat – this is also one of the best places for seafood; think some of the freshest scallops and abalone, and delicious servings of crab’s legs baked in sea salt.

5-15-8 Jijitsushin Bld., Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo +81 03 3544 5252

Usukifugu Yamadaya

A truly Japanese experience, Usukifugu Yamadaya offers a range of interesting and unusual seasonal cuisine, such as Shiroshita Karei (righteye flounders) from Shiroshita Kaigan in Oita. And it is also here where you’ll get the best fugu – that’s pufferfish to you and me. If you’re feeling adventurous sample the whole spectrum of fugu from fugusashi (sashimi) to karage – a fried option with the set meal. Not in a wild mood? Then enjoy the seasonal seafood from the à la carte menu instead. Either way, this isn’t one to miss.

4-11-14 Nishi-Azabu, Minato, Tokyo  +81 03 3499 5501

Sukiyabashi Jiro Honten

A Japanese gastronomic tour wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Jiro Ono, the godfather of sushi’s restaurant. He’s considered one of Japan’s national treasures and is the oldest living chef to have received three Michelin stars, and for good reason, as his sushi is exquisite – Sukiyabashi Jiro Honten is renowned for being the best sushi bar in the world. With diners from the Prime Minister Shinzō Abe to US president Barack Obama, you know you’ve come to the right place.

Tsukamoto Building B1F, 4-2-15 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo +81 03 3535 3600

Zurriola

A more unusual culinary offering, this is Spanish cuisine with a Japanese flair. Sure, Spain and Japan are far from similar with their own unique mix of flavours, but that didn’t put the chef at Zurriola off, and what a genius idea it was. With spectacular food you need something equally good to sip on and the wine list here won’t disappoint.

Japan, Tokyo, Minato, Azabujuban, 3 Chome−2−7, リゾーム麻布十番1F +852 22537111