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-   -   Tokyo Fine Dining (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1750342-tokyo-fine-dining.html)

mjm Mar 3, 2016 7:30 pm


Originally Posted by basscadet75 (Post 26278919)
Well, forty stories is not my definition of a skyscraper. And London doesn't have a lot of those either compared to where I'm from. So relative to what I'm used to, and relative to many other world cities, neither city has a lot of tall buildings. The few buildings in Tokyo that are tall enough, isolated enough to give you a view *and* have restaurants on top are more likely to be hotels than any other type of building.

On restaurants that have wow, try Robuchon's restaurant in Ebisu. All thr wow anyone would want. http://www.robuchon.jp/joelrobuchon-en

As for skyscrapers I do have a passing familiarity with them and specifically Tokyo's offerings and it is considered by most professionals in the field to be home to some of world's greatest office towers. In Europe, outside of London I do not believe there is even a close second. Tokyo's tallest buildings are office towers or a government building. Multi-use projects are most popular here for the reduced tax burden from incorporating features the host ward would like to see present. The views from the Andaz are amazing but it is not a hotel building. It is an office tower with a hotel on the tip few floors. The observation deck at Roppongi Hills is decidedly the best viewing spot in Tokyo for a panoramic view and is above a museum which occupies the top two floors of an office tower unrivaled in NY in terms of specifications although not simply height.

I would suggest you do a bit more research into Tokyo. More Michelin dining choices choices here than any other city in the world and some of the most amazing buildings as well.

lobsterdog Mar 3, 2016 8:50 pm

The few buildings in Tokyo that are tall enough, isolated enough to give you a view *and* have restaurants on top are more likely to be hotels than any other type of building.

Once again, it's quite interesting to hear your point of view, but in this case it doesn't correspond to reality. Just because you've never been to non-hotel skyscraper restaurants doesn't mean that they don't exist - there are in fact a lot of them.

joejones Mar 4, 2016 12:35 am

A bunch of office buildings in Tokyo have upper-level restaurants with great views...

* Fukoku Seimei Building in Hibiya (Hibiya Heichinrou, Chinese restaurant overlooking Hibiya Park and the Imperial Palace)
* Shinjuku Sumitomo Building
* Several of the office towers in Shiodome
* St. Luke's Garden Tower near Tsukiji has a restaurant with a 47th floor rooftop terrace overlooking the Sumida River (http://www.restaurant-luke.com/restaurant.html)

beep88 Mar 4, 2016 2:57 pm


Originally Posted by abmj-jr (Post 26275879)
Aren't a couple of Joel Robuchon's places in pretty nice surroundings? I haven't been as I do not have that particular affliction but have heard good things.

If I were going to spend a fortune on a meal in Tokyo, I'd try for one of the Iron Chef's places, just for the novelty factor.


Originally Posted by basscadet75 (Post 26278919)
I ate at Hiroyuki Sakai's La Rochelle in Shibuya once, and that did have a fairly nice view and was large by Tokyo standards, wrapping around two sides of an office building, but that particular location seems to be closed now. It was fun, though, and probably would have ticked all the OP's boxes. I haven't tried any of the other Iron Chefs' restaurants.

I went to La Rochelle Shibuya and have the picture with Sakai-san to prove it! Unfortunately that location is now closed.

Also went to Poisson Rokusabaro (now closed) and Koumei Ariake. These would not meet OP's definition of fine dining.

As discussed up thread, most Japanese places wouldn't meet that definition in Tokyo. In scenic resort locations, upscale ryokans might have ocean view Japanese dining.

Also did L'Atelier De Joel Robuchon and it's better atmosphere than the one in HK.

JBord Mar 5, 2016 9:51 am


Originally Posted by MattEvan (Post 26272581)
Takazawa and Jimbocho Den would tick all of your boxes. If you haven't already reserved, I doubt you're getting in, though.

Takazawa doesn't have the views, but it's the most unique dining experience I've had. Only 4 reservations each night, and you feel like an honored family member.

Chef Takazawa even escorted us out into the street at the end, thanking us often. Views and a hip crowd aside, it's truly unforgettable.

MattEvan Mar 5, 2016 10:56 am


Originally Posted by JBord (Post 26288473)
Takazawa doesn't have the views, but it's the most unique dining experience I've had. Only 4 reservations each night, and you feel like an honored family member.

Chef Takazawa even escorted us out into the street at the end, thanking us often. Views and a hip crowd aside, it's truly unforgettable.

Takazawa is, IMO, the finest meal in Tokyo. It doesn't get much attention because Chef and Akiko-san do not allow Michelin inspectors or any other professional food critics. Also, they keep detailed histories of their customers' menus, wines and preferences--each time you return the experience gets better.

PsiFighter37 Mar 9, 2016 6:58 pm

I have booked dinner for my upcoming trip to Tokyo in a couple weeks via the 4S concierge at the below places. Any thoughts / feedback / criticisms?

-Sushi @ Kyubey
-Unagi @ Nodaiwa
-Tempura @ Fukamachi Tempura
-Fugu @ Usuki Fugu Yamadaya

MattEvan Mar 9, 2016 7:07 pm


Originally Posted by PsiFighter37 (Post 26310263)
I have booked dinner for my upcoming trip to Tokyo in a couple weeks via the 4S concierge at the below places. Any thoughts / feedback / criticisms?

-Sushi @ Kyubey
-Unagi @ Nodaiwa
-Tempura @ Fukamachi Tempura
-Fugu @ Usuki Fugu Yamadaya

For Kyubey, ask Four Seasons to specify that you want to sit at the counter on the main level (the upstairs is not as good, try to sit near head chef Taira-san who is the best).

I don't know about Fugu or that eel place, but I'd recommend Mikawa Zezankyo over that place you listed for tempura. It's not in the most easy location (other side of river), but it's the absolute best in town.

PsiFighter37 Mar 9, 2016 7:22 pm


Originally Posted by MattEvan (Post 26310287)
For Kyubey, ask Four Seasons to specify that you want to sit at the counter on the main level (the upstairs is not as good, try to sit near head chef Taira-san who is the best).

I don't know about Fugu or that eel place, but I'd recommend Mikawa Zezankyo over that place you listed for tempura. It's not in the most easy location (other side of river), but it's the absolute best in town.

Yes - we got booked for the counter for a 7 PM omakase. I feel like I am rolling the dice a little with a 4 PM arrival into NRT, but given that I made it to Mizutani right in the nick of time despite a nearly 5 PM arrival a year and a half ago, I think the timing should be okay. :)

I will look into Mikawa Zezankyo - thanks for the tip!


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